Forty Years of Historic Twinning

between Dundee and Nablus

On 28th November 1980 the then Dundee District Council took the historic decision to twin with the city of Nablus in Palestine. Dundee was the first city in the world to twin with a city or town in occupied Palestine.

Dundee set an example. Many other towns throughout the world have subsequently twinned with Nablus and other cities in the West Bank. Dundee did it first and therefore has a very special relationship with Palestinians across the world.

Three politicians on a rostrum — Lord Provost Jim Gowans, Mayor of Nablus Ghassan Shaka'a and Ernie Ross MP in Dundee 1980 (just before the Council voted to develop the twinning with Nablus

Our twinning has been built on developing friendship and understanding between our residents. As well as cultural visits to and from Nablus, many practical links have been established. Dundee University has built a relationship with An Najah National University and many Palestinian students have studied in Dundee.

Dundonians have volunteered in various capacities in Nablus. Doctors from Ninewells have been involved in work there and doctors from Nablus have visited our hospitals. Educationalists, historians, youth workers, actors and film makers have benefitted from these exchanges enriching all of our lives.

Firefighters with fire engine and flags of Scotland and Palestine — Former Dundee fire engine now in Nablus

Who can forget the delivery of a fire engine from Jim Malone and fellow Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members to the fire service in Nablus? It still operates today and is a tremendous visual reminder of the ongoing solidarity between Scottish Trades Unions and their counterparts in Palestine. In non-Covid times, Firefighters from across Palestine come to Scotland for special training thanks to the FBU.

Dundee-Nablus Twinning Association is charged, on behalf of Dundee City Council, with fostering the twinning connections. An ambitious programme of events planned for the summer had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 crisis. The twinning continues with Zoom talks and discussions taking place regularly.

Student Midwife holding baby — Student midwife supported by FONSA

A charity set up by DNTA members, FONSA (Friends of Nablus and Surrounding Areas), continues to support students (especially nurse and midwifes) and to plant olive trees.

It has recently provided over £8,000 for food parcels and seeds for sustainable living to help ordinary Nabulsi citizens to survive through the current coronavirus crisis. The virus is made worse by the illegal occupation which restricts all aspects of daily life.

DNTA welcomes new members and supporters. Please get in touch through our website or by contacting our Membership Secretary. Please do join us as we look forward to many more years of twinning with the people of Nablus.