Preston and Hebron: A New Chapter of International Friendship

Preston City Council has announced that the city of Hebron, located in the southern part of the Occupied West Bank, has been chosen as a potential partner for an informal friendship agreement. This connection aims to promote peace, understanding, and solidarity between the people of Preston and one of the oldest cities in the Middle East.

The idea of forming a friendship with a town or city in the Palestinian territories was first announced last year. After careful consideration and support from local communities and faith groups, Hebron—also known as Al-Khalil—was chosen due to its shared values and similarities with Preston, such as a multi-cultural population, rich heritage, and a focus on community and trade.

About Hebron

With a population of over 201,000, Hebron is a major commercial and industrial centre in its region. Its economy is largely based on limestone quarrying, and the city is also well known for its grapes, figs, ceramics, plastics, and pottery. It is a place of deep historical and religious significance—believed to be the resting place of the Prophet Abraham, making it sacred to Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

A Shared Vision for Peace and Inclusion

Councillor Nweeda Khan, Cabinet Member for Communities and Social Justice, expressed her enthusiasm for the proposal:

“We are working with Derby City Council, which is formally twinned with Hebron, to learn from their successful experience. We are supported by the Friendship of Palestine organisation and look forward to progressing our plans.”

The city of Derby formed a formal sister city relationship with Hebron in 2014, and Preston is now building on that foundation to form an informal friendship of its own.

Mukhtar Master, Muslim Representative on the Preston Faith Covenant, supported the council’s direction:

“Hebron would be an excellent choice. The mosques of Preston made the formal approach to the council. Hebron, also known as Al-Khalil, holds immense significance for all Abrahamic faiths.”

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, shared a powerful message about the importance of unity:

“This is a friendship arrangement that could have mutual benefits for both cities. I welcome the friendship as a symbol of solidarity between all faiths and communities—one that will foster communication, inclusion and tolerance.”

Looking Ahead

While the current focus is on establishing a link with Hebron, the council also confirmed that it would consider future friendship arrangements with other international cities—particularly where Preston-based communities express an interest in forming those connections.

This approach supports Preston’s ongoing commitment to Community Wealth Building, a model that seeks to build prosperity for all and ensure inclusive growth across the city.

This potential partnership represents more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a meaningful opportunity to foster global connections, promote peace, and bring together communities in Preston and beyond through shared understanding and respect.

Stay tuned to The Preston Hub for more updates as this exciting friendship begins to take shape.