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Public commenters urge council to end sister‑city ties with Givatayim; others urge dialogue and bridge‑building

Chattanooga City Council · January 13, 2026

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Summary

Dozens of residents used the public‑comment portion of the Jan. 13 meeting to call on the mayor and council to end Chattanooga’s sister‑city relationship with Givatayim, Israel, citing international human‑rights reports; other speakers defended the partnership and urged maintaining or expanding sister‑city ties as a means of dialogue.

Several members of the public addressed council about the city’s relationship with Givatayim, Israel, following recent city promotion of sister‑city activities. Aziza Singh (identified as a neighbor of District 9) said the city’s promotion of the Givatayim relationship is “unconscionable” in light of reports she and other organizations have cited alleging grave human‑rights violations, and she asked the council and mayor’s office, working with the Sister Cities nonprofit, to dissolve the relationship.

Multiple other speakers repeated that request, citing international reports and local solidarity with Palestinian residents. One speaker urged the council to form a partnership with Bethlehem, Palestine. Commentators said the city’s social‑media promotion of the relationship was especially painful given ongoing events abroad.

Other speakers offered opposing views. Rabbi Sam Rotenberg of Beneziah (District 6) said he appreciates the Givatayim relationship and expressed concern about rhetoric that vilifies a country and the broader Jewish community. Michael Dzick, CEO of the Jewish Federation, spoke against ending the partnership and argued that sister‑city programs are intended to build relationships and bridge differences; he suggested adding other sister cities rather than severing existing ties.

Speakers on both sides referenced international reporting and local precedents of cities changing sister‑city relationships in response to international events. Council took no action during the public‑comment period; the matter was raised for council awareness and public record.