Twinning & International Solidarity

Montataire is twinned with the German town of Finsterwalde and the Palestinian refugee camp of Dheisheh. Numerous exchanges are organised with the support of the municipality and the twinning committees.

Finsterwalde in Germany

In 1962, Montataire became twinned with Finsterwalde, a town in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). The twinning committee was set up in the aftermath of the Second World War, and has played a part in bringing the two countries closer together over the long term. two peoples, symbols of Franco-German friendship and peace.

Finsterwald is a town in the German state of Brandenburg. With a population of around 16,000, it lies in the historic region of Lower Lusatia. The town is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, including the famous Finsterwalde Castle, a medieval building that attracts many visitors.

 Despite major historical events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, the twinning arrangement has endured, thanks in particular to the efforts of the members of the committee and the Montataire municipality. Today, this lively twinning arrangement is one of more than 2,300 Franco-German twinnings.

Dheisheh Palestinian refugee camp

In 1989, Montataire signed the world's first twinning agreement with a Palestinian refugee camp, Dheisheh. This commitment has resulted in numerous acts of solidarity with a people suffering from occupation, daily violence and fighting for their rights.

Regular exchanges

Whenever possible, exchanges are organised.

For the 30th^e anniversary of the twinning, Montataire welcomed a delegation of eleven Palestinians. The weekend was marked by a dance, a screening of short films and a friendly basketball match, bringing together the delegation, the twinning committee and the people of Montataire.

Since then, as the situation in Palestine has deteriorated, the twinning committee has stepped up its efforts to support the Palestinians and inform local residents about the situation in the camp. These actions include the sale of products and foodstuffs at the associations' festival and the Danses et Musiques du Monde festival, as well as several campaigns for a ceasefire in Palestine.

Marouane Barghouti

Marouane Barghouti is an emblematic figure in the Palestinian struggle. In 2010, he was declared an honorary citizen of the town of Montataire in recognition of his fight for Palestinian rights. Imprisoned in Israel, Barghouti remains a symbol of resistance and the quest for justice for his people. His commitment has inspired numerous acts of international solidarity, strengthening the links between Montataire and the Palestinian cause.

International solidarity

Alongside these two twinning arrangements, Montataire is affirming its international solidarity through various actions. The town declared Nelson Mandela an honorary citizen while he was imprisoned under the apartheid regime, and paid tribute to him by naming the esplanade of the Lycée André Malraux after him.

In March 2019, to mark International Women's Rights Day, Montataire sponsored Mukkades Kubilay, imprisoned in Turkey for her political beliefs.

You can find all the associations working for international solidarity in thedirectory of associations. Finally, the Town Council awards grants to solidarity organisations such as Secours Populaire, to respond to emergencies in certain countries, SOS méditerranée and Médecins Sans Frontières.