La Calera
As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and communication between the Municipality of Beit Jala and the cities with which it shares historical and humanitarian ties, the Mayor of Beit Jala signed a twinning agreement with the Municipality of La Calera (Chile) during his visit to the Republic of Chile in 11 November 2005.
The signing ceremony was attended by the then Mayor of La Calera, Mr. Roberto Shahwan, who belongs to a family of Beit Jala emigrants. This reflects the deep historical and humanitarian bonds connecting the people of Beit Jala, both at home and abroad.
During the same visit, a twinning agreement was also signed with the Arab Club in the city of La Calera, headed by Mr. Cristian Shahwan. This initiative aimed to strengthen cultural and social cooperation and ties with members of the Chilean community of Beit Jala descent, while reinforcing their connection to their ancestral city.