BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - The hope of peace in the Middle East was forged in Vermont on this day in history.

On October 25, 1996, Burlington signed sister city agreements with officials from the cities of Arad in Israel and Bethlehem in the Palestinian territories.

“I think this is spectacular, that here in Burlington, we can bring together neighbors in Bethlehem and Arad in the spirit of friendship and in the hope of peace,” said progressive mayor Peter Clavelle.

This was the first 3-way sister city relationship involving Americans, Israelis and Palestinians, and it is still active today.

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