Sister City Information

Karmiel, northern Israel’s youngest and fastest growing development town, was established in 1964 and became Denver’s fourth sister city in 1977. Originally founded by a mere 90 families, Karmiel has since grown into a respectable “model city” of over 40,000 residents.

The design of the city is unique and modern, with a complete separation between the industrial and residential areas. There are wide sections of parks, gardens, and tree-lined avenues. Karmiel’s cleanliness is perhaps the town’s most distinctive physical feature. The streets are litter-free, the gardens are well kept, and the air is clear. There is a concerted effort by the local government to attract primarily high-tech, environmentally clean, science-based industry to the city.

Denver and Karmiel had a significant relationship prior to becoming sister cities. By the mid 1970’s, the Jewish Community Centers of both cities had been officially linked. This pairing of the two cities was done in part because of their similar environments, such as mild climates, low humidity, and mountainous backgrounds. Another reason was that members of the Denver JCC felt that Karmiel could use some assistance, as the city was just getting started.

Through visits to Karmiel, several members of the Denver JCC became good friends of Karmiel’s Mayor, Baruch Venger. Later, Denver hosted a huge celebration in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Nation of Israel, and Mayor Venger came as an invited guest.

There are several beautiful reminders of the relationship in both cities. Denver’s Karmiel Park near Cherry Creek contains a symbolic flowering plumb tree that both cities’ mayors helped to plant. In Karmiel, the Denver Park and the “Denver Room” in the city’s cultural center acquaint residents with the sister city association.

Since becoming sister cities, Denver and Karmiel have engaged in numerous exciting projects. Along with diverse cultural activities, there have been annual educational exchanges and a program involving the exchange of camp counselors. Denver members have donated textbooks to schools and musical instruments to Karmiel’s Conservatory School. Also, a huge scroll containing over 1,200 signatures and messages of goodwill from Denver dignitaries and citizens was presented to the citizens of Karmiel.