The city of Poznan is Poland’s fifth largest city and the capital of Wielkopolska.  Its population is over a half of a million residents.  The city is Poland’s fourth largest industrial center and is situated between Berlin and Warsaw, three hours drive from each city.

Poznan has 12 twin cities from around the world and is known for its wealth of cultural institutions:  choirs, orchestras, theater, ballet and its many sports centers. 
The relationship between Poznan and Raanana began in 2008, when the Mayor of Poznan came to Israel as part of a delegation of mayors from around the world in honor of Israel’s 60 years of independence.  The Mayor of Poznan was a member of the Polish delegation organized by the Israel-Poland Friendship Association and led by the governor of the district.

The director of the Raanana Symphonette, Orit Fogel, introduced the delegation members to Mayor Nahum Hofree.  A year later the Raanana Symphonette traveled to the Wielkopolska district courtesy of the district governor and Mayor of Poznan, making a very good name for itself there.

Raanana and Poznan are symbols of two cities that are committed to the development and promotion of sustainability and environmental protection.  Poznan has hosted the UN conference in 2008, which dealt with the issue of the impact of weather changes on the planet.  Mayor Nahum Hofree participated in the recent international conference on climate, held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

On June 21st, 2010 the Raanana Municipality signed a twin city treaty with Poznan at an exciting official ceremony at the Poznan City Hall in Poland.  Signing in Mayor Nahum Hofree’s name were Deputy Mayor Aryeh Friedman and City Council Member Sima Perry (the chair of the twin cities committee) and Poznan Mayor, Richard Grobelny signed for Poznan.  The municipal delegation led by the deputy mayor included two additional municipal representatives, City Councilmember, Shai Even and International Relations Coordinator Mrs. Ronit Shoham, who is responsible for relations with the twin cities.