This week, we’re highlighting Tulsa’s Sister City of Tiberias, an ancient lakeside city known for its spiritual heritage, hot springs, and warm, relaxed vibe. From a long-running student exchange to a life-sized bison sculpture gifted for the city’s 2,000th anniversary, the Tulsa and Tiberias connection is rich with creativity, culture, and friendship.

Meet Chloe Chappell, Chair of the Tulsa–Tiberias Sister City Partnership. New to the role and excited to be part of TGA, she’s already making an impact by sharing her passion for connection, education, and global friendship.

TGA’s annual Coffee with the Councilors brought together city leaders, board members, and Sister City representatives to celebrate Tulsa’s global connections. Over a spread of international dishes, attendees shared updates on cultural exchanges, global education, and the economic impact of international relationships.

To celebrate Tiberias’s 2,000th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel, the Tulsa Tiberias Sister City Partnership is presenting a life-sized bison artwork to the city of Tiberias. The sculpture, created by Tulsa’s own Garden Deva, symbolizes the friendship between the two cities and highlights the cultural connections at the heart of the Sister City relationship.

Students from Amal Nofarim visited Tulsa in December 2018, and Carver students traveled to Tiberias in March 2019, continuing an active school-to-school exchange supported by an annual video conference.