We extend our profound concern and heartfelt compassion to the people of our sister cities of Holon and Salfit, who are living through the pain and consequences of these conflicts. We also recognize the impact of these struggles on families and communities here in Dayton and around the world.
In times of turmoil, the power of people-to-people relationships becomes even more vital. Our sister city bonds are not merely symbolic — they are built on years of shared projects, cultural exchange, and human connection. We have broken bread together, learned one another’s stories, and stood in solidarity through moments of both celebration and hardship. These ties remind us that peace is not only the work of governments, but of communities committed to listening, learning, and standing together in our common humanity.
Together, we reaffirm the mission of Sister Cities International: to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation, 0ne individual, one community at a time. In that spirit, we call upon all leaders and citizens to reject hatred and violence and to pursue the difficult but necessary path toward peaceful coexistence and reconciliation.
In unity and peace,
The Dayton Sister City Committee
Overseeing sister city relationships with:
- Augsburg, Germany
- Oiso, Japan
- Monrovia, Liberia
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Holon, Israel
- Rushmoor, United Kingdom
- Salfit, Palestine
The members of the Dayton Sister City Committee are appointed by the Dayton City Commission.
Executive Committee Members
Chair: Kevin Lydy
Vice Chair: Lori Simms-Park
Secretary: Ed Dixon
Treasurer: Adam Graham
Sub-Committee Chairs
Augsburg City Chair: Dieter Archer
Oiso City Chair: Kevin Lydy
Monrovia City Chair: Thomas Siafa, Sr. & Ed Dixon
Holon City Co-Chairs: Carolyn Rice
Rushmoor Chair: Hunt Brown
Salfit Chair: Youssef Elzein
Sarajevo City Chair: Bonnie Kling
Events & Marketing Chair: Alexis Larsen
Nominating Chair: Thomas Siafa
Youth Coordinator: Tony Ricciuto
General Members
Merle Wilberding
Jeff Blumer
Peggy Kelly
Michael McGovern
Steven Solomon
Ex-Officio Members
Commissioner Matt Joseph
Regina D. Blackshear (City of Dayton)
Verletta Jackson (City of Dayton)