Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem Accuses Israel of Pressuring the Armenian Community
The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem has raised alarm over what it describes as Israel’s systematic efforts to drive out the Armenian community from the Old City. According to church representatives, Israeli authorities are using economic and administrative measures to force the reduction of Armenian presence in the historic district and seize church-owned properties. One of the latest tactics includes imposing an overwhelming tax debt on the Armenian Church. If the debt is not paid, Israeli authorities could confiscate church properties in the Armenian Quarter and auction them off, leading to a drastic reduction in Armenian heritage within Jerusalem. The Patriarchate believes these actions are part of a broader strategy to reshape the religious and ethnic makeup of the city in favor of Jewish control, a process often referred to as the Judaization of Jerusalem.
What’s Happening?
Israeli authorities have slapped a massive tax bill on the Armenian Church, demanding payments that church leaders consider unprecedented and politically motivated.
If the church fails to meet these demands, Israel could legally seize its properties, including significant buildings within the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem. These properties would then be sold at auction to private buyers, further diminishing the Armenian presence and strengthening Israeli control over the Old City.
The Armenian Quarter is one of four historical districts of the Old City of Jerusalem, alongside the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish quarters. For centuries, it has been a vital center of Armenian culture, religion, and identity in the Holy Land. However, in recent years, the Armenian community has faced growing pressure aimed at reducing its numbers and influence.
Why Is This Happening?
The Armenian Patriarchate argues that these tax penalties are part of a larger effort to alter the demographic and cultural landscape of Jerusalem. The Judaization of the city involves:
- Reducing the presence of Christian and Muslim communities;
- Expanding Jewish control over the Old City;
- Forcing demographic shifts by pushing out historically established populations.
Under this policy, Israeli authorities have been limiting construction rights for non-Jewish residents, increasing tax burdens, and using legal loopholes to claim religious and historical properties.
Why Does This Matter?
The Armenian community in Jerusalem is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the 4th century, when Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion. For over 1,600 years, Armenians have maintained a presence in the Holy Land, playing an essential role in its religious, cultural, and educational development.
Today, this ancient community is at risk of disappearing. If Israel continues its pressure on the Armenian Church, the Armenian Quarter as a historical and ethnic entity could cease to exist.
The Armenian Patriarchate has called on the international community, global Christian organizations, and Armenia itself to intervene and prevent the destruction of Armenian heritage in Jerusalem.
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