Dating back to the 4th century, the Armenian presence in Jerusalem holds deep historical significance. However, this historic quarter is currently under threat due to aggressive actions by extremists, settlers, and businesspeople, seeking to appropriate the land.
Despite protests and calls for protection, the Israeli authorities have not taken decisive action to safeguard the Armenian quarter from these hostile incursions. Recently however, news has emerged that the Armenian Patriarchate and Xana Gardens LTD. are negotiating a “second agreement’ on the sale of land in the historical “Cows Garden” of the Armenian sector, drawing further anger and protest from the Armenian community in Jerusalem.
A coalition of 7 Armenian organizations have issued a joint statement rejecting a new land deal between the Armenian Patriarchate and Xana Gardens, Ltd., concerning the historic “Cows’ Garden.” The statement alleges that this “second agreement” is being negotiated secretly, without the community’s consultation or approval, and that it is even more dangerous and illegitimate than the first land deal that the community has been fighting for two years. The community emphasizes that the land is a sacred trust and is not for sale or lease. They are demanding that the Holy Synod and General Assembly reject the agreement, disclose its full terms, and engage in transparent dialogue with the community, whose rights and historical presence in Jerusalem are at stake. The statement concludes with a categorical rejection of the reported agreement, which they believe would set a dangerous precedent by validating the original, illegal land deal.
In the light of these developments, the EAFJD urges the Israeli authorities to protect the status quo of Jerusalem and refrain from altering the demographic composition, institutional structure, and the physical, cultural and historical character of Jerusalem. Drawing parallels between the suffering endured by both Armenians and Jews throughout history and having had to fight racial hatred, the EAFJD emphasizes that the Israeli authorities have a duty to prevent such occurrences in Jerusalem.
As European citizens, the EAFJD and its committees across 14 countries in Europe, call on stakeholders in the EU to utilize their influence in advocating for the preservation of the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem.
