The Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem has raised alarms over an urgent matter concerning the potential seizure and auction of properties that have been held by the church for over 1,700 years. This situation stems from a legal dispute regarding an alleged municipal tax debt that dates back to 1994, with the Jerusalem Municipality issuing a foreclosure order on the property located in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City.
Church officials argue that this tax debt was imposed arbitrarily by a municipal official without following due legal processes. In a joint statement, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem condemned the Israeli government’s actions, claiming they are attempting to enforce a debt determination without proper judicial oversight. They emphasized the importance of good faith negotiations, as established by a governmental committee intended to address such matters.
The property tax in question is known as the Arnona Tax, which is levied annually on property owners in Israel. The Armenian Patriarchate, which claims direct apostolic succession from James, the brother of Jesus, believes that pursuing this unverified debt threatens religious freedom and could set a dangerous precedent for other Christian institutions in the region.
In a poignant statement, the patriarchate highlighted, "This action undermines the freedom of religion, which is the foundation of all other rights. Confiscating assets jeopardizes the existence of the Orthodox Armenian Church and deprives the local Armenian community of vital pastoral care." They called upon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials to halt foreclosure proceedings and to facilitate discussions aimed at reaching a fair resolution.
The situation is further exacerbated by a reported increase in attacks on Christians and church properties in Israel throughout 2023. According to a report from the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, incidents of violence against Christians have surged, raising concerns among the community. For example, on January 28, 2023, two young Armenian men were assaulted by a group of Jewish individuals, resulting in one of the victims requiring hospital treatment.
Christians represent about 1.9% of Israel’s population, with Arab Christians making up a significant portion of this demographic. The challenges faced by these communities highlight the delicate balance of religious coexistence in a region marked by historical and ongoing tensions.
As the Armenian Patriarchate continues to fight for its rights, the broader implications of this situation resonate across the Christian community in the Holy Land. The call for justice and protection of religious freedoms remains crucial, as church leaders seek to safeguard their heritage and the pastoral care provided to their congregations. The outcome of this legal battle could have lasting effects on the future of Christian institutions in Israel, making it imperative for all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions.