An ongoing land dispute between the Armenians of Jerusalem and a real estate company with alleged ties to settler organizations escalated on December 28 when the Armenian community was attacked by a group of masked men.
A group of 30 people wearing ski masks entered the Cows’ Garden in the historic Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem and deployed pepper spray, batons, attack dogs and stones. A dozen community members were injured, including several priests and students of the Armenian theological academy.
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The “Save the Armenian Quarter” movement deserves the support of the entire Armenian nation. It has demonstrated courage, vision, and a respect for the ideals of our nation. It has scored a victory for preserving our heritage when our church leaders failed. This movement should serve as an example for our narrow minded institutions, whose lack of vision and unity has led to disaster. Bravo, Mr. Balian and Mr. Djernazian.
The settlers are fascists and represent the worst of the Jewish people. The Armenian clergy who initially signed on to the deal are probably corrupt. Bravo to Mr. Balian, Mr. Djernazian and all the brave Armenians who are standing up to the fascist settlers. Let the worldwide diaspora know how they can help.
I’m very interested in learning more about the legality of the Armenian cancellation of the agreement and what is going on through police and legal channels to secure the cancellation. Do we have a leg to stand on? Will the courts/police stand behind that if there is theoretically a legal path (or will they illegally deny our rights to the land)? Just hoping to fill in some gaps in my picture of what’s happening. Ready to scream and shout once fully informed.
I don’t understand with what authority did the patriarch make this deal without
Consulting the Armenian khaghasis of old city and for what reason was this done…
Shame on patriarch that penned this agreement and I hope he’s been expelled
From his position and severely punished for betraying our Armenian community
And heritage already under threat by surrounded fanatic settlers….
Sad that the church leadership entrusted with preserving their most holy place sold a critical part of it to a real estate developer. What does that say about our institutional leadership? I hope it is not too late to save the Armenian Quarter. The people striving to save our heritage in Jerusalem are real heroes.