Mob Targets Christians Amid Land Dispute
In Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter, a distressing incident unfolded when a group of over 30 armed individuals, donning ski masks, launched a coordinated attack on Thursday. The target was a site known as the Cow’s Garden, embroiled in a contentious real estate dispute between the longstanding Armenian Christian community and an Australian-Israeli investor intending to construct a hotel on the land.
The assault, described by the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem as “massive and coordinated,” resulted in a vicious attack on clergymen, students from the Armenian Theological Academy, and native Armenians present at the site. The perpetrators reportedly used powerful nerve-agents that left numerous individuals, including priests, seriously injured.
This violent episode stemmed from a controversial land deal announced in November, sparking concerns from the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem about potential repercussions that could weaken the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The patriarchate attributed the attack to real estate developer Danny Rothman’s response to ongoing legal proceedings concerning the Cow’s Garden, emphasizing the severity of the threat faced by the Armenian Patriarchate and its community.
Authorities reported arrests on both sides but refrained from officially charging anyone involved, indicating the involvement of Muslim individuals in the incident. Despite this, the Armenian community was subjected to assault and stone-throwing, as depicted in videos circulated on social media.
The Armenian Patriarchate appealed to global leaders and the international media for assistance in safeguarding the Armenian Quarter from further violence, expressing concerns about the potential erasure of the Armenian presence in the area.
The World Council of Churches condemned the attacks as a distressing escalation of violence and a severe violation of the rights and dignity of the communities in the Armenian Quarter. They emphasized the necessity of upholding the rights of all people and preserving the diverse cultural and religious fabric that defines Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.
This quarter, home to approximately 1,000 residents and dating back to the fourth century, holds significant historical and religious importance, housing St. James’ Cathedral. Armenians, credited with being the first nation to adopt Christianity, have equal rights in Jerusalem’s Holy Christian sites. For some residents, their ties to the quarter trace back to the original pilgrims or refugees who fled the Armenian genocide in the early 20th century.
The church must be able to carry on its good work 👏