Controversy Surrounds Attempt to Replace Armenian Christians in Jerusalem
Leaders of United Christian Church in Jerusalem Express Opposition
The leaders of the United Christian Church in Jerusalem have voiced their opposition to the attempts to replace Armenian Christians in the ‘Old Jerusalem’ area, also known as the Armenian Quarter. This area was historically defined by the Ottoman Turks, and has been the home of the Armenian community for generations.
The controversy stems from a recent attempt to lease twenty-five acres of land owned by Armenian Christians for the construction of a luxury hotel. The head of the Armenian Church in Jerusalem initially signed an agreement to lease the land, only to later reveal that he had been deceived and began efforts to cancel the agreement.
Legal Battle and Protests Ensue
Upon learning of the attempted lease, the Armenian religious community objected and legal battles ensued. The priest who led the agreement was subsequently removed from the priesthood by the Synod of the Church. Despite the ongoing legal disputes, individuals arrived at the site with bulldozers in an attempt to demolish a car park, prompting protests from the local community.
Concerns for the Future
In a joint statement, Christian leaders expressed their concern that the current developments could threaten the presence of Armenian Christians in Jerusalem and weaken the overall Christian presence in the Holy Land. The Armenian community has pointed to an Israeli-Australian Jewish businessman, Danny Rubenstine, as the driving force behind the attempt to lease the land.
Armenia holds a significant place in Christian history as the first country to fully embrace the faith, adding another layer of complexity to the controversy.
Jerusalem: The leaders of the United Christian Church in Jerusalem are against the attempts to replace Armenian Christians in Jerusalem. The ‘Old Jerusalem’ area where Armenian Christians live in Jerusalem is known as the Armenian Quarter. This border was set by the Ottoman Turks. The attempt to lease twenty-five acres of land owned by Armenian Christians to start a luxury hotel is now controversial. Two years ago, the head of the Armenian Church in Jerusalem signed an agreement to lease the land. At the same time, the head of the Armenian Church revealed to the community that he had been deceived and began to try to cancel the lease agreement.
The Armenian religious community responded that they learned this information when the survey officers arrived in the area. The priest who led the agreement was removed from the priesthood by the Synod of the Church in May. But while the legal battle was still going on, those who came to take over the land arrived at the place with bulldozers and started trying to demolish the car park there. In the meantime, the protesters also came here.
In a joint statement, Christian leaders have shared their concern that the current developments will threaten the presence of Armenian Christians in Jerusalem and weaken the presence of Christians in the Holy Land. According to the Armenian community, an Israeli-Australian Jewish businessman, Danny Rubenstine, has spent money to lease the space. Armenia was the first country in the world to fully embrace Christianity.
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