The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have strongly condemned an unjust foreclosure order against the Armenian Patriarchate, urging the Israeli government to intervene and stop the municipality’s actions.
In a joint statement, the church leaders expressed deep concern over the Municipality of Jerusalem’s decision to seize property belonging to the Orthodox Armenian Patriarchate due to an alleged “unverified and exorbitant Arnona Tax debt.”
“Legally Dubious and Morally Unacceptable”
“With great concern, we, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, stand in solidarity with the Orthodox Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem against the unjust foreclosure order issued by the Municipality of Jerusalem. The actions taken based on an unverified tax debt are legally questionable and morally unacceptable,” the letter states.
The Christian leaders criticized the move, emphasizing the historical role of Christian institutions in safeguarding faith, serving communities, and preserving sacred heritage.
Threat to Religious Freedom and Christian Presence
The church leaders expressed alarm over the municipality’s attempt to enforce the tax debt without proper judicial review and in defiance of a governmental committee established to handle such disputes.
They warned that this action endangers the Orthodox Armenian Patriarchate and sets a dangerous precedent for Christian institutions in the Holy Land.
A Call for Immediate Government Action
Invoking a passage from 1 Corinthians 12:26, the church leaders emphasized the collective nature of the Christian presence in Jerusalem and called on Israeli leaders to intervene.
They urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, and Minister Tzachi Hanegbi to freeze all foreclosure proceedings and seek a just resolution through negotiations.
A Plea for Justice and Preservation of Faith
The letter concluded with a plea for righteousness to prevail and for the Holy Land to remain a beacon of faith for future generations.
The escalating tensions between the Christian community and Israeli authorities have raised concerns about further pressures on religious institutions in the region, prompting close monitoring by church leaders and international organizations.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
