JERUSALEM — As the conflict in Gaza escalates and the political landscape in Syria shifts, the Armenian community in the Old City of Jerusalem finds itself in an intense and quieter struggle. This small Christian group, one of the city’s oldest residents, has maintained its presence for generations without major discord. Central to their community is a convent that provides various support services. However, recent developments have introduced new tensions that threaten not only the community but also the diverse religious tapestry of the Old City.
A growing divide exists within the Armenian community as outside forces, particularly radical Jewish settlers and contentious land deals, put pressure on their way of life. These settlers have been known to taunt clergy members en route to prayer, while a proposed real estate project threatens to transform a significant portion of their land into luxury accommodations. With the future of their community in jeopardy, both residents and church officials voice concern over the inability to safeguard against encroachments that could erase their longstanding heritage.
The struggle for survival unfolds amidst the backdrop of larger regional crises, making the situation even more precarious for religious minorities in Jerusalem. Discord has arisen between the Armenian Patriarchate, historically the leader of community affairs, and the largely secular population, who worry about the church’s capability to protect them from the increasing pressures.
In a parking lot now converted into a protest hub, a movement called “Save the Arq” has taken shape. Here, in a makeshift structure adorned with old maps, members of the Armenian Quarter are rallying against what they perceive to be an illegal land acquisition orchestrated by a controversial developer. The targeted land serves multiple community functions, including parking and communal meals, while being steeped in historical significance as a refuge for those fleeing the Armenian genocide during World War I.
Previously, the patriarchate had consistently rebuffed offers to sell this property, but a startling turn of events occurred in 2021 when a cleric entered into a suspicious agreement with Xana Capital, a real estate firm that has faced scrutiny. A local businessman, George Warwar, was implicated in the fraudulent deal, having a murky past including imprisonment for armed robbery. Court documents indicate bribery and improper connections between the priest and Warwar, which led to community outrage and the priest’s subsequent flight from Jerusalem.
Despite efforts to annul the agreement, the developer, Xana Capital, has engaged in hostile actions, reportedly employing armed personnel to intimidate community residents who oppose the deal. Activists allege that Warwar has ties to a prominent settler organization, Ateret Cohanim, which aims to increase Jewish settlement in the Old City. While the organization has denied any involvement, tensions continue to rise, and community members feel vulnerable, compelled to take direct action to defend their rights.
Setrag Balian, a ceramics artist, articulated the frustrations felt by many: “The patriarchate went silent as soon as the deal was signed. We decided not to remain passive, hoping for the best,” he remarked. Alongside fellow resident Hagop Djernazian, they gathered signatures and initiated legal proceedings against the patriarchate to assert community ownership over the contested land.
The church, however, maintains its claim to ownership, leading to further discord. Xana has labeled the activists as antisemitic squatters, deepening the distrust within the community regarding the institution meant to safeguard their heritage. This erosion of trust is palpable among residents who are left feeling abandoned amidst mounting threats.
Meanwhile, inside the Armenian convent, a somber atmosphere prevails, marked by dwindling attendance at prayer services at the St. James Cathedral, one of the historic sites in the Old City. The Armenian community has shrunk drastically since the establishment of Israel in 1948, decreasing from about 15,000 members to approximately 2,000 today.
Historically, Armenians first flocked to Jerusalem in the 4th century because of its religious importance. Following their expulsion from the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century, they sought refuge in the city. However, youths are now hesitant to remain in a place increasingly threatened by anti-Christian sentiment. Instances of violence against Armenian clergy and properties have risen, compelling many young Armenians to pursue futures elsewhere.
Father Aghan Gogchyan shared harrowing experiences of confrontations with radical groups. He vividly recalled being approached and warned, “You don’t have a future here in the Holy Land.” Such threats underscore the precarious situation faced by the Armenian community, prompting some members to reconsider their ties to the Old City.
The Rossing Center, which monitors anti-Christian violence, noted numerous attacks against Armenians and their institutions throughout 2023, often linked to ultranationalist Jewish groups. These incidents not only signal a growing hostility but also contribute to a compelling message dissuading younger generations from maintaining their cultural ties.
Despite the fractures and difficulties, both clergy and activists are determined to sustain their presence in the Old City. “Many might feel hopeless and think of leaving, but most see this struggle as a cause worth fighting for, giving us meaning and purpose,” Balian noted, asserting a shared resolve to remain in their historic home.