CHURCH LEADERS CONDEMN JERUSALEM MUNICIPALITY’S FORECLOSURE ORDER AGAINST ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE

The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have issued a strong statement condemning the Jerusalem Municipality’s foreclosure order against the Armenian Patriarchate, calling it legally dubious and morally unacceptable. The order, based on an unverified and excessive Arnona (municipal) tax debt, threatens the historic Christian institution with property seizure, bypassing judicial scrutiny and governmental mediation efforts. The Armenian Patriarchate has warned that Israel intends to confiscate its properties over what it describes as “astronomical and illegal” tax debts allegedly accumulated since 1994, despite a large portion of these claims relating to properties leased to the Jerusalem Municipality itself. A legal hearing on February 24 will determine whether the Patriarchate’s petition to halt the auction of its real estate will be granted. Church leaders warn that this unprecedented action endangers religious freedoms and sets a dangerous precedent for Christian institutions across the Holy Land. Urging immediate intervention from Israeli officials, they call for a freeze on foreclosure proceedings and a return to negotiations in pursuit of a just resolution.