In the heart of the ancient city of Jerusalem, a quiet struggle unfolds. The Armenian community, long-standing residents of the Armenian Quarter in East Jerusalem, are embroiled in a peaceful protest against a controversial real estate project. This project, led by Australian-Israeli investor Danny Rothman’s company, Xana Gardens Ltd., seeks to erect a luxury hotel on land that comprises nearly a quarter of the Old City’s Armenian Quarter. This plan, conceived and agreed upon without the Armenian residents’ consent, has elicited anger and consternation within the community.
In 2021, without consulting the local Armenian residents, the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Father Baret Yeretzian agreed on the land deal. As the details emerged, many in the community felt a sense of betrayal. Upon discovering issues with the transaction, the Patriarchate later sought to annul the deal in court.
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The Armenian residents have set up a sit-in protest, their tents, stoves, and mattresses transforming the threatened land into a bastion of resistance. Weeks of guarding the land have not been without incident. Tensions recently escalated when over 30 armed individuals assaulted Armenian community members, including clergy. The community accuses investor Danny Rothman of coordinating this attack.
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The ongoing legal battle underscores the Armenian community’s resolute efforts to safeguard their historic land. This struggle resonates deeply within a city known for its religious and political significance. The situation also casts a spotlight on the broader issue of land rights in East Jerusalem, where Israeli settlement expansion is considered illegal under international law. The Armenian community’s struggle represents a microcosm of these larger complexities, their story a testament to the human element interwoven into these geopolitical dynamics.
https://bnnbreaking.com/world/israel/armenian-community-fights-to-preserve-historic-land-in-jerusalem/