In an important breakthrough, the Armenian Patriarchate has informed the company that they had struck a land deal with that they are canceling the deal. A lawsuit was filed thereafter with the aim of making the cancellation permanent.

Below is a message by the Save the Armenian Quarter as it appears on their Facebook page. Also, we print a message from the Patriarchate announcing that they have decided to rescind the deal

INITIATION OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On October 30, 2023, our legal team initiated legal action against Xana Gardens, an Israeli development company, the Jerusalem Municipality, the Armenian Patriarchate, and other defendants concerning the Goveru Bardez matter. This case is currently pending in Israeli courts. Although we intended to file the case earlier, the dire regional situation delayed the process. Similar actions were also taken against relevant parties in foreign jurisdictions.

The legal filing addresses critical concerns related to the significant property located in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City. Its primary objective is to secure essential access and usage rights for members of the Armenian community.

It is worth noting that, according to credible sources within the Patriarchate, a cancellation letter was sent to the development company. The success of this endeavor can be attributed to the Save the ArQ movement, which exerted immense pressure on the Patriarchate to annul this controversial agreement. This achievement was the result of six months of weekly protests, the suspension of recognition by Jordan and Palestine, international media coverage, and support from various Armenian institutions, organizations, and benefactors. Furthermore, the Armenian legal team’s involvement enabled the retrieval of the contract and other pertinent information from third parties, leading to the engagement of a local team of professional lawyers for the preparation of legal cases.

Once again, the movement has demonstrated its effectiveness and commitment to safeguarding the rights of the Armenian community and preserving the Armenian Patriarchate, Quarter, and presence in the Holy Land.

Yesterday’s unity, between the community and clergy members in stopping the illegal construction of the development company proved that the only way to succeed is by joining forces. We therefore urge the Patriarchate to closely collaborate with the community and the movement to address this crisis as a unified front.

Our struggle is just and we will fight till the end.

Save the ArQ movement.