by Daoud Kuttab

Hagop Djernazian, co-founder of the SavetheArQ movement commented on the Armenian Patriarchate’s General Assembly decision in the end of September 2025, as “a positive step” towards preserving the Cows’ Garden.” The Armenian Patriarchate’s General Assembly decision in the end of September 2025, declared the 2021 lease of a large portion of the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem “illegal, uncanonical, null and void.”

The lease, signed by Patriarch Nourhan Manougian with an Israeli investor, would have transferred 123,785 square feet of church land for 98 years to construct a luxury hotel. The General Assembly’s ruling formally rejected both the original lease and any mediated settlement, and appointed a committee to continue pursuing annulment of the contract.

Ongoing Legal and Tax Challenges

At the same time, the Patriarchate is also facing renewed legal proceedings over an alleged Arnona tax debt, Jerusalem’s municipal property tax. Although churches have traditionally been exempt from this tax under the longstanding status quo, the Municipality of Jerusalem has demanded payment of millions in back taxes. A hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2025, after an earlier session was canceled in February.

Support from Christian Leaders

Christian leaders in Jerusalem have issued a unified statement backing the Armenian Patriarchate. They described the municipal tax actions as “legally dubious and morally unacceptable,” emphasizing that churches have traditionally been exempt from Arnona taxes. The leaders urged Israeli authorities, including Interior Minister Moshe Arbel and Tzachi Hanegbi, to intervene, suspend legal proceedings, and ensure the dispute is resolved through the proper governmental channels.

Quoting Amos 5:24, the statement called for justice and the protection of the rights of the Armenian Patriarchate and all Christian communities in the Holy Land. The church leaders highlighted the broader financial pressures facing Jerusalem’s Christian institutions and stressed the importance of equitable treatment and the preservation of historic rights.

Save the Armenian Quarter continues the struggle

“The fight is far from over,” Djernazian told Milhilard.org. “Our legal and advocacy efforts will continue until the rights of the Armenian community in Jerusalem are fully recognized and preserved.” Djernazian insisted that attacks and smear campaigns have produced even more solidarity for the movement. “It’s a smear campaign, and we still don’t know who is behind it,” he states. “But it’s a sponsored campaign, as evident from all the pages. Their main goal is to sow doubt within the community against us and our position.” However, he notes that the campaign has had the opposite effect. “The community has become more united around the struggle and the cause. They failed to create opposition within the community and spread lies against us.”

Legal Strategy and Court Proceedings

Regarding the ongoing legal battle, Djernazian emphasizes the importance of their legal strategy. “Regarding the ongoing legal battle, Djernazian emphasizes the importance of their legal strategy. “We are presenting historical endowment documents from the 16th century,” he explains. “These documents clearly state that the land is a trust for the Armenian Christian community of Jerusalem. The patriarch is the custodian of the property, without the right to sell land that is held in trust.” This argument is central to the lawsuit filed by over 400 Armenians to regain control of the historic property.

Djernazian also highlights the significance of an Israeli court ruling that affirmed the Armenian community’s possession of the land. “In December 2023, the Magistrates Court recognised that the land is possessed by the Armenian side and since the Armenian side is being attacked, its actions are self-defence.” This ruling is a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.

Upcoming Court Hearing

Looking ahead, Djernazian mentions a scheduled court hearing at the end of October. “This is only the first hearing,” he clarifies. Israeli courts take time to make decisions. But we are confident and prepared for the hearing with our local and international legal team.”

The Save the ArQ movement continues its steadfast efforts to protect the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City. Through legal action, community mobilization, and international advocacy, they aim to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the Armenian community in Jerusalem.

Legal Struggle and Court Proceedings

The campaign’s core is a legal effort to challenge the 2021 lease of the so-called “Cows’ Garden,” a 123,785-square-foot portion of the Armenian Quarter, to an Israeli businessman for 98 years to build a luxury hotel. Despite repeated requests, neither the contract nor related lawsuits have been made publicly available, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

“The Patriarchate signed this contract without consulting the General Assembly,” Djernazian explained. The community holds the 98-year contract after it was revealed to the community lawyers from the Patriarchate’s lawsuit submitted in December 2023. Unfortunately, Annex A of the contract is not in the hands of the Community nor the Patriarchate; only Xana Gardens holds the alleged map.

Israeli courts have already recognized the Armenian community’s legal claim to the land, although enforcement has been challenged by attempts to intimidate community members.

According to a report by the Armenian Weekly, the Patriarchate’s General Assembly convened in late September and issued a clear stance:

1. The 2021 lease is illegal, uncanonical, and null and void, executed without General Assembly approval.
2. Past Brotherhood statements condemning the transaction remain binding.
3. The Assembly formally rejected the lease addendum and any mediated settlement.
4. A committee, alongside the Patriarchate’s legal counsel, will continue pursuing annulment of the lease with the Israeli investor.

International and Regional Attention

The lease has attracted global attention, including strong objections from the Palestinian Authority and a joint statement by the King of Jordan and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who suspended recognition of Patriarch Nourhan Manougian over the decision. Meanwhile, 20 prominent Israeli academics and jurists have publicly supported the Armenian community, rejecting the lease.

Looking Ahead

The General Assembly’s decision strengthens the community’s legal position, but the outcome of both the tax dispute and the annulment case against the Israeli investor will determine whether these historic lands remain in Armenian hands. Djernazian emphasized that the campaign remains focused on legal channels and community advocacy, with the upcoming court hearing marking the next step in a prolonged process.

“We deeply appreciate the support from Israeli academics and prominent members of Israeli society,” says Djernazian. “Their position is crucial for us and reinforces the just cause of protecting the future of minorities in Jerusalem, particularly the Christian minorities in the Old City.”