These days, braving even all the unfavorable climatic conditions, our sisters and brothers in Jerusalem are courageously waging a fearless struggle for survival, to keep impregnable and preserve intact the Brotherhood of Sts. James, our sacred Monastery, and our centuries-old, undeniable national heritage and rights.
The crisis began more than two years ago, when it came to light that on July 8, 2021, an agreement had been reached between the Brotherhood and foreign investors for the long-term lease of the area known as the “Cow’s Garden” and other adjacent properties, which constitute about 25 percent of the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem.
As a result of the prolonged and ever-expanding relentless efforts of the opposition, in its declaration dated November 1, 2023, the Diwan of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced that it had declared the controversial lease transaction null and void. In a subsequent communiqué, the Diwan of the Holy See characterized the lease agreement as tainted — by false representation, undue influences, and illicit gains.
As for the “second party,” completely disregarding the Patriarchate’s decision to cancel the transaction, it had undertaken the demolition of the wall of the area and the parking lots, also threatening to cause much greater damage. As a continuation of the outrages, armed security personnel and trained dogs were dispatched to the property, to prohibit any Armenian presence there.
Decidedly not tolerating and radically rejecting such outrageous and lawless license, our sisters and brothers in Jerusalem, for more than two weeks now, have been peacefully expressing their discontent and protest through a round-the-clock, orderly, well-attended presence within the area.
This otherwise deeply distressing situation has, however, its encouraging side as well. Our community in Jerusalem is displaying a wonderful, complete unity, and at the forefront stand our brave young people. This phenomenon is irrefutable proof that we, with united forces, can bring successful outcomes to the most complex problems facing us, even those that seem insoluble.
There is no doubt that our sisters and brothers in Jerusalem, fighting courageously and with high spirits in the trenches of the existential struggle, enjoy the full support and backing of the entire nation.
We are deeply convinced that this proud, unyielding struggle shall inevitably have its victorious end.
ARMENIAN DEMOCRATIC LIBERAL PARTY
CENTRAL BOARD
