Attacks on Armenian Community and Churches in Israel Draw Concern from Armenian Leader

Artyom Chernamoryan, president of the Nairi Union of Israeli Armenians in Petah Tikva, has expressed concern over the increasing incidents of hooliganism targeting Armenian community members, priests, and churches in Israel. He noted that such acts are not isolated but have become a recurring issue, occurring almost daily.

Chernamoryan highlighted a recent incident in which a group of Orthodox Jewish youths targeted an Armenian monastery. He emphasized that this behavior is not limited to Armenians but extends to Christians of other nationalities, including Greeks and Catholics. He criticized the tolerance of such actions, noting that the same individuals who display intolerance toward Armenians also show disrespect toward their own state, army, and police.

The Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, located on Mount Zion, is a significant site for the Armenian community. Chernamoryan stated that extremists have long harbored ambitions to remove not only Armenians but all Christians from the Old City. The Old City is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Arab, and Armenian. He pointed out that policies by National Security Minister Moshe Arbel and Interior Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have aimed to diminish the Armenian community’s presence and influence.

One such policy involves a controversial deal related to the Cows’ Garden property, which includes plans to appropriate part of the Armenian Theological Seminary building. Chernamoryan described these efforts as part of a broader strategy to weaken the Armenian community, a trend that has intensified in recent years.

Despite the challenges, Chernamoryan noted that Armenians are capable of defending themselves and have, on occasion, engaged in physical confrontations to stop hooligans. Following the latest incident, the Armenian community reported the event to the police, who responded more promptly than in previous cases. He also mentioned the presence of Christian police officers in Israel who have been known to protect fellow Christians, even using force when necessary.

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