«Jerusalem may seize property belonging to the Armenian Patriarchate in exchange for debt» - Patriarchate

The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem has filed an administrative petition to prevent the seizure of property belonging to the Patriarchate. The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a statement on this. The statement states that the local authorities of Jerusalem intend to seize property belonging to the Patriarchate for centuries in exchange for Arnon (municipal tax) debts, which have allegedly accumulated since 1994.

The hearing of the petition is scheduled for February 24. If it is rejected, the Jerusalem community will seize the Patriarchate’s property and auction it off in order to collect the disputed astronomical debts, which have never been proven in court.

The Patriarchate calls on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Interior Minister Arbel, and the head of governmental committee Hanegbi to decisively intervene and immediately freeze all actions taken by the Municipality against the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.