Yerevan’s historic Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem has once again been registered as “Under the Custody of the Coves”. This information was revealed by Gegham Balyan, a correspondent for The Armenian Weekly, in an article published on his Facebook microblog. Balyan reported that an individual named George Vorvart, who had previous interactions with the leaders of Ateret Cohanim, a settler organization aiming to Judaize the Old City of Jerusalem, had been attacking and harassing members of the local Armenian community in Yerevan. In response, representatives of the Armenian community urged the authorities not to ignore these incidents, calling them provocative and vowing to continue defending their rights.

Concerns have been raised regarding the protection and preservation of Yerevan’s Armenian Quarter, as it is an area where no construction is allowed. These concerns have been amplified after the termination of a lease agreement for a section of the “Under the Custody of the Coves” territory, which was originally set to expire in 99 years. The Armenian community in Yerevan has organized protests and issued statements calling for the suspension of the “Under the Custody of the Coves” project, offering their support in finding a resolution to the issue.

In November 2021, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin sent a letter to Xana Gardens Ltd, asserting that the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Patriarchate of Jerusalem had not revoked the lease agreement for the “Under the Custody of the Coves” project. This further escalated tensions between the tenants and the Armenian community. It is imperative to address the situation urgently in order to maintain the integrity of Yerevan’s Armenian Quarter.

The Armenian community of Yerevan has called on the authorities to take action against those responsible for the attacks and harassment, emphasizing that indifference is not an option. The protection and preservation of their historic quarter is of utmost importance, and they are determined to continue defending their cultural heritage. The dispute over the lease agreement adds another layer of complexity to the situation, requiring a resolution that respects the rights and interests of all parties involved.

As the news unfolds, it is crucial for the international community to remain informed about the developments in Yerevan’s Armenian Quarter. The situation calls for a diplomatic approach and a commitment to upholding human rights and cultural preservation. The actions taken in response to these incidents will serve as a testament to the commitment to justice and equality in Jerusalem and beyond.