YEREVAN, ARMENIA – The recent violent attack on the Armenian Quarter in East Jerusalem has sparked outrage and condemnation from the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention. The attack, carried out by armed mobs associated with an Israeli-Australian businessman, has raised concerns about the protection of the cultural heritage of the Armenian Quarter and the safety of its residents.
The violence on December 28, 2023, left several Armenians, including a priest and students of the Theological Seminary, injured. This incident, along with previous attacks and harassment of Jerusalemite Armenians, is linked to a controversial land development deal that was canceled by the Armenian Patriarchate in November. The deal, which would have allowed the construction of a luxury hotel by the businessman’s company, was met with resistance from the local Armenian community and the greater Armenian Diaspora.
The ongoing attacks and potential illegal construction in the area pose a serious threat to the oldest Armenian Diaspora community in the world. This comes in the wake of the forced displacement of Artsakh Armenians in September, which has raised concerns about the targeting of Armenian communities.
The Lemkin Institute emphasized the need for international organizations and the UN to monitor the tense situation in the Armenian Quarter. The organization also highlighted the importance of recognizing and responding to warning signs of mass atrocities and genocide in order to prevent further escalation against Armenians. The Institute expressed full support for the resistance of Jerusalemite Armenians and called on relevant authorities to ensure the safety and territorial integrity of the Armenian Quarter and the rest of East Jerusalem.
In conclusion, the recent violence in the Armenian Quarter of East Jerusalem has sparked concerns about the safety and preservation of the historic neighborhood. The Lemkin Institute’s condemnation of the attacks and its call for international intervention underscores the urgency of the situation in protecting the Armenian community and its cultural heritage. These events serve as a warning of potential mass atrocities and emphasize the need for prompt action to prevent further escalation of violence against Armenians.