Abstract:
In this letter from Jerusalem, Kegham Balian shares a first-hand testimony from the Save the Armenian Quarter Movement (Save the ArQ) in Jerusalem. In July 2021, a secretive deal was made to lease a large tract of the Armenian Quarter to an allegedly settler-backed organization and private company called Xana Gardens Ltd. The deal leased the historic Cows’ Garden and other parts of the quarter (a total of 11,500 square meters equalling 25 percent of the Armenian Quarter) for a duration of ninety-eight years to build a luxury hotel. The Save the ArQ Movement began in May 2023 to defend and preserve the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem. It galvanized support within the community from people of all ages and generated unprecedented unity.