Artyom Chernamoryan, president of the Nairi Union of Israeli Armenians in Petah Tikva, says this is not the first time that members of the Armenian community, Armenian priests and Armenian churches in Israel have been targeted by acts of hooliganism. Moreover, he says such incidents are now occurring almost daily.
Speaking to Armenpress, Chernamoryan commented on the latest act of hooliganism committed a few days ago by a group of Orthodox Jewish youths, who once again targeted one of the Armenian monasteries.
“This is happening not only to Armenians but also to Christians of other nationalities. Unfortunately, spitting at people and shouting insults at them has become common behaviour among Orthodox Jews. Just look at how they treat their own state, army and police. In that case, what expectations can we have that they would behave normally towards Armenians in particular?” Chernamoryan said.
He added that the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem is located on Mount Zion, and that every extremist dreams of getting rid not only of Armenians but of all Christians as soon as possible in order to establish complete control over the Old City.
“In general, Jerusalem’s Old City consists of four main communities and, accordingly, four quarters: the Jewish, Christian, Arab and Armenian quarters. The policies pursued by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel are generally aimed at taking as much as possible away from the Armenian community. Everything possible is being done to weaken the Armenian community. Unfortunately, this policy has been pursued quite extensively in recent years. This is precisely what lies behind the controversial deal involving one of the Armenian properties known as the Cows’ Garden. In fact, there are two such projects, one of which even envisages the appropriation of part of the Armenian Theological Seminary building,” he said.
According to Chernamoryan, Orthodox Jewish youths display pronounced intolerance towards all Christians and frequently resort to provocations and acts of hooliganism against Armenians, Greeks and Catholics alike.
Because the Armenian Quarter lies on the route to one of their holy sites, the Western Wall, Armenians are targeted more frequently by extremists and have become victims of repeated attacks.
“Nevertheless, unlike other Christian communities, Armenians are able to defend themselves and, if necessary, even engage in physical confrontations to restrain the hooligans. Following the latest incident, the Armenian side called the police, who, unlike in previous cases, responded more promptly. There are also Christian police officers in Israel who defend the rights of fellow Christians, even using force against offenders and hooligans. The perpetrators were handcuffed and taken to the police station. It is commendable that, at least this time, law enforcement reacted very quickly. On the other hand, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, whom he described as Orthodox, try in every possible way to protect members of their own religious community by turning a blind eye to acts of hooliganism,” Chernamoryan said.
In his view, when representatives of this segment of society occupy senior government positions and head law enforcement agencies, many provocateurs receive very lenient punishments. For example, they may simply be instructed not to visit or pray at the Western Wall for ten days. Even those placed under house arrest are sometimes released shortly afterwards.
“Israel has a Ministry of Religious Affairs as well as a council representing different faiths and religions. The latest incident has come under the attention of these bodies. I do not believe it is in Israel’s interest, particularly at a time when the country is already facing war, to damage relations with Christian states, especially its principal ally, the United States. This is all the more significant because the President of the United States recently stressed the need to preserve Christian cultural heritage in the Middle East. Donald Trump generally presents himself as a defender of Christians, specifically highlighting the role of Armenians in the region. Therefore, attacks on Armenians in full view of the Christian world are intolerable. Moreover, because of Israel’s military operations in the Middle East, antisemitism has once again been on the rise in European countries,” he said.
According to Chernamoryan, the Israeli media gave extensive coverage to the latest incident involving Armenians and strongly criticised the hooligan behaviour of the Orthodox youths.
He added that the overwhelming majority of Israeli society also rejects such behaviour because many Christians, including people of Jewish background, live in the country and condemn violence and the incitement of ethnic hatred.
“To prevent such incidents, educational work among Orthodox youth should be promoted at the state level. They should not be indoctrinated, and yeshivas (Jewish religious schools) should teach tolerance towards other religions. In other words, the education system needs reform. They have become so emboldened by the atmosphere of impunity that they now even assault police officers. Recently, for example, a policewoman was subjected to mob violence after delivering them a notice to serve in the Israeli army. If this is how they treat members of their own nation, is it not obvious how they will treat foreigners or followers of other religions?” Chernamoryan concluded.
Armenpress also contacted the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Chancellor Fr. Aghan Gogchyan said the Patriarchate is preparing an official statement on the latest incident, which will be released soon.
A few days ago, a group of Orthodox Jewish youths struck the gates of an Armenian monastery in Jerusalem during the night, spat, shouted insults and threw stones at its windows. One of the Armenians called the police. The police arrested the hooligans and took them to a police station.