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ASIA/HOLY LAND - Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem denounces the seizure of church property in Silwan

Jerusalem – The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the seizure of land adjacent to the Monastery of Saint Onuphrius in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, Jerusalem, by Israeli authorities on June 15 as an “unlawful and illegitimate seizure” that “sets a dangerous precedent.” In a statement released on June 17, the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed “grave concern over the Israeli raid and land grab that took place on June 15th 2026, targeting Church property in Silwan.” “During the operation,” the statement reads, “the Patriarchate's representative of the area was forcibly removed. His equipment was confiscated, trees were uprooted, and the property was enclosed with fencing and gates.” According to the Patriarchate, this incident constitutes “an unlawful and illegitimate seizure of established Church property in the heart of Jerusalem.” “The Patriarchate affirms that the land, Parcel 6 of Block 29985, registered in its name under official records, lies adjacent to the ancient Monastery of St. Onuphrius, and is of historical, archaeological, and religious value. It also rejects the troubling publication, on the very day of the operation, describing the event as the "recovery of state land" of archaeological importance,” the statement continues. The statement, sent to Fides, continues: The Patriarchate stresses that the seizure of this private Church property, with its Christian heritage and religious significance, sets a dangerous precedent for Church rights in Jerusalem. The Patriarchate adds that reliance on a municipal gardening order issued on April 18, 2019, whose term expired in April 2024, provides no lawful basis for uprooting trees, removing the lawful caretaker, sealing off Church land, or denying the Patriarchate access to its own property.” The statement concludes by expressing “increasing concern” that the events in Silwan fall within “a wider pattern of escalating assaults aimed at weakening the indigenous Christian presence in the Holy Land.” It notes the rise of Israeli attacks against Christians and churches amid “unacceptable international tolerance.” According to the statement, in 2024, 111 Israeli attacks or acts of violence were recorded against Christian clergy, nuns, worshippers, and church communities, including 35 attacks targeting churches, monasteries, and religious symbols.

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