Israeli authorities unlawfully seize Jerusalem Church land in Silwan
The Jerusalem Church protested over the seizure of church property in Silwan. Photo: Jerusalem Patriarchate
The Jerusalem Patriarchate protested the seizure of church property in the Silwan area, which took place on June 15, 2026, reports the press service of the Jerusalem Patriarchate. During the operation, police used force against a Church representative, confiscated his equipment, and cut down trees on the plot.
The seized land, officially registered in the name of the Patriarchate, is located next to an ancient monastery and has high archaeological and religious value. The occupiers fenced off the private area and blocked the gate, depriving the clergy of access to the property.
The Patriarchate emphasized that the authorities justified the raid with a municipal “greening” order from 2019, whose validity had already expired in April 2024. Consequently, the security forces had no legal grounds to expel the lawful caretaker and block access to the church land.
This incident became part of a growing wave of attacks aimed at driving the indigenous Christian population from the Holy Land. In 2024 alone, experts recorded 111 cases of violence against clergy and believers, 35 of which were directed specifically at churches and monasteries.
The Jerusalem Church noted that protecting church property is a historic duty and a guarantee of preserving the Christian presence in Jerusalem.
As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Theophilos discussed the protection of Jerusalem with Erdoğan.
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