JERUSALEM — The founders of the Save the ArQ Movement, Hagop Djernazian and Setrag Balian, will embark on an East Coast tour from January 22 to January 30, to raise awareness and funds for the movement’s legal defense efforts.
Launched in May 2023, the Save the ArQ movement is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem. The movement was initiated after the discovery of an illegal 98-year lease signed by the Armenian Patriarchate with a company named Xana Gardens. This lease threatens the treasured and historic Armenian Quarter.
In response, the Armenian community of Jerusalem began legal proceedings to nullify the unlawful agreement. The lawsuit is based on two critical legal arguments:
Lack of Authority – The Armenian Patriarch had no authority to sign such a deal, as it violates the Patriarchate’s bylaws and constitution.
Endowment Protection – The land is held in trust for the benefit of the Armenian Christian Community of Jerusalem, as documented in endowment documents dating back to the 16th century.
Funds raised during this tour will cover essential legal expenses, including attorney fees, evidence gathering, and other costs necessary to safeguard the community’s rights and heritage.
