Day: February 11, 2025

Christianity has deep-roots in both Palestine and Armenia, home to some of the world’s oldest Christian communities. Jesus himself was a Palestinian Jew living under Roman rule, and disciples such as Bartholomew and Thaddeus spread the gospel to Armenia following Christ’s resurrection. Despite this long-standing presence, both Palestinian and Armenian Christians have faced persecution, particularly in recent years. In Palestine, Christians face marginalization under occupation, while in Armenia and Artsakh, their faith and cultural heritage have made them targets of aggression, particularly from Azerbaijan and Turkey. This article examines the challenges these communities face in the West Bank, the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem and Artsakh.

Persecution of Christians in the West Bank

The West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, has seen a steady decline in its Christian population. Economic hardship, restricted movement and political instability have driven many to emigrate. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, has been particularly affected. Israel’s separation wall has cut off Christian communities from their agricultural lands and made access to religious sites increasingly difficult. Today, only 13% of Bethlehem remains accessible to Palestinians.

Christian clergy in the West Bank frequently face harassment, and churches and monasteries have been vandalized, with crosses and statues desecrated. In 2023, a 10-foot statue of Jesus at the Church of the Flagellation—believed to be on the path Christ walked to his crucifixion—was shattered and thrown to the ground. Christian residents and clergy are routinely spit on, harassed and even physically attacked. Data compiled by the organization Tag Meir shows a sharp increase in such incidents, with more cases reported in the first three months of 2023 than in the previous two years combined.

Threats to the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem

The Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem has been a refuge for Armenian Christians for over 1,500 years, yet its existence is increasingly threatened. Armenians arrived in the fourth century and later in the early 20th century, fleeing genocide under the Ottoman Empire. Today, Armenians face an existential threat to their presence in the Old City. Armenian residents frequently report harassment, with clergy spit on and religious sites defaced. Like Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem, Armenian Christians hold residency status but not citizenship, leaving them effectively stateless.

Another major challenge is the ongoing real estate dispute over the Cows’ Garden, a large section of the Armenian Quarter. In 2021, the Armenian Patriarchate leased 11,500 square meters of land to Xana Gardens Ltd., an Israeli company with ties to settler groups. The deal, which accounted for 25% of the Quarter’s land, sparked outrage, with Armenian residents accusing church officials of betraying their community. Following mass protests, the church official responsible for the agreement was defrocked, but the dispute remains unresolved. This legal battle highlights the broader struggle of Jerusalem’s Armenian community, whose numbers continue to dwindle amid increasing pressure from settlers. 

The Erasure of Armenian Christianity in Artsakh

Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh, has been home to Armenian Christians for centuries. However, this heritage has been systematically targeted, particularly by Azerbaijan. During the 2020 war, Azerbaijani forces shelled Armenian churches, including the historic Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi, which was bombed twice in a single day. These attacks were not just acts of war but deliberate attempts to erase Armenian Christian heritage.

Following Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor in 2022-2023, over 120,000 Armenians were forced to flee, effectively ending the Christian presence in Artsakh. Cut off from food, medicine and basic necessities, the population faced starvation until Azerbaijan’s military intervention forced them into exile. This ethnic cleansing marks a tragic end to centuries of Armenian Christian life in the region.

Conclusion

The persecution of Christians in Palestine and Armenia reflects a broader pattern of marginalization and erasure of ancient Christian communities. In Palestine, Christians navigate the challenges of occupation and societal pressures, while in Armenia and Artsakh, their faith and cultural identity make them targets of aggression.

The international community must do more to protect these vulnerable communities, ensuring religious freedom and preserving cultural heritage. The survival of these ancient Christian populations is not merely a religious issue—it is a fight to maintain the historical and cultural diversity of these lands. If their voices are not heard, the world risks losing invaluable Christian legacies that have endured for millennia.

Author information

Armaan Mooradian

Armaan Mooradian is a 19-year-old university student in Toronto studying psychology. His writing focuses on the politics and history of the Middle East and Armenia, with an emphasis on violations of international law. He intends to pursue law and hopes to shed light on human rights abuses.

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The post Forgotten Christians: The plight of Palestinian and Armenian Christians appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.

On January 17, 2025, the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies hosted a public concert at TUMO Yerevan, celebrating the debut albums of two student bands, Kangun and Uru. 

As a pioneering educational program in Armenia, TUMO blends self-learning, workshops and project labs to inspire the next generation. Its mission to empower youth extends across various fields—and musical education is no exception.

With a rich and vibrant musical heritage spanning centuries, Armenia has long been considered a cultural epicenter for music. This deep connection continues to fuel creativity today, as a new generation of musicians carries forward the legacy while reshaping Armenia’s music scene.

TUMO’s dedication to musical education dates back years, with the TmbaTa Orchestra serving as a testament to its commitment to nurturing Armenia’s musical legacy. Established in 2015, the band blends Armenian folk with modern soundscapes and performs across Armenia and internationally. Over the years, TmbaTa has established a movement that preserves the past while redefining the future of Armenian music.

Nearly a decade later, TUMO’s latest concert marked the album release of Kangun and Uru, featuring entirely original tracks now available on major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. The event also featured a striking visual presentation by the internationally acclaimed audiovisual artist and lighting engineer Misak Samokatian.

Click to view slideshow.

Uru’s debut EP includes five songs and a single, all original tracks with distinctive arrangements influenced by Armenian poetry. Their music delves into human emotions, especially the negative ones that many try to avoid. “Through our music, we want to remind everyone that you are not alone, you are loved, and this earth belongs to all of us equally,” the band shared.

Similarly, Kangun’s album explores themes of life, human struggles and the journey of self-acceptance. The album features some of their most beloved tracks, including “Amper,” “Lernagnats,” “Anapat,” “Bidza,” “Dzoghits Kakhvats” and “Karusel.” Their sound is rooted in Armenian lyric-based music, drawing from Armenian folk roots and various contemporary genres.

Both bands began their musical journeys at TUMO, where they developed their musical skills under the mentorship of Arik Grigoryan, founder of TmbaTa Orchestra. Uru’s members met during a workshop after being selected through auditions, quickly bonding over their shared passion for music. They credit TUMO for providing the resources and supportive environment that allowed them to grow and share their work with the world. For Kangun, TUMO wasn’t just an influence—it was the foundation of their musical journey. Their album is the culmination of nearly four years of learning, writing and performing, shaped by their education and experiences at TUMO.

Reflecting on the concert, both bands called it a milestone in their musical journey. Uru shared that while this wasn’t their first concert, it was undoubtedly their most special, marking the official presentation of their debut EP and single. They emphasized the joy of celebrating this achievement with fans, friends, maestro Arik Grigoryan and supporters, making the night truly unforgettable. Kangun echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude for how far they have come. After nearly a year of work, the event represented the final stage of the journeys of these two albums.

Both bands expressed heartfelt gratitude to TUMO for its support and commitment to helping young musicians thrive. They also gave a special shoutout to Grigoryan, whose guidance and expertise were instrumental in producing and recording their songs. 

TUMO’s impact on young Armenians is undeniable, as its dedication to education and creative development continues to shape the next generation of Armenia. As Uru and Kangun embark on this new journey in music, it’s clear that this is just the beginning.

Author information

Hena Aposhian

Hena Aposhian is a freelance journalist who primarily focuses on Armenian arts & culture. She is a graduate of the American University of Armenia and holds a bachelor’s degree in English & Communications.

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The post TUMO’s rising talents: Kangun and Uru take the big stage appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.

NEW! White House says @VP Vance and @narendramodi today discussed “topics of mutual interest, including how the United States can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, reliable U.S. nuclear technology” pic.twitter.com/1PkNTTCAKu

— Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) February 11, 2025