[News] Israel Freezes Orthodox Church Bank Accounts in Jerusalem, Imposes Heavy Taxes

[Anti-Imperialist News]

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Israel Freezes Orthodox Church Bank Accounts in Jerusalem, Imposes Heavy
Taxes
Editing Team
August 16, 2025
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Occupied Jerusalem (Quds News Network)- Israeli authorities froze the bank
accounts of the Orthodox Patriarchate in occupied Jerusalem and imposed
heavy taxes on its properties. The move sparked strong condemnation and
warnings of dangerous consequences.

The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine said the
step threatens the church’s ability to provide spiritual, social, and
humanitarian services. It stressed that the action violates international
law, signed agreements, and the historic status quo in the occupied
Palestinian capital city.

The committee also revealed that Israeli settlers expanded near the lands
of the Orthodox Church around St. Gerasimos Monastery near Jericho. It said
this reflects a wider policy to change Jerusalem’s identity and erase its
religious and cultural character.

“This is an unprecedented attack on the churches of the Holy Land,” the
committee warned. “It is a systematic attempt to undermine the Christian
presence in Palestine and empty it of its religious institutions.”

It called on global churches and Christian institutions to take urgent
political, legal, and media action to stop the violations and protect the
church’s freedom to serve its community.

The Orthodox Church spokesman told Ma’an News that the decision will
paralyze the church’s role and mission. He said the church rejects and
condemns the measure, which he described as a “flagrant breach” of the
historic status quo in occupied Jerusalem and international law. He added
that church leaders in Jerusalem remain in constant session to decide on a
response.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the Israeli decision
on Saturday. It said Israel aims to eliminate the Christian presence in
Palestine as part of its open war on holy sites and religious institutions.

Jerusalem Governorate described the decision as a “new crime” and a
“dangerous aggressive step.” It said the move directly violates freedom of
worship and represents a clear attempt to Judaize the city and erase its
Islamic and Christian identity.

Both the Foreign Ministry and the Governorate urged the international
community, and Christian and Muslim leaders worldwide, to take urgent
action to protect the Christian presence in occupied Jerusalem. They held
Israel fully responsible for the consequences of its policies.

In recent years, Israel escalated pressure on churches by demanding
retroactive tax payments. In 2018, authorities froze properties and bank
accounts of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate worth over 30 million shekels
(around $8.5 million).
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