A visitor prays outside the closed gate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City quarter of Jerusalem, on February 26, 2019. Abir Sultan / EPA
A visitor prays outside the closed gate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City quarter of Jerusalem, on February 26, 2019. Abir Sultan / EPA
A visitor prays outside the closed gate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City quarter of Jerusalem, on February 26, 2019. Abir Sultan / EPA
A visitor prays outside the closed gate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City quarter of Jerusalem, on February 26, 2019. Abir Sultan / EPA

Jerusalem mayor says he is working to resolve tax dispute

Lebanon throws its support behind Jerusalem's protesting Christian leaders

The National

February 27, 2018

  • English
  • Arabic

Jerusalem's mayor says he is working to solve the tax dispute that has led to the closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Mayor Nir Birkat said on Tuesday that he is negotiating alongside a third party but declined to identify who it is.

Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and other Christian leaders on Sunday closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to protest Mr Barkat's decision to force them to pay property taxes.

Mr Barkat says the taxes apply only to "commercial properties," and not houses of worship.

Church officials say they were blindsided by the decision.

Mr Barkat says his decision is in line with practices common around the world.

Lebanon on Tuesday threw its support behind Christian leaders in Jerusalem.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said that the church was rightfully defying measures by the Israeli government.

“We are in solidarity with Jerusalem, the capital of Palestine, and its people to protect Christian presence in the holy city,” Mr Hariri tweeted on Tuesday.

Christian officials said the church would remain locked indefinitely to pressure Israel to reverse its measures.

Dozens of disappointed pilgrims gathered outside the church on Monday.

  • Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built at the site where Christians believe Jesus was buried, remained closed on Monday in protest at Israeli tax measures and a proposed property law. All photos by Heidi Levine for The National
    Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built at the site where Christians believe Jesus was buried, remained closed on Monday in protest at Israeli tax measures and a proposed property law. All photos by Heidi Levine for The National
  • Christian leaders took the rare step of closing the church, seen as the holiest site in Christianity, on Sunday at noon in a bid to pressure Israeli authorities into abandoning the measures.
    Christian leaders took the rare step of closing the church, seen as the holiest site in Christianity, on Sunday at noon in a bid to pressure Israeli authorities into abandoning the measures.
  • The church, a major pilgrimage site, would be closed until further notice.
    The church, a major pilgrimage site, would be closed until further notice.
  • The church remained closed on Monday morning, with church officials saying it was not clear when it would reopen.
    The church remained closed on Monday morning, with church officials saying it was not clear when it would reopen.
  • The Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic denominations share custody of the building.
    The Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic denominations share custody of the building.
  • Christian leaders have been angered over attempts by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem to enforce tax collection on church property they consider commercial, saying exemptions only apply to places of worship or religious teaching.
    Christian leaders have been angered over attempts by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem to enforce tax collection on church property they consider commercial, saying exemptions only apply to places of worship or religious teaching.
  • Separately, Christian leaders say legislation being considered by Israel's government would allow church property to be expropriated.
    Separately, Christian leaders say legislation being considered by Israel's government would allow church property to be expropriated.
  • Christian pilgrims pray by the closed wooden doors of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
    Christian pilgrims pray by the closed wooden doors of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
  • Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat says the city is due 650 million shekels (Dh684.5m) in uncollected taxes on church properties.
    Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat says the city is due 650 million shekels (Dh684.5m) in uncollected taxes on church properties.
  • Shop owners near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem.
    Shop owners near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem.

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Read more:

Church of the Holy Sepulchre keeps doors locked in protest

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Churches fear the expropriation bill will make it harder for them to sell their property, the proceeds of which are vital to church activities. The new tax is also seen as a financial blow to the churches.

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