Armenians in Israel and Palestine
Armenians in Israel and Palestine (Hebrew: ארמנים; Arabic: أَرْمَنِيُّون) make up a community of approximately 5,000–6,000 Armenians living in both Israel and the State of Palestine.
In 1986, it was estimated that 1,500 Armenians lived in the city of Jerusalem.[4] According to a 2006 survey, 790 Armenians lived in Jerusalem's Old City.[5] In 2021, an estimate of approximately 5,000–6,000 Armenians lived across Israel and Palestine.[6][7]
Demographics
In 1986, it was estimated that 1,500 Armenians lived in the city of Jerusalem.[4] According to a 2006 survey, 790 Armenians lived in Jerusalem's Old City.[5] In 2022, an estimate of approximately 5,000–6,000 Armenians lived across Israel and Palestine.[18][7]
There are a few Russian-speaking Jews from Armenia in Israel, but they are classified within the former USSR Aliyah, so no precise statistics are available prior to 1991 when Armenia restored its independence from the USSR.
Religion
The overwhelming majority of Armenians in Israel are Armenian Orthodox Christians, but there are also a small number of Armenian Catholics and Armenian Evangelicals. The Armenian Orthodox remain under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the residing Patriarch, in spiritual connection with the Armenian Apostolic Church (See of Holy Etchmiadzin), whereas the Armenian Catholics are under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Catholic Church and Patriarchal Vicar (residing at Via Dolorosa 41 – Fourth Station).
The Churches belonging to the Armenian Apostolic Church are among others St. Elias Church in Haifa and Saint Nicholas Church and Monastery in Jaffa. Armenian-Israelis also pray in St. James Cathedral (Surpotz Hagopyants) at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem (under joint jurisdiction of Armenian Church with other Christian churches), the Tomb of Virgin Mary and Gethsemane, the Chapel of the Ascension on Mount of Olives, the Church of St. Gregory the Enlightener in modern Jerusalem, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (again under joint jurisdiction of the Armenian Church and other Christian churches). The Armenian Church also has the St George Monastery in Ramle. Armenians in Israel and Palestine celebrate Christmas and the Epiphany on the same day, which is traditionally on January 19, while Armenian Orthodox communities in Armenia and worldwide celebrate on January 6. This is because the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem still abides by the ancient Julian calendar, whereas the Armenian Apostolic Church has adopted the Gregorian calendar. Armenian Catholics, Evangelical and Brethren churches in Israel celebrate Christmas on December 25, in line with all other Catholics of the Roman Catholic Church as well as other fellow Protestants.
Language and culture
The Institute of African and Asian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem established a chair of Armenian Studies program, specialising in study of Armenian language, literature, history and culture as well as the Armenian genocide.