Return Deir Al-Sultan Monastery to Coptic Church

The Issue

As members of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church, Deir Al-Sultan Monastery holds profound spiritual and historical significance to us. Located in the heart of Jerusalem, this sacred site has been a cornerstone of our religious heritage for centuries. However, despite the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church's clear historical and legal claims to this ancient monastery, it has remained under the control of Ethiopian monks for several decades, with the arrangement and support of the local Israeli police.

The Egyptian Coptic Church has long sought justice through every available legal avenue, including the Supreme Court, which recognizes our rightful ownership and claims to the Deir Al-Sultan Monastery. Yet, despite favorable rulings, there continues to be a lack of action to rectify this ongoing injustice. This situation not only violates the rights of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox community but also disregards the rulings of the highest court.

It is crucial to highlight the deep cultural and spiritual ties that the Coptic community shares with Deir Al-Sultan. This monastery is more than just a building; it is a testament to our enduring faith and a rightful part of our heritage that should be accessible to us. The deprivation of access and ownership has left a void in our community, depriving us of our sacred traditions and places of worship.

We call upon international and local authorities, including the Israeli government, to uphold justice and respect the rightful ownership of Deir Al-Sultan Monastery by the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church. Immediate measures should be taken to enforce court rulings, and facilitate the peaceful transfer of control back to the rightful owners.

By signing this petition, you stand with the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox community in our quest for justice, religious freedom, and the rightful return of the Deir Al-Sultan Monastery to those who hold it dear in their hearts. Please sign this petition and support our call for the restoration of what is rightfully ours.

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The Issue

As members of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church, Deir Al-Sultan Monastery holds profound spiritual and historical significance to us. Located in the heart of Jerusalem, this sacred site has been a cornerstone of our religious heritage for centuries. However, despite the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church's clear historical and legal claims to this ancient monastery, it has remained under the control of Ethiopian monks for several decades, with the arrangement and support of the local Israeli police.

The Egyptian Coptic Church has long sought justice through every available legal avenue, including the Supreme Court, which recognizes our rightful ownership and claims to the Deir Al-Sultan Monastery. Yet, despite favorable rulings, there continues to be a lack of action to rectify this ongoing injustice. This situation not only violates the rights of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox community but also disregards the rulings of the highest court.

It is crucial to highlight the deep cultural and spiritual ties that the Coptic community shares with Deir Al-Sultan. This monastery is more than just a building; it is a testament to our enduring faith and a rightful part of our heritage that should be accessible to us. The deprivation of access and ownership has left a void in our community, depriving us of our sacred traditions and places of worship.

We call upon international and local authorities, including the Israeli government, to uphold justice and respect the rightful ownership of Deir Al-Sultan Monastery by the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church. Immediate measures should be taken to enforce court rulings, and facilitate the peaceful transfer of control back to the rightful owners.

By signing this petition, you stand with the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox community in our quest for justice, religious freedom, and the rightful return of the Deir Al-Sultan Monastery to those who hold it dear in their hearts. Please sign this petition and support our call for the restoration of what is rightfully ours.

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Petition created on March 29, 2026