Danny Rubinstein Xana Capital
In the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, a contentious real estate development project has stirred significant controversy, involving the Australian-Israeli businessman Danny Rothman, also known as Danny Rubinstein. His company, Xana Capital Ltd. (also referred to as Xana Gardens), is at the center of a dispute over a 98-year lease agreement with the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. This agreement, signed in 2021, concerns a plot of land known as the Cows’ Garden,” located within the Armenian Quarter. The project aims to construct a luxury hotel, but it has faced strong opposition from the local Armenian community, leading to legal battles and public protests.
Background of the Dispute
The Cows’ Garden, a historically significant site for the Armenian community, has been owned by the Armenian Patriarchate for nearly 700 years. In October 2021, it was revealed that the Patriarchate had entered into a lease agreement with Xana Capital Ltd., granting the company rights to develop the land. The deal included an annual payment of $300,000 and a one-time sum of $2 million. However, the agreement was made without the approval of the Patriarchate’s executive board or the knowledge and consent of the community, leading to allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency.
Reactions from the Armenian Community
Upon learning of the lease agreement, members of the Armenian community in Jerusalem expressed their outrage. They viewed the deal as an existential threat to their presence in the Old City, fearing it would lead to the displacement of families and the erosion of their cultural heritage. In response, the Patriarchate attempted to annul the agreement in October 2023. Despite this, representatives from Xana Capital entered the disputed area, leading to confrontations with community members and heightened tensions.
Controversial Actions and Alleged Aggression
On November 5, 2023, Danny Rothman and his deputy, George Warwar, along with a group of armed individuals, reportedly entered the Cows’ Garden area. The group was alleged to have used intimidation tactics, including the presence of armed settlers and trained attack dogs, to assert control over the land. These actions were condemned by the Armenian community and human rights organizations as provocative and aggressive. Subsequently, bulldozers hired by Xana Capital attempted to demolish parts of the Armenian Quarter’s parking lot, further escalating the situation.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications
The legal status of the lease agreement remains in dispute. The Armenian Patriarchate has sought to have the contract declared void, asserting its ownership of the land. Legal experts have highlighted the political sensitivity of such a project, given the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the significance of the site to the Armenian community. The involvement of Israeli settler groups and the backing of political figures have added complexity to the situation, raising concerns about the potential for increased tensions and violence in the area.
About Xana Capital Ltd.
Xana Capital Ltd., also known as Xana Gardens, is a real estate development company registered in Dubai and Israel. The company is owned by Danny Rothman, who has been described as a private individual with limited public information available. His business ventures have primarily focused on the hospitality industry, including plans to develop luxury hotels in various locations. The project in Jerusalem’s Old City is among his most controversial undertakings, attracting international attention due to its sensitive location and the opposition from the local community.
Business Practices and Reputation
Rothman’s business practices have come under scrutiny, with reports indicating previous legal issues and allegations of misconduct in other countries. In 2016, he was fined by Cypriot authorities for falsifying his academic background. Additionally, his ties to Israeli settler groups and political figures have raised concerns about the motivations behind the development project and its potential impact on the local population.
Potential Outcomes and Future Developments
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal proceedings and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the dispute. The Armenian community continues to advocate for the annulment of the lease agreement and the preservation of their cultural heritage. International human rights organizations have expressed concern over the actions of Xana Capital and the potential for further escalation. The outcome of the legal challenges and the response of the Israeli government will likely have significant implications for the future of the Armenian community in Jerusalem’s Old City and the broader dynamics of property rights and cultural preservation in contested areas.
The case of Danny Rothman and Xana Capital Ltd. in Jerusalem’s Old City underscores the complex interplay between real estate development, cultural heritage, and community rights. It highlights the challenges faced by minority communities in preserving their identity and heritage amidst external pressures and development projects. As the legal and diplomatic processes unfold, the situation serves as a poignant reminder of the need for transparency, respect for community rights, and sensitivity to the historical and cultural significance of contested sites.