The heads of the Christian churches in Jerusalem intend to boycott the event, hosted by Mayor Nir Barkat in protest against municipal tax payments for church property, Haaretz reported.

Heads of churches, as well as Armenian patriarch Nurkhan Manukyan, signed the statement, according to which the decision contradicts the historical position of the churches in Jerusalem and the city authorities. According to them, the municipal tax undermines the sanctity of Jerusalem and jeopardizes the church's ability to serve in the Holy Land on behalf of its communities.

The city authorities, in their turn, consider unacceptable when hotels, banquet halls and other business operated by the churches are not taxed.

The authorities stated that the traditional New Year's event will take place no matter what.