Figure 1.-- Jerusalem Grand Mufti Haj Amin el-Husseini with NAZI support launced another Arab Revolt with viloent attacked aimed at the British and Jews (1936). The caption here read, "Since the British occupation of Jerusalem, Palestine, after the old city had been held for four days by Arabs, a measure of calm has descended on the district. —When this picture reached London by air after leaving Jaffa, where there was sniping. British police captain leading Jewish kiddies to safety away from Arab snipers during the reoccupation of the old city of Jerusalem in Palestine" The photograoh was dated October 24, 1938.

Had the Jerusalem Grand Mufti Haj Amin el-Husseini had his way, the first Keistalnacht would have occurred in Palestine. The Mufti was disturbed that Britain was not moving fast enough toward idependence for Palestine, given that steps had been taken in Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt. He decided to pursue a violent path toward indoendence. He helped inspire riots and disorders throughout Palestine insidered by events in Germany (April 1936). Six prominent Arab leaders formed the Arab High Command to to protest Zionist activities, especially land purchases and immigration. The Arab High Command organized a general strike of Arab workers and a boycott of Jewish products (April 1936). Soon the initial peaceful actions escalated into attacks on Jews as well as the British authorities. The NAZIs provided some financial support. This would begin an association between the Arans and NAZIs that would continue into Worlkd War II. Riots occured in Jerusalem and other cities . These dusorders, seen as the first stage of the 'Arab Revolt' continued until November, 1936. Another stage of disorders began in September, 1937. The cause was the Peel Commission which suggested the partition of Palestine. The second stahe was much more violent. There were more intense fifgting with British forces as well as attacks on more Jewish settlements. The British were hard pressed at the time and actually authorized the arming of the Haganah. The British and the Haganah worked togrther. Effecive operations were organized by Charles Orde Wingate who later became famous in Burma. Wingate established Special Night Squads of Jewish volunteers. The British sucessfully defeated the Arab Revolt. Husseini was able to find refuge in Iraq. The British government cocerned about the British position in the Arab world sought to apease Arab opinion with the 1939 White Paper.

Created: 2:00 AM 8/31/2017
Last updated: 2:00 AM 8/31/2017