As Israelis endure a brutal assault by Hamas, it’s imperative to examine the life and legacy of one of the most influential antisemites (besides Hitler) of the 20th century, shedding light on the true origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This conflict’s deep-seated roots can be attributed to a single individual – Haj Amin al-Husseini. In 1921, under British rule in the Middle East, he was appointed the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. This seemingly innocuous decision would have far-reaching consequences, as it laid the groundwork for the emergence of the Arab nationalist movement in Palestine.
However, al-Husseini was not merely a political figure. He was a fervent antisemite and went on to become the Arab world’s most significant collaborator with the Nazis during World War II. His tireless efforts were directed toward the ethnic cleansing and annihilation of Jews in Palestine and across the Middle East. The impact of his influence and rhetoric resulted in countless attacks and massacres of Jews, akin to the pogroms witnessed in Eastern Europe.
Al-Husseini’s legacy extends beyond founding Palestinian nationalism and terrorism; he shaped it into an ideology of absolute rejectionism and even genocide. He vehemently denied Jews any national rights, especially in British Mandate Palestine, and advocated for their death and extermination across all Arab lands long before Hitler’s Holocaust.
Today, al-Husseini’s ideology remains a significant obstacle to peace in the Middle East. Understanding his influence provides insights into why Palestinians, despite numerous opportunities for peace, continue to prioritize the annihilation of Jews over territorial negotiations.
During World War II, al-Husseini served as an advisor to Hitler and resided in Germany, aligning himself with the Nazi regime’s goals of conquest and genocide. His openly genocidal rhetoric extended to planning death camps for Jews in Palestine and Arab nations, envisioning a Middle Eastern Holocaust after Hitler’s victory.
Fortunately, Hitler’s defeat altered the Mufti’s strategy, leading him to focus on inciting terrorism against Jews. Subsequently, Yasser Arafat assumed the leadership of Palestinian terrorism, continuing a legacy of violence, hijackings, attacks, and even the tragic Munich Olympics massacre in 1972.
Arafat’s approach to the conflict echoed the Mufti’s, and the global community was deeply alarmed by the indiscriminate violence perpetrated by Palestinian terrorist groups. Nevertheless, these historical underpinnings are overlooked or forgotten, and Israel consistently finds itself subject to international criticism for its self-defense measures.
The question arises: How can negotiations take place when dealing with individuals or groups who seem unwavering in their determination to eliminate Israel?
The Oslo Accords negotiation revealed Arafat’s lack of genuine peace intentions, as his goal was Palestinian autonomy to intensify terrorism against Israeli Jews. Peace talks eventually collapsed as Arafat rejected generous offers from Israel.
Today, Palestinian leaders continue to embrace the Mufti’s legacy of absolute rejectionism and no compromise. His genocidal stance towards Jews and emphasis on radical Islamic ideology continue to influence groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and even non-Arab entities like Iran.
For peace to materialize, it is imperative for Palestinians to decisively renounce the Mufti’s toxic legacy. Unfortunately, this transformation seems improbable unless sincere and pragmatic Palestinian leadership emerges, genuinely committed to the ideals of peace and coexistence.
Ultimately, this conflict transcends land disputes; it is rooted in carrying out the Mufti’s dream of exterminating all Jews, a chilling echo of the Holocaust.
Recent events have tragically showcased this desire for genocide live on TV, as countless innocent lives have been lost. Yet, at the same time, the Jew-haters blame the Jews for these atrocities committed against us.