Fact Check: Palestinians started nebi Musa riots 1920

Fact Check: "Palestinians started nebi Musa riots 1920"

What We Know

The Nebi Musa riots, also known as the 1920 Jerusalem riots, occurred from April 4 to April 7, 1920, in British-controlled Jerusalem. These riots resulted in the deaths of five Jews and four Arabs, with hundreds injured on both sides (Wikipedia). The riots coincided with the annual Nebi Musa festival, a significant Muslim pilgrimage event. Tensions had been escalating between Jewish and Arab populations in the region, particularly following the British occupation and the rise of Zionist movements after World War I (Jerusalem Story Project).

The immediate trigger for the violence is debated. Some accounts suggest that the riots began when a Jewish bystander allegedly spat on an Arab banner, leading to a confrontation that escalated into widespread violence (Wikipedia). Prominent Arab leaders delivered speeches that included anti-Zionist rhetoric, which further inflamed the crowd (Jerusalem Story Project). The British military administration was criticized for its inadequate response, as they had withdrawn troops from the area and were slow to restore order (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The claim that "Palestinians started the Nebi Musa riots" is partially true. While it is accurate that the riots involved significant participation from Palestinian Arabs, the events were complex and involved multiple factors and actors. The riots were not a spontaneous uprising but rather a culmination of rising tensions due to political, social, and economic changes in the region. The Nebi Musa festival, which historically included a religious procession, became a focal point for expressing nationalist sentiments against Zionist immigration (Wikipedia, Jerusalem Story Project).

The Palin Commission, established to investigate the riots, noted that the Arab population had been incited by speeches that promoted Arab nationalism and denounced Zionism (Palin Commission Report). However, it also highlighted that the violence was not solely initiated by the Arabs; Jewish bystanders reportedly threw stones at the crowd, which contributed to the escalation of violence (Wikipedia, Jerusalem Story Project).

The reliability of sources varies. Wikipedia provides a broad overview but may lack depth in analysis, while the Jerusalem Story Project offers a more narrative-driven account that contextualizes the events within the broader historical framework. The Palin Commission report is a primary source that provides insights into the official investigation of the riots, although it may reflect the biases of its military authors (Palin Commission Report).

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "Palestinians started the Nebi Musa riots in 1920" is Partially True. While the riots were indeed initiated by actions and sentiments within the Palestinian community, they were influenced by a complex interplay of historical tensions, provocations from both sides, and the broader political context of the time. Thus, attributing the start of the riots solely to Palestinians oversimplifies the situation.