Fact Check: "Palestinians started the violence actions against Jews around 1920"
What We Know
The claim that "Palestinians started the violence actions against Jews around 1920" refers to a series of violent events that occurred in the early 20th century, particularly during the 1920s. The historical context is critical to understanding this claim.
The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century with the rise of both Zionism and Arab nationalism. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, which endorsed the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, significantly increased Jewish immigration to the area, leading to rising tensions between the Jewish and Arab populations (Wikipedia).
In 1920, the Nebi Musa riots occurred, marking one of the first significant outbreaks of violence between the two communities. These riots were partly incited by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Mohammad Amin al-Husayni, who became a prominent leader of the Palestinian Arab movement (Wikipedia). The riots resulted in violence against the Jewish population, leading to deaths and injuries on both sides.
The subsequent 1929 Palestine riots further escalated tensions, resulting in the deaths of many Jews and Arabs, and were characterized by widespread violence against Jewish communities (Wikipedia, Jewish Virtual Library).
Analysis
The assertion that Palestinians initiated violence against Jews in 1920 is partially true but requires nuance. While it is accurate that significant violent actions against Jews began around this time, it is essential to understand the broader context of these events.
The early 20th century was marked by a complex interplay of nationalist movements, colonial interests, and demographic changes. The Jewish population in Palestine was growing due to immigration spurred by the Zionist movement, which was often met with resistance from the Arab population who felt threatened by the changing demographic landscape (Wikipedia, BBC).
The Nebi Musa riots and subsequent violence were not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of escalating tensions. The British mandate over Palestine, which began after World War I, also played a significant role in exacerbating these tensions. The British government often found itself caught between the competing national aspirations of Jews and Arabs, leading to policies that many in both communities viewed as biased (Eugene Rogan).
The reliability of sources regarding these events varies. Academic sources like those authored by Professor Eugene Rogan provide a well-rounded historical perspective, while Wikipedia and other online encyclopedias summarize events with varying degrees of depth and bias. The Jewish Virtual Library, while informative, may present a perspective that emphasizes Jewish suffering and resilience, which could influence the interpretation of events (Jewish Virtual Library).
Conclusion
The claim that "Palestinians started the violence actions against Jews around 1920" is Partially True. While it accurately identifies a period when significant violence occurred, it oversimplifies the complex historical context that led to these actions. The violence was a result of escalating tensions driven by nationalist movements, colonial policies, and demographic changes, rather than a unilateral initiation of violence by Palestinians alone.
Sources
- A Century of Conflict: Professor Eugene Rogan's Historical Perspective
- History of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict - Wikipedia
- 1920 Nebi Musa riots - Wikipedia
- 1929 Palestine riots
- Israel and the Palestinians: History of the conflict explained
- Arab Riots of the 1920's - Jewish Virtual Library
- Remembering the Jewish Massacres in Mandate Palestine
