Amin al-Husseini and the Revolts

Hajj Amin al-Husseini (1897–1974) was one of the most prominent Palestinian Arab political and religious leaders during the British Mandate of Palestine (1920–1948).
He played roles in several anti-British and anti-Zionist uprisings in Palestine and the wider Arab world.

Major Revolts He Was Involved In

Historians usually associate him with three major revolts or uprisings.

1. The 1920 Nebi Musa Riots

• Occurred in Jerusalem in April 1920 during the annual Nebi Musa religious festival.
• Violence broke out between Arabs and Jews.
• Amin al-Husseini was accused by the British authorities of inciting the crowd with nationalist speeches.
• He was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison, but later pardoned.

2. The 1929 Palestine Riots (Al-Buraq Uprising)

• Also known as the Al-Buraq revolt.
• Triggered by tensions over the Western Wall / Al-Buraq site in Jerusalem.
• Violence spread to Hebron, Safed, and other cities.
• As Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Amin al-Husseini played a political role mobilizing opposition to Zionist activities, though historians debate the degree of his responsibility.

3. The 1936–1939 Arab Revolt in Palestine

• The largest Palestinian uprising during the British Mandate.
• Began with a general strike in 1936 and evolved into an armed rebellion against: