Amin al-Husseini: The Anti-Zionist Arab Leader Who Collaborated With Hitler

Amin al-Husseini - Mufti of Jerusalem

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Socialist, Former Democrat, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest 

As an Iranian-American with roots deeply embedded in both Christian and Persian heritage, I have witnessed the significant influence of historical figures on both my own identity and the political landscape of the modern Middle East. One such figure whose actions shaped the course of the Arab-Israeli conflict and whose legacy remains controversial to this day is Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. His collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II, particularly his alliance with Adolf Hitler, marks a dark chapter in the history of the Middle East.

Amin al-Husseini was born in 1895 in Jerusalem and was raised within a prominent Palestinian Arab family. He rose to political prominence in the 1920s and 1930s as a leader of the Palestinian nationalist movement and as a vocal opponent of Jewish immigration to Palestine. Al-Husseini’s political career, however, was not simply defined by his opposition to Zionism, but by his more sinister affiliations and actions during World War II.

During the 1930s, as tensions in Palestine escalated between Jewish and Arab populations, al-Husseini’s anti-Zionist rhetoric became increasingly radical. He was vehemently opposed to the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, viewing Zionism as a threat to the Arab nationalist cause. It is in this context that he sought alliances with forces that shared his animosity toward Jews, one of the most notable being Nazi Germany.

In 1941, al-Husseini traveled to Germany where he met with Hitler and his associates. He sought Nazi support for the Arab nationalist movement and for the cause of opposing Zionism in Palestine. His meeting with Hitler was not a mere diplomatic gesture but a symbol of his willingness to collaborate with the Nazis in their quest for European and Middle Eastern domination. Al-Husseini’s ties to the Nazis were further solidified when he served as a propagandist, spreading anti-Semitic ideology in the Middle East and even recruiting Muslims to fight alongside the Axis powers.

What is particularly troubling is that al-Husseini’s collaboration with Hitler was not just about opposing Zionism but was also deeply rooted in shared anti-Semitic sentiments. His support for the Nazi cause went beyond the Middle Eastern context; he endorsed the Nazi plan for the "Final Solution" and worked to incite violence against Jews in the Arab world. His role in fostering hatred and promoting violence would contribute to the worsening of relations between Jews and Arabs in the region for decades to come.

Al-Husseini’s actions have had long-lasting consequences. His collaboration with Hitler not only tainted the legitimacy of the Palestinian nationalist cause but also set a dangerous precedent for the use of extremist alliances in the pursuit of political goals. His legacy, intertwined with Nazi ideology and anti-Semitic propaganda, continues to influence the political discourse in the Middle East, especially among those who promote an uncompromising opposition to the state of Israel.

In my personal journey as an Iranian-American who has navigated the complexities of identity, religion, and political ideology, the story of Amin al-Husseini serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremist alliances. I was once caught in a web of ideological beliefs that promoted division and hatred, first as a Muslim and later as a socialist. It is only through embracing the values of Christianity, liberty, and a commitment to truth that I have come to understand the importance of rejecting such toxic ideologies. My experiences have taught me that there is always a price to pay when political causes are built on hate and violence.

In conclusion, Amin al-Husseini’s collaboration with Hitler remains a shameful chapter in both Middle Eastern and European history. His actions, driven by hatred and a misguided vision of Arab nationalism, left a lasting scar on the Arab-Israeli conflict and continue to influence the politics of the region. As we look to the future, it is essential that we remember this dark history and work toward a more peaceful and just world where ideologies of hate are replaced by those of understanding and reconciliation.

Citations:

1. Husseini, Amin al-. "The Mufti of Jerusalem and Nazi Collaboration." The National Archives, www.nationalarchives.gov.uk.
2. Gilbert, Martin. The Holocaust: A History of the Jews of Europe During the Second World War. Holt Paperbacks, 1987.
3. Finkelstein, Norman G. The Holocaust Industry: Reflections on the Exploitation of Jewish Suffering. Verso, 2000.
4. Pappe, Ilan. The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine. Oneworld Publications, 2006.
5. Wistrich, Robert S. Antisemitism: The Longest Hatred. Pantheon Books, 1991.