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Short answer
The narrative of uninterrupted peace among religions in pre-state Palestine is a myth.
While periods of coexistence existed, they were frequently interrupted by violence, reflecting underlying tensions. Historians document inter-communal strife, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, amidst regional upheaval like the Ottoman Empire’s decline and rising nationalism.
Jewish-Muslim relations were marked by conflict, with Jews holding subordinate “dhimmi” status under Muslim rule and experiencing pogroms, such as those in Safed in 1834 and 1838. In the 20th century, Arab opposition to Zionism intensified, incorporating antisemitic elements and leading to further violence, including pogroms in Jerusalem (1920) and Jaffa (1921).
The 1929 massacres, incited by tensions surrounding the Western Wall, exemplify this violence, resulting in significant Jewish casualties and property destruction, highlighting Jewish vulnerability in Mandate Palestine
Long answer
The claim that perfect peace and coexistence existed among all religions in Palestine before the creation of Israel is a myth. While periods of peaceful coexistence did occur, they were often punctuated by outbreaks of violence, and underlying tensions persisted. Historians highlight instances of tension and violence between different religious groups in Palestine, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The early 20th century was a time of significant upheaval and transition in the Middle East, marked by the decline of the Ottoman Empire, the rise of nationalism, and increasing sectarian tensions. This period witnessed numerous instances of intercommunal violence, including clashes between Muslims and other groups, as well as conflicts within the Muslim community itself.
Jewish-Muslim relations in Palestine have been marked by a history of conflict and violence. Under Muslim rule, Jews held “dhimmi” status—a protected but subordinate position with legal and social restrictions. The 19th century saw several pogroms, notably in Safed in 1834 and 1838, where Jewish communities were targeted with violence, looting, and the destruction of synagogues. These pogroms were often fueled by resentment against Egyptian rule, which favored Jews and Christians in administrative roles.
With the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Zionism, Arab opposition shifted from political to religious, incorporating elements of European antisemitism. The early 20th century witnessed further violence, including pogroms in Jerusalem (1920) and Jaffa (1921) targeting Jews and accompanied by calls for violence, echoing older themes of European antisemitism.
The most severe violence erupted in 1929, incited by religious tensions surrounding the Western Wall. Massacres occurred in Hebron and other locations, resulting in significant Jewish casualties and widespread destruction of property. It is important to emphasize the role of religious leaders like the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem in inciting violence and the complicity of some Arab police officers in the attacks. These events highlight the vulnerability of the Jewish community and their impact on Jewish security as part of the overall instability in Mandate Palestine before the creation of Israel.
