Arab Higher Committee

Definition

The Arab Higher Committee was established in 1936 as the principal political organization representing Arab interests in Palestine. Formed in response to growing tensions between Jewish and Arab communities, the committee aimed to unify various Arab factions to address political issues, particularly the impact of Zionism and British colonial policies in the region. It played a pivotal role in articulating Arab opposition to Jewish immigration and land purchases, advocating for Palestinian rights and self-determination during a period marked by escalating conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Arab Higher Committee was initially formed to unify different Arab factions in Palestine against growing Jewish immigration and land acquisition.
2. During its existence, the committee organized widespread protests and strikes, including the 1936-1939 Arab revolt against British rule and Zionist settlement.
3. The committee's leadership included prominent figures such as Haj Amin al-Husseini, who became a key spokesperson for Arab concerns during this time.
4. In 1946, the Arab Higher Committee was dissolved by British authorities due to its involvement in political resistance against British policies and Jewish immigration.
5. The committee's legacy continues to influence Palestinian political organizations and movements, highlighting the long-standing struggle for Palestinian rights.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of the Arab Higher Committee reflect the growing tensions between Jewish and Arab communities in Palestine?
  • The establishment of the Arab Higher Committee was a direct response to increasing tensions fueled by Jewish immigration and land purchases in Palestine. As Zionism gained momentum, Arabs felt their political and social rights were under threat, prompting various factions to unite under this committee. This collective effort aimed to address grievances, advocate for Palestinian rights, and organize resistance against British colonial rule while responding to Jewish aspirations for a homeland.
• Evaluate the impact of the Arab Higher Committee's actions on British policies in Palestine during its existence.
  • The actions of the Arab Higher Committee significantly challenged British policies in Palestine, particularly during the 1936-1939 Arab revolt. The committee mobilized mass protests and strikes against both British rule and Jewish immigration, which pressured the British government to reconsider its stance on the Balfour Declaration and its implications for Jewish settlement. Although these efforts did not result in immediate policy changes, they highlighted the intensity of Arab opposition and ultimately led to shifts in British strategies regarding governance in Palestine.
• Analyze how the dissolution of the Arab Higher Committee in 1946 affected subsequent Palestinian political movements and the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • The dissolution of the Arab Higher Committee marked a turning point for Palestinian political organization. It signaled a fragmentation within Palestinian leadership that paved the way for new political entities to emerge. This fragmentation influenced future resistance movements, as different factions began vying for influence and legitimacy among Palestinians. In this context, it set a stage for further complications in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as competing narratives around national identity and claims to land became more pronounced amid escalating violence.

Related terms

Zionism: A nationalist movement that emerged in the late 19th century advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which significantly influenced Jewish immigration to the region.

Palestinian Nationalism: A political movement that seeks to establish and promote the national identity and rights of Palestinians, particularly in relation to statehood and self-determination.

British Mandate: The legal commission granted by the League of Nations to Britain to govern Palestine following World War I, which included administrative responsibilities and managing tensions between Jewish and Arab populations.