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Portrait of Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni

Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni

Pivotal leader in Palestinian national struggle and resistance movements.

Born
1907
Born in
Jerusalem, Palestine
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Why Abd is here

Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni was a central figure in the Palestinian Arab nationalist movement, known for his leadership in guerilla warfare and his role in the Arab revolt against the British Mandate and the 1948 fighting against the Israeli occupation.

Their story

Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni was a prominent Palestinian Arab nationalist and fighter. Born in Jerusalem to Musa Kazim Pasha al-Husseini and Zakiyya al-Husseini, he initially worked in the British Mandate government's settlement department. However, his life took a significant turn as he became actively involved in the struggle against the British during the 1936–39 Arab revolt in Palestine. His leadership and combat skills were further highlighted during his participation in the Rashid Ali al-Gaylani coup in Iraq and his leading role in the Army of the Holy War in 1948. Tragically, he was killed in battle in April 1948, which had a profound impact on the morale of his forces.

In pictures

Milestones

The moments that shaped Abd’s path.

  1. 1933

    Founded the secret militant group, the Organization for Holy Struggle.

  2. 1936-1939

    Actively led the struggle against British during the Arab Revolt.

  3. 1938

    Exiled, later fleeing to Iraq and participating in the Rashid Ali al-Gaylani coup.

  4. 1946

    Moved to Egypt and secretly returned to Palestine in 1948.

  5. 1948

    April 8, 1948

    Killed in battle, impacting the morale of his forces.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Leading the Army of the Holy War

    A major force during the 1948 war.

  2. Participation in Rashid Ali al-Gaylani coup

    Demonstrated his commitment to anti-colonial struggles.

  3. Secretary-General of the Palestine Arab Party

    Contributed to the political discourse.

  4. Editor-in-chief of Al-Liwa and Al-Jami’a Al-Islamiyya newspapers

    Influenced public opinion through media.

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