Black Hand (Mandatory Palestine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Hand |
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|---|---|
| الكف الأسود | |
| Dates of operation | 1930–1935 |
| Active regions |  Mandatory Palestine |
| Ideology | Palestinian nationalism Islamism Anti-Zionism |
| Size | 200–800 (1935) |
| Opponents |  Haganah Mandatory Palestine |
The Black Hand (Arabic: الكف الاسود, romanized: al-Kaff al-Aswad) was a group active in Mandatory Palestine from 1930 to 1935. It was led by Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, a religious leader born in Ottoman Syria. The group aimed to resist both British rule and Jewish settlement in the region.
Al-Qassam's teachings helped create the Black Hand. He encouraged people to join a struggle against what he saw as foreign control. The idea for the group likely grew stronger after the 1929 Palestine riots, which were a series of violent events. Some sources suggest the group's formation was decided even earlier, after an incident at the Western Wall in 1928.
At first, there was a disagreement within the Black Hand. One part of the group, led by Abu Ibrahim, wanted to start attacks right away. But al-Qassam believed it was too soon. He worried that early attacks would reveal their plans before they were ready. Despite this, some attacks did happen in the north. These included an ambush in April 1931 where three members of Kibbutz Yagur were killed. There was also a failed bombing in Haifa in early 1932. The group was also responsible for the deaths of a Jewish father and son in Nahalal in December 1932.
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam's Leadership
After a failed revolt he led in Syria in 1921, al-Qassam moved to Haifa. For many years, he often worked with Mufti of Jerusalem Mohammed Amin al-Husayni, a powerful religious leader. Al-Qassam needed the Mufti's approval for his official roles. Their cooperation seemed to grow after the 1929 riots.
However, their relationship changed in the mid-1930s. Al-Qassam wanted to use money meant for mosque repairs to buy weapons. The Mufti disagreed, as he preferred a diplomatic approach at the time. Al-Qassam then sought support from the Arab Nationalist Istiqlal Party. He continued trying to form an alliance with the Mufti to fight the British, but he was not successful. So, al-Qassam decided to move forward with his plans on his own.
Al-Qassam believed that violence was justified for religious reasons. After the 1929 Hebron massacre, he spoke out more strongly against Jewish settlement and British rule. He even got a religious ruling, called a fatwa, from the Mufti of Damascus. This ruling allowed armed resistance against the British and Jewish settlers.
The Black Hand group was similar to an earlier group called Green Hand. The Green Hand was active for a short time in the Safad and Acre areas during the winter of 1929-1930.
Group Activities and End
By 1935, the Black Hand had grown significantly. Estimates suggest they had between 200 and 800 members. These members were organized into small groups, or "cells," of five men. The group also provided military training for farmers.
The cells were armed with bombs and firearms. They used these weapons to attack Jewish settlements and damage British-built railway lines. While the group's message resonated with poor people in the countryside and cities, it worried the wealthy Muslim leaders. These leaders feared it would harm their connections with the British authorities.
Between 1930 and 1935, the Black Hand carried out several attacks against Jewish targets in northern Palestine. At least eight Jewish people were killed. For example, three members of Kibbutz Yagur were killed in April 1931. A father and son were also killed in Nahalal in December 1932.
On November 20, 1935, al-Qassam and some of his fighters were surrounded by British police. This happened in a cave near Jenin after they had killed a Palestine Police officer. Al-Qassam and three of his fighters were killed in the gun battle. Some members of the Black Hand who survived later took part in the larger 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine.
Legacy and Influence
Even though al-Qassam's revolt was not successful during his lifetime, his actions inspired many later groups. He became a popular hero. Many Arab fighters who participated in the 1936–39 Arab revolt in Palestine called themselves "Qassamiyun," meaning followers of al-Qassam.
The name "Black Hand" was also used by members of the 'Azazme Negev Bedouin. This group was believed to be responsible for the killing of eleven Israelis at Scorpion Pass in March 1954.
Another group, also called the Black Hand, was active around Jaffa in 1919. This group was founded by Wadi'al Bustani and was thought to have the support of the British military governor of Jaffa.
The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades is the military part of Hamas, a Palestinian political group. It was created in 1992 and named after al-Qassam. From 1994 to 2000, this group carried out many attacks against both Israeli soldiers and civilians.
Even Qassam rockets, a type of rocket, are named after al-Qassam.
See also
- 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine
- Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni
- Jihad
- Black Hand (Serbia)
