National Defense Party (Mandatory Palestine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
National Defense Party
|
|
|---|---|
| Arabic name | حزب الدفاع الوطني |
| Hebrew name | מפלגת ההגנה הלאומית |
| Founder | Raghib al-Nashashibi |
| Founded | December 1934 |
| Ideology | Palestinian nationalism Anti-Zionism Arab–Jewish reconciliation Anti-Husayni |
| Political position | Centre |
The National Defense Party (often called the NDP) was a political group formed in December 1934. It was started by Raghib al-Nashashibi in a place then known as the British Mandate of Palestine. This was a time when the area was controlled by Britain.
Contents
Understanding the National Defense Party
The National Defense Party was a key political group in Palestine during the 1930s. It played an important role in the discussions and events of that time.
What the Party Believed In
The National Defense Party was seen as more moderate than another big group, the Palestine Arab Party. The NDP had clear goals for the future of Palestine.
- They wanted Palestine to become an independent country.
- They believed that Arabs should be the main population group in this new country.
- They did not agree with the Balfour Declaration. This was a statement from Britain in 1917 that supported creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
Role in Palestinian Politics
The NDP was part of the first Arab Higher Committee. This committee was a main political body for Arabs in Palestine. It was formed on April 26, 1936. However, the NDP left the committee in early July 1937.
When other Palestinian Arab nationalist parties were banned by the British in October 1937, the NDP managed to avoid this ban. This showed their different approach compared to other groups.
Helping the British During the Revolt
During the Arab Revolt (1936-1939), the National Defense Party actively helped the British authorities. Because of this, some people saw them as collaborators. This led to attacks and even assassinations against NDP members.
The London Conference
Later, the second Arab Higher Committee tried to stop NDP members from joining the Palestinian Arab group at the 1939 Round Table Conference. This conference was held in London to discuss the future of Palestine.
Eventually, a compromise was reached. Raghib al-Nashashibi and another NDP member were allowed to join the conference two days after it began. The NDP was also the first Palestinian political party to say they accepted the 1939 White Paper. This paper was a British policy document about Palestine's future.
