Dr. Michael Ben-Ari Links 1929 Hebron Massacre Legacy to October 7 Attacks

Dr. Michael Ben-Ari, former Knesset member and author of "Vision and Dagger," discussed the ongoing legacy of brutality against Jews from the 1929 Hebron massacre (known as the 1929 Palestine riots) through to the October 7, 2023 attacks. Marking the 97th anniversary of the 1929 riots, Ben-Ari emphasized that these violent events are part of a systematic pattern rooted in Islamic history and teachings, rather than spontaneous outbursts. He highlighted the continuity of incitement and orchestrated violence, citing the recent "Guardian of the Walls" riots as examples of planned escalation involving strikes, speeches, and marches that culminate in attacks on Jewish targets.

Ben-Ari traced the ideological origins of this violence to Haj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, who sought to unite the Arab world against Jews, framing them as enemies of Islam. He referenced Islamic traditions and Quranic verses that historically justified the destruction of Jewish tribes during Muhammad's era, including the killing of men and enslavement of women and children. Ben-Ari also noted the historical persecution of Jews under various Muslim regimes, such as the Abbasid Caliphate and in medieval Spain, emphasizing that religious leaders have often fueled hatred and violence against Jews despite economic benefits from Jewish communities.

Addressing the extreme cruelty of the 1929 riots, Ben-Ari recounted horrific acts including rape, mutilation, and murder, even against Jews who had friendly relations with their neighbors. He cited eyewitness accounts, including the survival of Mordechai Makleff, who later became IDF Chief of Staff. Ben-Ari argued that the brutality is rooted in Islamic texts and traditions that glorify martyrdom and violence against non-believers, contrasting this with Nazi efforts to conceal their crimes.

Regarding his ongoing legal battle over accusations of incitement for calling Muslims a murderous nation, Ben-Ari rejected claims that his statements were made during a "volatile period," insisting that silence in the face of attempts to annihilate Jews is unacceptable. He warned against forgetting these violent legacies, stressing that forgetting would lead to repetition of such atrocities. Ben-Ari urged Israeli society to remember the terror inflicted on Jewish communities, including the recent October 7 attacks, to prevent future tragedies.