The Mufti's famous meeting with Hitler in November 1941
The book ‘Nazis, Islamists, and the Making of the Modern Middle East’, authored by Wolfgang G. Schwanitz and Barry Rubin, points to Hitler being open to emigration as a solution to the “Jewish Question” in 1941. The book vividly illustrates (see pages 20–22) the influence that the Mufti brought to bear in helping initiate a mass extermination programme, albeit a contention that is controversial amongst other historians:
“Hitler had to decide precisely how “the very last” of
the Jews were to leave Germany. As late as 1941, Hitler thought this
could happen, in the words of Hermann Göring in July, by “emigration or
evacuation.” Yet since other countries refused to take many or any
Jewish refugees, Palestine was the only possible refuge, as designated
by the League of Nations in 1922. If that last safe haven was closed,
mass murder would be Hitler’s only alternative.
The importance of the Arab-Muslim alliance for Berlin,
along with the grand mufti’s urging, ensured that outcome. And
al-Husaini would be present at the critical moment Hitler chose it. In
November 1941, al-Husaini arrived in Berlin to a reception showing the
Germans saw him as future leader of all Arabs and Muslims, perhaps even
reviver of the Islamic caliphate. […]
When the day of German victory came, Hitler continued,
Germany would announce the Arabs’ liberation. The grand mufti would
become leader of most Arabs. All Jews in the Middle East would be
killed. […]
A few hours after seeing the grand mufti Hitler
ordered invitations sent for a conference to be held at a villa on Lake
Wannsee. The meeting’s purpose was to plan the comprehensive
extermination of all Europe’s Jews.”
“Arise. O sons of Arabia, fight for your sacred
rights. Kill the Jews wherever you find them. Their spilled blood
pleases Allah, our history and religion. That will save our honor.” —
Haj Amin al-Husseini, radio broadcast, May 1942.
“…The sole German objective in the region will be to
liquidate all Jews who live in Arab countries under the patronage of
Great Britain.” — Adolf Hitler to Hajj Amin al-Husseini, November 28, 1941.
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