On the fifth day of unspeakable atrocities against the defenseless Jewish population of Palestine, perpetrated by the Moslem Arabs with an unprecedented ferocity and mercilessness, the Moslem Arab leaders of Jerusalem were moved to issue what may be regarded as a proclamation of peace.
The move was precipitated by a rumor which spread among the Moslem population that the Palestine government gave firearms to the Jewish population and that the Jews “intend to shoot all Arabs.”
The proclamation, which was signed by the Grand Mufti, Mohamed Amin El Hussini, Rageo Nashashibi, Mayor of Jerusalem, Mahmoud Dgani, Jshak Shahabi, Mousa Kazim Al Hussini, Araf Al Dgani, and Moustafa Al Chaldi, stated that in connection with the rumor they had approached the Palestine government, which denied it.
“We understand that the government is giving orders to the military forces to remain neutral, their task merely being to protect people from being killed. Therefore, in order to prevent further slaughter and bloodshed, we ask you, for the good of the country, to work together towards calming the mood. Do not listen to false rumors. Be sure that we are faithful workers for the realization of our national ideal, but through peace and patience. The Lord is with the patient,” the appeal said.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
