The National Defense Party

Establishment of the National Defense PartyDecember 2, 1934

Ragheb al-Nashashibi founded the National Defense Party in Jaffa together with a number of prominent figures and mayors opposed to the leadership of the Mufti, Mohammad Amin al-Husseini. Among them were Omar al-Bitar, Abd al-Rahman al-Taji, Mustafa al-Khairi, Yulus Shahada, As'ad al-Shuqairi, Adel al-Shawwa, Suleiman Tuqan, and Isa al-Isa.

Al-Nashashibi had previously lost the election for the presidency of the Jerusalem Municipality, held on September 26.

The party’s program called for working toward Palestine’s independence, establishing a national government in accordance with the aspirations of the Arab people of Palestine, promoting the country’s economic, scientific, social, and agricultural development, and improving the conditions of Arab workers and farmers.

However, the party became known for its willingness to cooperate with Britain and its support for proposals for self-government under the British Mandate.

Ragheb al-Nashashibi