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Today in History: Western Wall dispute sparks week-long Palestine riots

8/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In late August 1929, long-standing Muslim-Jewish tensions over prayer rights at Jerusalem’s Western Wall erupted into a week of violent riots across Mandatory Palestine. Demonstrations in Jerusalem, Safed and Hebron turned deadly, reflecting the broader contest for control of the holy site and foreshadowing future conflict.

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Story summary

In late August 1929, long-standing Muslim-Jewish tensions over prayer rights at Jerusalem’s Western Wall erupted into a week of violent riots across Mandatory Palestine. Demonstrations in Jerusalem, Safed and Hebron turned deadly, reflecting the broader contest for control of the holy site and foreshadowing future conflict.