Muhammad Ishaq Darwish, a prominent Palestinian politician and national figure, played a crucial role in the resistance against the British Mandate in Palestine. Born in 1896 in Jerusalem, he was deeply involved in the Palestinian national movement from the 1920s until his death in 1974. A close ally of Haj Amin al-Husseini, Darwish participated in significant political and educational initiatives, including the founding of the Rawdat al-Maaref National College in 1918 and the Arab Club the same year. His commitment to Palestinian rights was evident through his participation in various conferences and organizations aimed at defending the Palestinian cause.
Darwish's educational background included studies in Jerusalem and Beirut, followed by military training in Istanbul. His political activism intensified during the British occupation, where he took part in the Bludan Conference in 1937, which rejected the partition of Palestine. He also played a pivotal role in the Great Palestinian Revolt (1936-1939) and was involved in the Islamic Conference to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1928.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including arrests by Turkish and French authorities due to his political activities, Darwish remained steadfast in his commitment to the Palestinian cause. After the Nakba in 1948, he continued to work towards Palestinian rights and was instrumental in establishing the Supreme Islamic Authority in Jerusalem following the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967. He passed away in 1974, leaving behind a legacy of resistance and dedication to the Palestinian struggle.
- Muhammad Ishaq Darwish was not only a politician but also an educator and community leader. He served as a teacher and later held various positions within the Islamic institutions in Jerusalem. His dedication to education was reflected in his role at the Rawdat al-Maaref National College, where he influenced the next generation of Palestinian leaders. Throughout his life, Darwish faced significant hardships, including financial difficulties and political imprisonment. His resilience and unwavering commitment to his cause made him a respected figure among Palestinians. After the Nakba, he settled in various locations, including Egypt and Beirut, before returning to Jerusalem, where he continued to advocate for Palestinian rights until his death.
