World War II: Arabs and Muslims Allied with Germans

During World War II, Arabs and other Muslims fought alongside the Germans, with Hitler holding them in high regard. One of the main issues was the conflict over Palestine, where the British played a significant role.

Muslims in the German Army: Muslims from the Caucasus and North Africa joined the Wehrmacht. Hitler considered Muslims the only reliable soldiers, due to his positive ideological views on Islam and their combativeness.

The 'British Mandate' for Palestine: After World War I, Palestine was placed under British control. The 1939 'White Paper' stipulated the termination of the British Mandate in ten years, leaving both sides dissatisfied.

The 845th German-Arab Infantry Battalion: This battalion operated in Greece, aiming to counter ELAS insurgents. It clashed with ELAS and Allied forces. Stefanos Sarafis referred to battles with Germans, Security Battalions, Italians, and Moroccans in the Helicon area.

Distomo Massacre: Eyewitnesses reported the presence of dark-skinned men in German uniforms at the Distomo massacre, without definitively confirming Arab involvement. There are reports of looting, rapes, and bestiality in the Kaloskopi, Phokida area.

During the German withdrawal, the Arabs played a rearguard role and clashed with EDES forces.