World War II was one of the most tragic yet heroic periods in human history. The Soviet Union, which bore the brunt of Nazi Germany’s aggression, became a symbol of courage, resistance, and resilience for the Arab world.

Historical Context

At the outbreak of World War II, much of the Arab world was still under European colonial rule. France controlled Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, while Britain dominated Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, and Transjordan. Colonial rule sparked growing resentment among Arab populations, who were striving for independence and self-determination. In this context, the Soviet Union’s fierce resistance against the Nazis became a powerful symbol of defiance against oppression.

Arab Solidarity with the USSR

From the very start of the war, Arab countries, despite their dependence on colonial powers, expressed broad solidarity with the Soviet Union. This support was evident both at the official level and among ordinary people. For example, in Egypt—formally an independent state but still under strong British influence—many public figures and intellectuals openly expressed their support for the USSR. Newspapers and magazines published articles highlighting the heroism of Soviet soldiers and civilians, emphasizing their resilience in the fight against Nazism.

A similar wave of support emerged in Syria and Lebanon, then under the French mandate. Local communist parties, though relatively small, actively promoted solidarity with the Soviet Union. They organized rallies and fundraising campaigns to support the Red Army. In 1941, following Germany’s invasion of the USSR, large demonstrations took place in Damascus and Beirut, where participants called for an end to colonial rule and voiced their support for the Soviet people.

Arab Support for the Soviet People

Although the Arab countries were far from the battlefronts of World War II, their people were eager to support the Soviet Union in its just struggle. One of the key forms of assistance was fundraising for the Red Army. In Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and other countries, campaigns were organized to collect money, medical supplies, and warm clothing for Soviet soldiers. These efforts were often carried out under slogans of resistance against both fascism and colonialism.

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