The Hebron Massacre was a significant episode within the broader context of the 1929 Palestine riots, a series of violent disturbances primarily fueled by Arab-Jewish tensions in British Mandate Palestine. These tensions escalated due to a combination of political dissatisfaction, economic competition, and disputes over holy sites, particularly the Western Wall in Jerusalem. On August 23, in Hebron, a town with a long-standing Jewish presence, Arab residents initiated attacks on their Jewish neighbors, leading to violent confrontations.

As the violence unfolded, crowds formed, carrying out organized assaults against the Jewish population. The rioting continued into the following day, resulting in an extensive loss of life. Estimates indicate that between 65 and 68 Jews were killed during the riots. Survivors reported horrifying instances of brutality, and the local Jewish community faced fear for their lives. The attacks not only claimed lives but also destroyed property, leaving the Jewish residents of Hebron in a state of despair.

By the end of the riots, the Jewish community in Hebron was compelled to evacuate, marking a significant demographic change in the city. This event adhered to a pattern of escalating violence and highlighted the fragile coexistence of Jews and Arabs in the region, laying foundations for future conflicts. The massacres exposed vulnerabilities within the community and heightened fears among Jews for their safety in Palestine, prompting discussions about security and immigration.