Abd El-Kader El-Jazairi

A 19th-century Algerian religious and military leader who protected Christians during the Franco-Algerian War and promoted interfaith dialogue.

Abd El-Kader El-Jazairi (1808–1883) was a Sufi leader, scholar, and warrior from Algeria whose life exemplified resilience and humanitarian values. Born into a Qadiriyya Sufi family, he emerged as a key figure in resistance against French colonialism in Algeria. Despite leading a military campaign, his legacy is defined by his ethical leadership. During the 1845–1847 famine, he distributed grain to both Algerian Muslims and French soldiers. Most notably, in 1860, during the Damascus riots, he sheltered thousands of Christians, showcasing religious tolerance in a time of sectarian violence. Exiled to Syria later, he continued advocating for education and coexistence. His 1865 letter to U.S. President Abraham Lincoln urging an end to slavery further highlighted his global humanitarian vision. Modern scholars like Brookings Institution praise him as a model for interfaith leadership.