Lifta, was an Arab village on the outskirts of  Jerusalem. Located on a hillside between the western entrance to Jerusalem and the Romema neighborhood, Lifta was depopulated in 1948.

The village and spring for which it is named are now a park. In mid-1940, Lifta was predominantly Muslim, with a population of 2,550. In the 1948 war, one of the goals of the Haganah was securing the western exit of the city. Toward this end, Arabs were evicted from villages at the entrance to Jerusalem. Lifta was one of the evacuated villages. Some 55 original stone houses, now empty, are still standing but the village has never been repopulated. .

A sign showing the exit from the Begin highway to Lifta is clearly visible. There is a scenic path descending from the turnoff to the natural spring and pool. The pool is often used by Jerusalem residents who come for a refreshing swim. Above the pool there is a cave with water that can be entered. Don’t forget sandals and a flashlight if you would like to explore the cave. The path continues through the neglected houses, the fascinating ruins of the village. There are cactus fields with sabra fruits alongside the hiking path. The stunning view of the mountains of Jerusalem, you would not want to miss.

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Posted: September 9, 2017

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