Al-Hafira Tourist Site Rehabilitation project | Rummana Village Council

Al-Hafeera in Rummana: A Well Reconnecting Land and People

On the edge of Marj Ibn Amer stands Rummana, guarding the northwest of Jenin. An ancient village rooted in history; its name tied to centuries-old Roman olive trees whose trunks still carry the marks of time. Once its lands stretched as far as Megiddo and Afula, before the occupation seized most of them and built the wall that cut the village off from its natural depth. Yet Rummana endures, alive through its people, who cultivate their land and preserve their identity through memory and work.

At the heart of this landscape lies Al-Hafeera, a historic well closely linked to farming and daily life. It brought farmers together around its waters and became a starting point for the Palestine Heritage Trail. Here, water flows into the fields, and people gather in the seasons of plowing and harvest—making Al-Hafeera a lasting witness to the bond between land and community.

From this legacy came the Al-Hafeera Heritage and Tourism Rehabilitation Project, designed to create a space where heritage and development meet, bringing time back to the well and its surroundings. The project restored the historic well, rehabilitated the valley, and transformed the area into an open public space with green seating areas and natural trails. Three new eco-paths were also created, linking the site with olive, almond, and grape groves, turning every visit into an experience that blends history with nature.

The impact was clear: visitor numbers increased sevenfold, and more farmers gained access to the well’s water, boosting local agricultural activity. Tourism also supported small businesses, increased the village council’s budget by 18%, and created 19 new jobs.

The local community was at the heart of this journey, contributing 49 days of volunteer work to clean and prepare the site, while a permanent team of three volunteers continues to support the council in managing and sustaining Al-Hafeera.

Al-Hafeera Heritage and Tourism Rehabilitation Project stands as a pivotal milestone in Rummana’s path. It strengthens eco-tourism, safeguards cultural heritage, and lays the foundation for sustainable development in the village. By opening new social and economic opportunities, the project enhances the resilience of citizens in the so-called Area “C” and supports broader social and economic development across the region.