United States Independence Park

The JNF's U.S.A Independence Park draws American people, particularly Jews, into complicity with JNF's actions of erasure and displacement of #Palestinians. The park was developed in 1976 with the help of JNF's friends of USA JNF to mark the close relationship between the U.S and Israel. The U.S.A Independence Park Hides: Allar Dayr al-Hawa Khirbat al-Tannur Jarash, Sufla Bayt 'Itab Dayr Aban

The Jewish settlements of Hasia, Beit Shemesh, Yishai, Sar’a were established on Dayr Aban lands, and in 1976 the JNF's Independence Park was established on them with the help of friends of the USA’s JNF to mark the close connection between the two countries.

The U.S.A Independence Park Hides:​​​​​​

• Allar
• Dayr al-Hawa
• Khirbat al-Tannur
• Jarash
• Sufla
• Bayt 'Itab
• Dayr Aban

Khirbat Marut

Khirbat Marut, managed by the JNF, now stands on the former site of Marus village, which once thrived on a slope overlooking the al-Hula Plain. Marus boasted agricultural richness, with grain cultivation, fruit orchards, and fig trees dotting its landscape. Traces of its past include the remnants of a synagogue dating back to the seventh century. However, Marus met its demise during the turmoil of the Nakba in 1948 , with Israeli forces prompting the exodus of its inhabitants through attacks and psychological warfare. Today, Khirbat Marut serves as a chilling reminder of this erasure, its very existence obscuring the rich history of Marus. Signs within the area, bearing new names and narratives, contribute to this erasure, perpetuating a selective memory that hides the truth of Marus and its people.

The Khirbat Marut Forest hides:

• Marus

Mrar Hills Park

al-Maghar (“The Cave”).  Remains from the Canaanite period have been found on the site of the village.  It had 2000 inhabitants in 1948, most of them Moslems.  They lived in 280 structures constructed of mud, concrete and stone.  The school had 190 pupils.  The village had 15,390 dunums of land of which 2,659 had been sold to Jews.  al-Maghar was captured on 15 May 1948; the JNF - KKL demolished its buildings.  Beit El'azari, a moshav, was established on its land; four of the village buildings still exist and are in use.

The Mrar Hills Park hides:

• al-Maghar

al-Qastal National Park

Al-Qastal National Park - Located on the Palestinian locality of Al-Qastal, this park stands as a stark reminder of the erasure of Palestinian history and heritage.

The village stood on top of a high, rounded hill, overlooking wide expanses in all four directions. It overlooked the al-Quds (Jerusalem)-Jaffa highway to the north and northeast, to which it was linked by a secondary road. Its position over the highway accorded al-Qastal a strategic significance. The village name was derived from the Latin castellum, the term for the Roman castle that was built on the site. The old Roman castle was renovated or rebuilt and named Belveer des Croises during the Crusader period.

The southern, northern, and eastern slopes of the site are covered with stone rubble and the ruins of stone terraces, half-concealed by wild grass. The ruins of the old castle lie on the mountain top. An underground shelter has been built on the site, southwest of the fortress. Olive, carob, and fig trees grow on the north and the west sides of the site, and cactuses grow on the southern side. The entire site, including parts of the fortress, has been turned into a national park and serves as an Israeli tourist attraction.

al-Qastal National Park hides

• al-Qastal

Zmorot Pond Nature Reserve

Before 1948, Bayt Daras was a thriving Palestinian village located 32 km northeast of Gaza. Its landscape featured a Crusader castle and a Mamluk caravansary, showcasing its rich historical significance. The village had grown to a population of 2,750 people, boasting two mosques, an elementary school, and flourishing agriculture. The village was occupied by Israeli forces in May, leading to the expulsion of its inhabitants. Three Israeli settlements—Azriqam, Emunim, and Giv'ati—were established on its lands, further altering the landscape.

This reserve, managed by the JNF, symbolizes the continued dispossession of Palestinian heritage and the transformation of the landscape. Today, remnants of Bayt Daras are overgrown with vegetation, interspersed with cactuses and eucalyptus trees—a testament to its erasure. As we reflect on the historical injustices faced by Palestinian communities like Bayt Daras, we are reminded of the continuous erasure and dispossession taking place in Gaza and beyond. The ongoing violence and displacement in Gaza represent a modern-day manifestation of the systemic oppression faced by Palestinians for decades.

Zmorot Pond Nature Reserve hides:

• Bayt Daras

Aminadav Forest

Established in the vicinity of Al-Walaja, the Aminadav Forest serves as a stark reminder of the dispossession and displacement experienced by Palestinian communities in the area. Before 1948, Al-Walaja was a thriving village nestled on a large hillside, boasting a population of 655 and a flourishing agricultural economy. However, during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the village faced occupation and was eventually handed over to Israel according to the terms of an armistice agreement with Jordan. Israeli settlements, including Aminadav, were subsequently established on the village lands, further altering the landscape. Today, remnants of Al-Walaja, such as a few stone houses and an elementary school, stand as poignant reminders of its past, while the Aminadav Forest conceals the history of dispossession and displacement that occurred in the area.

The site of Al-Walaja is now covered with stone rubble and almond trees, with a spring flowing from a stone-and-concrete structure in the valley. The 1948 Armistice line passes through the southern lands of the village, and refugee shelters built by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) now stand on the land that became part of the West Bank. The village area has been repurposed as an Israeli picnic site, while the Israeli Canada Park lies north of it, perpetuating the erasure of Palestinian heritage and history. Despite these efforts to conceal the past, the resilience of Palestinian memory endures, calling for acknowledgment and justice for the communities that once thrived in this land.

Aminadav Forest hides

• al-Walaja

Ramot Isahar Scenic Road

The Ramot Isahar Scenic Road winds its way through breathtaking landscapes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. However, beneath its picturesque facade lies a troubling history. This road traces its path over the former Palestinian locality of al-Murasas, a community with a rich cultural heritage and deep roots in the land. The presence of the Ramot Isahar Scenic Road serves as a stark reminder of the displacement and erasure experienced by the inhabitants of al-Murasas, whose lives and history have been obscured by the development of this roadway. As travelers traverse this scenic route, it is essential to reflect on the layers of history it conceals and the stories left untold beneath its asphalt surface.

The Ramot Isahar Scenic Road hides:

• al-Murasas

Naftali Mountains Forest

Naftali Mountains Forest stands as a silent witness to the displacement of Palestinian communities such as al-Nabi Yusha, Harrawi, Hunin, and Qadas. Al-Nabi Yusha, with its 80 residents, holds a sacred site linked to the prophet Yusha (Joshua ben Nun), while Moshav Ramot Naftali now occupies the fortified police post established by the British on village land.

Harrawi, inhabited by 290 Bedouins from ‘Arab al-Hamdun, and Hunin, home to 1,880 individuals, met similar fates, as Moshav Margaliot and Kibbutz Dan now occupy their respective sites. Stones from Hunin's homes were even repurposed to construct “Beit Ussishkin” in Kibbutz Dan.

Lastly, Qadas, which had 450 residents, was captured in 1948, with Kibbutz Yiftah subsequently established on its land. These villages fell in May 1948, becoming casualties of a turbulent period in history. Today, Naftali Mountains Forest conceals the echoes of their existence, preserving the memory of their lost communities amid the tranquility of the landscape.

The Naftali Mountains Forest hides: 

• al-Nabi Yusha
• Qadas
• Harrawi
• Hunin

Kabul Grove

The Kabul Grove, planted on the lands of Al-Damun, illustrates the displacement and renaming of Palestinian localities over time. Al-Damun, once spread across a rocky hill in western Galilee, fell during Operation Dekel in July 1948. The village was completely destroyed, and its inhabitants were expelled or fled amidst the bombardment. Today, the site of Al-Damun is overgrown with vegetation, scattered with rubble, and used for agricultural purposes by the nearby settlement of Yas'ur. Despite the attempts to erase its memory, the remnants of Al-Damun stand as a testament to the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition of Palestinian heritage.

• al-Damun

Ein Dor Grove

The JNF Ein Dor Grove, located near Indur, symbolizes the ongoing process of land confiscation and dispossession in Palestine. Indur, situated southeast from Nazareth, faced occupation on May 24, 1948, amidst military assaults and neighboring town fallouts. While there are no Israeli settlements directly on village land, the nearby settlement of Davrat was established in 1946, straddling the boundary between Indur and the village of Dabburiyya.

Today, remnants of Indur include partially ruined walls and thriving groves of date, doum palm, fig, and almond trees—a stark juxtaposition to the surrounding flat lands cultivated by Israelis. The presence of Davrat and the cultivation of village lands underscore the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice for Palestinian communities, amidst the ongoing process of dispossession and land appropriation.

Ein Dor Grove

• Indur

Tamra Grove

Tamra Grove hides: 

• al-Ruways

Asseret Grove

Asseret Grove hides:

• Bashit

Eshtaol Forest

Eshtaol Forest hides:

• Bayt Susin
• I'slin

Be'er Nahash

Be'er Nahash hides: 

• Dayr Nakhkhas

HaHamisha Forest and Neve Ilan Forest

HaHamisha Forest and Neve Ilan Forest:

• Bayt Thul

Qula Forest

The JNF's Qula forest stands as a poignant testament to the Palestinian village of Qula, which once thrived with a population of 1,170 inhabitants until its capture following intense fighting in July 1948. Among its notable residents was Hassan Salameh, a legendary fighter whose legacy echoes through the ages. Tragically, the village's buildings were repurposed by the Israeli Occupation Forces for military training in urban combat, erasing traces of its vibrant past. In the aftermath of its destruction, Givat Koah was established on Qula's site, although it was later relocated to nearby Al Tira (Ramleh). Today, amidst the forest's lush greenery, remnants of Qula's history endure, including traces of a Crusader fortress, a sprawling khan, and the resilient olive trees, fig trees, and prickly pear cacti planted by its former inhabitants—a poignant reminder of a community that once flourished in this land.

The Qula Forest hides:

• Qula

Tsipori Grove

Tsipori Grove hides:

• Safuriyya

Hodaya Recreation Area

Hodaya Recreation Area hides:

• Julis

Biriyya - Coretta Scott King Forest

The JNF presents the Coretta Scott King Forest as a beacon of "peace and justice," but it conceals the destruction of Palestinian villages, including Ayn al-Zaytoun, whose residents were killed and expelled with JNF involvement.

The Birya forest, now renamed the Coretta Scott King Forest, is one of Israel's largest man-made forests, built over six obliterated Palestinian villages in the Safad region. These villages—Dayshym, Alma, Qaddita, Birrya, Amqa, and Ain al-Zaitoun—were all erased during the Nakba, their inhabitants massacred or driven out. Ayn Al-Zaytun witnessed a horrific massacre that claimed 70 lives, immortalized in Elias Khoury's novel 'Bab el Shams' and its film adaptation.

The Birya/Coretta Scott King Forest Hides:

• Fir'im
• Ayn al-Zaytun
• Ammuqa
• Qabba'a
• Mughr al-Khayt

Beit Ha'emek Forest

Beit Ha'emek Forest hides:

• Kuwaykat

Yehiam Forest

Yehiam Forest hides:

• al-Ghabsiyya

Ben Shemen Forest

The Ben Shemen Forest, managed by the Jewish National Fund (JNF), stands as a testament to the organization's complicity in concealing Palestinian localities and their remains. Once home to thriving Palestinian communities, the park now covers up their existence, serving as a symbol of erasure and denial. Beneath the serene landscape lies the buried history of villages like Khulda, Qatra, and 'Aqir, whose traces have been systematically effaced. Instead of acknowledging the past, the park offers recreational facilities and picnic areas, masking the truth of dispossession and displacement.

The Ben Shemen Forest hides:

• Jimzu
• Dayr Abu Salama
• Khirbat Zakariyya
• Haditha
• Khirbat al-Duhayriyya

Bar'am Forest

Bar'am Forest hides:

• Fara

Hagilboa Forest

Hagilboa Forest hides:

• Nuris
• al-Mazar

Hakdoshim Forest

Hakdoshim Forest hides:

• Aqqur
• Dayr 'Amr
• Bayt Umm al-Mays
• Khirbat al-'Umur
• Kasla

Hof Hacarmel Forest

Hof HaCarmel Forest stands as a testament to the displacement of Palestinian communities, including ‘Ayn Ghazal, Jaba, and al-Sawamir. ‘Ayn Ghazal, once home to 2,520 residents and expansive lands, now sees only a few refugees residing in Fureidis, tending to the tomb of Sheikh Shehade that remains as a poignant reminder of their lost village. Moshav Ofer and part of Moshav ‘Ain Ayala now occupy the lands that once belonged to ‘Ayn Ghazal.

Similarly, Jaba, with its 1,320 inhabitants, met a similar fate, as Geva Carmel now stands on its former land. The fate of al-Sawamir remains largely unknown, save for the fact that part of Moshav Ofer now occupies its territory.

These villages fell victim to attacks from air, sea, and land in July 1948, during a declared truce in the fighting, marking a tragic chapter in Palestinian history. Today, Hof HaCarmel Forest conceals the scars of this displacement, serving as a somber reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice.

The Hof Hacarmel Forest hides:

• Ayn Ghazal
• al-Sawamir
• Jaba

Hazorea' Forest

Hazorea' Forest

• Abu Zurayq

Haruvit Forest

Haruvit Forest hides:

• Idniba

Kfira Forest

Kfira Forest stands as a silent witness to the erasure of Palestinian villages, including Bayt Thul and Nitaf. Bayt Thul, with its 300 residents and lush agricultural lands, fell victim to displacement, with a portion of its territory already acquired by Jewish settlers prior to the establishment of the state. Nitaf, home to 50 inhabitants, shared a similar fate, as members of the Ibrahim family from Abu Ghosh saw their lands transformed into the Nataf communal settlement.

The capture of both villages between April and July 1948 marked a tragic chapter in Palestinian history, as families were uprooted and communities dispersed. Today, Kfira Forest conceals the remnants of these villages, their stories etched into the landscape as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and remembrance.

The Kfira Forest hides:

• Bayt Thul
• Nitaf

Kfar Hahoresh Forest

Kfar Hahoresh Forest:

• Ma'alul

Lavie Forest

Lavie Forest, now covering the erasure of Lubya village, stands as a poignant testament to the rich heritage that once graced this land. Lubya, a bustling Palestinian village, nestled in the northern reaches of historic Palestine, was renowned for its hilltop architecture, olive groves, and vibrant community life. Its strategic location near the Golani interchange bore witness to centuries of history, from its medieval roots to its significance during the Ottoman era.

Despite its storied past, Lubya was occupied in the 1948 war, facing intense battles and eventual expulsion. Today, the remnants of Lubya are obscured beneath the pine trees of Lavie Forest, a silent witness to the tragedy of displacement and dispossession. Kibbutz Lavie and other settlements now inhabit its lands, while the memory of Lubya's refugees persists across the globe.

The tale of Lubya reflects the broader narrative of Palestinian dispossession, where legal mechanisms such as the Absentees' Property Law served to cement the loss of ancestral lands. Yet, amidst the silence and denial, the spirit of Lubya lives on, resonating in the voices of its dispersed descendants and the echoes of its silenced history.

The Lavie Forest hides:

• Lubya

Megido Forest

al-Lajjun was captured in May, 1948.  It had 1,280 inhabitants whose ancestors had come from Umm al-Fahm.  The village had 77,000 dunums of land.  Villagers cultivated grains, vegetables and citrus.  There were two mosques, a market, a clinic, a khan, a school and shops.  Six flour mills were powered by water from the nearby springs and wadis.  Kibbutz Megiddo was established on land of the village, some of whose buildings still serve the kibbutz.  A famous Israeli children’s story recounts the story of Pluto, a puppy from Kibbutz Megiddo who ran away and came to a pond.  It was probably the al-Hajja spring in al-Lajjun.

The Megido Forest hides:

• al-Lajjun

Sataf Forest

• Sataf
• Khirbat al-Lawz
• A'qqur

Plugot Forest

The Plugot Forest conceals the remains of vibrant Palestinian communities like al-Faluja and Karatiyya, where thousands once lived and thrived. Al-Faluja boasted bustling markets, schools, and essential services, while Karatiyya nurtured its educational institutions and agricultural heritage. Yet, in 1948, these communities faced expulsion and displacement. Today, their memory is obscured by rows of trees, with new Israeli settlements like Sderot and Or HaNer rising on their lands. The establishment of moshavim like Revaha, Shahar, Nahora, and Komemiyut further obscures the history of these lost villages, perpetuating the erasure of Palestinian heritage.

 The Plugot Forest hides:

• al-Faluja
• Karatiyya

Tsor'a (Hanasi) Forest

Tsor'a (Hanasi) Forest hides:

• Sar'a

Kiryat Ata Forest

Kiryat Ata Forest hides:

• Hawsha

Rosh Tsipor Forest (Hayarkon Park)

Rosh Tsipor Forest, nestled within Ganei Yehoshua, stands as a testament to the rich Palestinian heritage of the locality Jarisha. Spanning approximately 500 dunams (125 acres), this forest, now forming part of Hayarkon Park, once boasted a diverse array of native flora. However, the landscape has undergone significant alteration over time, as native trees have been replaced with eucalyptus and North Indian rosewood trees (Dalbergia sissoo). This change not only contributes to the erasure of the original landscape but also harms the environment, disrupting local ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.

Hayarkon Park hides:

• Jarisha

Segev Forest

Segev Forest hides:

• Mi'ar

Hacarmel Forests

Hacarmel Forests hide:

• Umm al-Zinat
• Khirbat al-Damun

Begin Park

The site abounds in the ruins and remains of the houses, and contains olive, almond, and pine trees. The village cemetery is visible on the southeastern edge of the site. Seven graves can be seen; bones are visible in some of the open ones. The village mosque still stands, abandoned and neglected; in the courtyard of the mosque, there is an artificial pool equipped with steps, and behind the mosque there are three wells. The shrine of Shaykh al-‘Umari stands next to an old network of irrigation canals. A set of stone stairs leads down to the arched entrance of the ancient spring of ’Ayn al-Qabu. Much of the surrounding land has been covered by a forest planted by Israel.

The Begin Park Hides:

• al-Qabu
• Ras Abu 'Ammar

British Park

The JNF-UK, with Honorary Patrons Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, funded the development of the British Park over the remains of ethnically cleansed Palestinian villages. An audacious sign at the park entrance, situated on Palestinian property, boasts "British Park, A gift of the Jewish National Fund of Great Britain." This display of hubris exposes the criminality of JNF UK, which profited from stolen lands belonging to Palestinian villages like Ajjur and Zakariyya. By their own admission, JNF UK has benefited from the proceeds of this grave injustice.

Furthermore, JNF UK continues to violate the rights of Palestinian refugees, who possess legal claims under international law to the land upon which the British Park stands. The destruction of a civilian community and the subsequent pillaging and sale of property constitute war crimes under international law. It's crucial to emphasize that war crimes are not subject to statutes of legal limitation.

• Ajjur
• Dayr al-Dubban
• Kudna

Hayarden Park

Hayarden Park hides:

• al-Butayha

Lehi Park

Lehi Park hides:

• al-Qubab

Rabin Park

Bayt Jiz had 640 inhabitants.  Har’el, Zalfon and Gizu were established on its land.
Bayt Mahsir had 2,780 inhabitants.  Beit Me'ir was established on its site, and Mesilat Zion on its land.
Bayt Susin had 240 inhabitants.  Ta’oz was established on its land.
These villages were captured in May, 1948.

Saris had 650 inhabitants when it was captured in April, 1948.  Shoresh and Sho’eva were established on its land.
'Islin had 300 inhabitants on the eve of its capture in July, 1948.  Moshav Eshta’ol was established on its land.

The Rabin Park hides:

• Bayt Mahsir
• Islin
• Saris
• Bayt Jiz
• Bayt Susin

Ramat Menashe Park

Ramat Menashe Park, nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Israel, holds a complex history obscured by its serene facade. Established on the ancestral lands of several Palestinian villages, including Abu Zurayq, Abu Shusha (Haifa), al-Kafrayn, Dalyat al-Ruha’a, al-Butaymat, al-Rihaniyya, and Khubbayza, the park's origins are intertwined with the forced displacement and erasure of indigenous communities. Captured in April and May of 1948, these villages were uprooted and demolished, making way for Israeli settlements and military installations. Today, remnants of their existence are overshadowed by the park's recreational facilities and natural beauty, highlighting the ongoing erasure of Palestinian history in the region. As visitors enjoy the scenic vistas of Ramot Menashe Park, it is imperative to recognize the layers of displacement and dispossession that underlie its tranquil ambiance.

The Ramat Menashe Park hides:

• Abu Zurayq
• Abu Shusha
• al-Butaymat
• al-Kafrayn
• al-Rihaniyya
• Daliyat al-Rawha
• Khubbayza

Tel Izre'el

Tel Izre'el hides:

• Zir'in

Tel Tsuba

Tel Tsuba

• Suba

Adolam-France Park

Adolam-France Park hides

• Khirbat Umm Burj

Ayalon-Canada Park

Established in 1972, the Ayalon park stands on the ruins of 4 Palestinian villages occupied during the 1967 war. The expulsion of all 6000 inhabitants, demolition of homes, and ongoing prevention of their return underscore the lasting injustice. The village of Deir Ayyoub was occupied in 1948, while Imwas, Yalu, and Bayt Nuba fell in 1967. Despite being part of the West Bank, this area has been effectively annexed by Israel. Covering 12,000 dunams, the park includes a portion of Israel’s Highway No.1,traversing the occupied territory.U.S.A Independence Park.

In the 1970s, the JNF gained control over Latrun area villages, It concealed the houses' remains with new pine and fir trees, confiscated the expelled Palestinians' olive trees and built recreational areas for Irsraelis. Playgrounds, some near destroyed Palestinian cemeteries, were created—a tactic used since the 1948 expulsions. 

The Ayalon Canada Park hides

• Yalu
• Imwas
• Bayt Nuba
• Dayr Ayyub

Yehia'm Forest

Yehia'm Forest hides:

• al-Ghabisiyya

Hakarmel Coast Forest

Hakarmel Coast Forest hides:

• Jaba’
• al-Manara
• Khirbat

Aminadav Forest

Established in the vicinity of Al-Walaja, the Aminadav Forest serves as a stark reminder of the dispossession and displacement experienced by Palestinian communities in the area. Before 1948, Al-Walaja was a thriving village nestled on a large hillside, boasting a population of 655 and a flourishing agricultural economy. However, during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the village faced occupation and was eventually handed over to Israel according to the terms of an armistice agreement with Jordan. Israeli settlements, including Aminadav, were subsequently established on the village lands, further altering the landscape. Today, remnants of Al-Walaja, such as a few stone houses and an elementary school, stand as poignant reminders of its past, while the Aminadav Forest conceals the history of dispossession and displacement that occurred in the area.

The site of Al-Walaja is now covered with stone rubble and almond trees, with a spring flowing from a stone-and-concrete structure in the valley. The 1948 Armistice line passes through the southern lands of the village, and refugee shelters built by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) now stand on the land that became part of the West Bank. The village area has been repurposed as an Israeli picnic site, while the Israeli Canada Park lies north of it, perpetuating the erasure of Palestinian heritage and history. Despite these efforts to conceal the past, the resilience of Palestinian memory endures, calling for acknowledgment and justice for the communities that once thrived in this land.

Aminadav Forest hides

• al-Walaja

Balfour Forest

Balfour Forest

• al-Mujaydil

Kefar Hahoresh Forest

Kefar Hahoresh Forest hides:

• Ma'lul

Tzora’ Forest

Tzora’ Forest hides:

• Sar’a

Nabi Yosha Forest

Nabi Yosha Forest hides:

• A'rab al-Zubayd

Bar'am Forest

Bar'am Forest hides:

• Fara

Beit Ha’emek Forest

Beit Ha’emek Forest hides:

• Kuwaykat

Harod Stream

Harod Stream hides:

• Tall al-Shawk