Bayt Safafa

Beit Safafa is a present-day Palestinian village

located southwest of the city of Jerusalem, center, at an elevation of 750 meters, approximately 6 kilometers above sea level. The village encompasses an area of approximately 3,314 dunums. It is bordered by several Jerusalem-area towns and villages, including: the city of Jerusalem, and the villages of Al-Malha, Sur Baher, Umm Tuba, Beit Sahour, Beit Jala, and the city of Bethlehem.

In 1922, the population of Beit Safafa was recorded at 722 residents. By 1931, this number had increased to 1,021 (499 males and 522 females), all of whom were Muslim, with the exception of 13 Christian men and 11 Christian women. This figure includes the residents of the neighboring Mar Elias Monastery. At that time, the residents collectively owned 202 houses. In 1945, the population was estimated at 1,410 individuals, including 40 Christians.The inhabitants trace their origins to various regions including Al-Namta (from the Tafila district), Battir, Jabalia, Egypt, and others. According to the 1961 census, the number of residents living in the western sector of Beit Safafa was recorded at 1,025 (457 males and 568 females).

Source: All That Remains. Walid Khaledi