Yarda

Yarda was a village located in a region of volcanic rock formations that sloped northward toward the Hula Plain. The population consisted entirely of Muslims.

To the west-northwest of the village lay Khirbat Waqas (also known as Khirbat al-Qadah), which was believed to be situated on the site of the ancient Canaanite city of Hazor, later renamed Hatzor after becoming part of Israel.

Yarda was rich in water resources, which enabled the cultivation of rice, alfalfa, corn, and various vegetables.

Occupation and Depopulation of the Village

Although the village may have initially been occupied during Operation Yiftach in April–May 1948, it later fell within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) established between Syria and Israel following the Armistice Agreement signed in July 1949.

While Yarda appears to have remained inhabited until the end of Operation Yiftach, it is likely that its residents suffered the same fate as those in other villages located within the DMZ. According to Israeli historian Benny Morris, these inhabitants were forcibly removed from their homes by the Israeli authorities between 1949 and 1956, through a combination of direct and indirect pressure.

The Village Today

Partial walls of several houses and of a khan (caravanserai) still stand at the site. Stone rubble from destroyed homes is scattered throughout the area. Part of the land is currently used as pasture for livestock.

Source: All That Remains by Walid Khalidi.