Kafr Ein

Infobox Palestinian Authority muni
name=Kafr Ein


imgsize=250
caption=
arname=كفر عين
meaning="Village Spring"
founded=
type=mund
typefrom=
altOffSp=Kafr 'Ayn
altUnoSp=Kufur Ain
governorate=rb
latd=32|latm=02|lats=54.46|latNS=N
longd=35 |longm=07|longs=12.81|longEW=E
population=1,800
popyear=2006
area=25,000
areakm=
mayor=Mohammed Rifa'

Kafr Ein ( _ar. كفر عين) is a Palestinian village in the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, located northwest of Ramallah in the central West Bank. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), Kafr Ein had a population of 1,800 inhabitants in mid-year 2006. [ [http://www.pcbs.gov.ps/Portals/_pcbs/populati/pop07.aspx Projected Mid -Year Population for Ramallah & Al Bireh Governorate by Locality 2004- 2006] Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS)] Most of the village's population comes from 4 clans: Rifa', Abu Kharma, Barghouti and Rafati. [ [http://www.palestineremembered.com/GeoPoints/Kafr__Ayn_1247/Article_8953.html Welcome To Kafr 'Ayn: Palestinian families] Amban Rifa'. ar icon]

History

Kafr Ein is transliterated as "spring village". The village contains ten springs and ten reservoirs, one of which was recently damaged.

It is believed that there is an ancient site at the top of a local mountain known as "Haraek". "Haraek" is believed to contain a church and a mosque. According to local legend, the site was destroyed during the Crusades and the single villager who survived its destruction came down to found Kafr Ein. [http://www.iwps.info/en/articles/article.php?id=132 Kafr Ein Village Profile] International Women's Peace Service]

Economy

Historically, like most Palestinian villages, Kafr Ein's inhabitants worked mostly as farmers and traders. Prior to the Second Intifada, around 10% of the village's residents worked in Israel. Kafr Ein's main cash crop is olives. However, lentils, grains and vegetables are also grown. There are an estimated 200 sheep and goats in the village.

In 1980, electricity was connected to Kafr Ein. There are ten shops and a school in the village, as well another shared with Qarwat Bani Zeid. Many residents receive aid from the Red Cross and the UNRWA.

Government

Kafr Ein is governed by a village council. The council is made up of six residents who represent the four major families. The current mayor, Mohammed Rifa' was appointed by the Palestinian National Authority in 1998.

References