Running through a vast green carpet studded with anemones wild jasmine and basil Wadi (valley) Hasaka is located five kilometers north of the center of al-Khalil city.
The valley is surrounded by a series of mountains rich in forests and fruitful trees adjacent to a beautiful natural reserve overlooking Tarqumiyah town west of al-Khalil called Wadi al-Qaf.
Breathtaking nature
“Heaven on earth” visitors call the valley. Part of the place is covered by agricultural lands owned by Palestinian families from Halhul and al-Khalil and planted with vegetables such as lettuce cabbage radish turnip and parsley.
The valley is also decorated by herbs and intertwined almond plum apricot and peach trees but nothing beats the scenery of vineyards in the place.
Wadi Hasaka is a natural park regularly visited by the residents of al-Khalil city and neighboring villages and it witnesses dozens of youth and scout trips especially during spring.
Historic landmark
Wadi Hasaka dates back to over 6000 years ago. The Palestinian historian Mustafa al-Dabbagh mentioned it in his book “Our Land Palestine” and later on it became the focus of historians and travelers’ concern.
Wadi Hasaka was considered a lifeline for the 1936 revolution. Hasan al-Badawi 84 told the PIC reporter in an exclusive interview “The headquarters of the revolution leadership was located in Wadi Shi’b al-Maleh west of al-Khalil. Palestinian fighters would attack Etzion settlement south of Bethlehem and withdrew through the valleys of Surif Beit Ummar and Halhul until they reach Wadi Hasaka.”
He continued “The valley was a perfect place for fighting breaks. The fighters would tie their horses to the trees treat their wounds drink water eat and sleep. The valley was extremely deep and surrounded with forest trees. Neither the British troops nor the Zionist gangs would dare to go down and chase the fighters.”
Home for birds
With its warmth and serenity Wadi Hasaka is like a haven for wild birds. They build their nests on its high trees and spread in large numbers around its water streams in a captivating scene.
Shadi al-Tamimi an official of the Wild Birds Protection Department at the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture told the PIC reporter that Wadi Hasaka is a home for different kinds of wild birds like partridges wild pigeons sparrows larks and swallows.
Valley of blessings
In addition to its picturesque nature Wadi Hasaka’s agricultural lands rich in various kinds of vegetables and flowers constitute a source of income for many Palestinian farmers like Khalil al-Qawasmi 76 who regularly harvests his vegetables and takes them to the market to sell them and support his family.
