Yanuh-Jat is a Druze village in Israel's Northern District, northeast of Acre, formed by the combination of Yanuh and Jat in 1990. The 2021 population was 6,851, all Druze.
Historically, Yanuh had ancient hewn stones, lintels, oil presses, grape presses, cisterns, and graves. In Jat, remains from various periods were found near Shaykh Abu Arus' shrine. Excavations in the 1960s revealed 4th and 5th-century CE artifacts.
During the Crusader era, Jat was called Jesce, Jeth, or Gez and initially belonged to Mi'ilya before transferring to the Teutonic Knights. In 1220, the land, including Gez, was sold to the Teutonic Knights. Lanahie, a Crusader site, was previously associated with Yanuh but now considered near Umm al-Faraj.
The Ottoman Empire took control of the region, including Yanuh-Jat, in 1517. In 1596, Yanuh appeared in tax records as part of the Akka subdistrict, with a Muslim population of 16 households and 2 bachelors. Jat may be the village mentioned as Kafr Yuda, with 28 Muslim households.
French explorer Victor Guérin visited Yanuh in 1875, discovering cisterns and cut stones, suggesting an ancient city. He also believed Jat, or "Djett," was an ancient township, possibly called Gath, Gith, or Gittah.
In 1881, the PEF's Survey of Western Palestine described Yanuh as a partially ruined, stone-built village with 170 Druzes, and Jat as a hilltop village with 120 Druzes. By 1887, Yanuh had 245 inhabitants, while Jat had 105, all Druze.
The British Mandate of Palestine's censuses in 1922 and 1931 recorded Yanuh and Jat as Druze and Muslim. In 1945, Yanuh had 410 people, and Jat had 200, both classified as Druze. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the villages resisted Israeli forces. They gained local council status in 1990 and merged with neighboring villages in 2003. Yanuh houses Nabi Shamsa's maqām, and Jat houses Shaykh Abu Arus' maqām, both minor Druze visitation sites.
Yanuh-Jat is a Druze village located on the northern slopes of the Gita Stream in the Western Galilee region. The town has a rich history, dating back to the early 18th century when Druze settlers founded it. The village has a unique culture and way of life, strongly emphasising family and community.
As we embarked on the Via Ferrata adventure along the northern shore of Gita Stream, we were immediately struck by the stunning views of the Beit HaKerem valley natural reserve. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including olive groves, fruit trees, untouched forests with common oak and Israeli terebinth, Mediterranean buckthorn, Syrian maple, carob, Mediterranean rosemary, Nazareth iris, and river vegetation such as sedge, reed, and tamarisk.
As we climbed higher along the karst cliffs, we were treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The rugged terrain and winding stream below us gave us a sense of adventure and exhilaration. We crossed bridges and other obstacles, using the Via Ferrata's fixed cable and other safety features to help us navigate the steep terrain.
The zip line was an incredibly thrilling part of the adventure, allowing us to soar over the Gita Stream and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The combination of extreme sports and stunning natural beauty made for an unforgettable experience that left us feeling alive and invigorated.
Overall, the Via Ferrata adventure along the northern shore of Gita Stream was a perfect blend of physical challenge and natural beauty. We felt a deep connection to the land and the people who call it home and left with a newfound appreciation for the power of nature and the spirit of adventure.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
