Peki’in (spelled also “Peqi’in”) is a small village in the upper Galilee, half-way between Akko and Safed. Although most of the village is inhabited by Druze, Peki’in is known for its small Jewish community and synagogue.
A Short history of Peki’in
Peki’in was settled already in Prehistoric times, but it is not known historically only from the first century and on. Historian Josephus mentions it as Beka, and by Jewish tradition two rabbis hid in a cave in Peki’in for 13 years in fear of the Romans. Under the name Bokehel, In the time of the Crusaders Peki’in was property of the one of the lords of Akko, and later of the Teutonic knights.
It was around that time that Druze settled in the Peki’in as well. Ottoman era tax records are the first to attest to Jewish presence in the Pek’in, as well as Muslims and Christians. In 1936 the Jews of Peki’in were forced to leave the village. Later only one Jewish women, Miss Margalit Zinati, returned to the village. To this day she is the single Jews still living in Peki’in, maintaining its synagogue and welcoming visitors.
Touring Peki’in
- See here an I24NEWS review on Margalit Zinati and Peki’in
