Al-Rafid (Arabic: الرفيد) is a village in the Rashaya District, in the southeastern area of the Beqaa Governorate in Lebanon. Its population is estimated to be 3,000. Its inhabitants are predominantly Sunni Muslims.[1] The village has two mosques, two schools, two pharmacies, and a telecommunications facility.

Al-Rafid
الرفيد
Al-Rafeed
View of the northeastern part of al-Rafid
View of the northeastern part of al-Rafid
Al-Rafid is located in Lebanon
Al-Rafid
Al-Rafid
Location in Lebanon
Coordinates: 33°34′16″N 35°49′1″E / 33.57111°N 35.81694°E / 33.57111; 35.81694
 LebanonLebanon
GovernorateBeqaa
DistrictRashaya
Population
 • Total
3,000

Geography

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The oldest part of the village lies halfway up Mount Baaloul (Jabal Baaloul) on the eastern slope. It is widely accepted by the inhabitants of the town that the town was originally located on the top of the mountain but was re-located after a civil strife had subsided over 400 years ago. Neighboring localities include Bire, Mhaydseh, Kherbet Rouha, and Mdoukha. The town is located about 80 km (50 mi) from Beirut and 40 km (25 mi) from Damascus, Syria.

History

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In 1838, Eli Smith noted Al-Rafid,'s population as being predominantly Sunni Muslim.[2]

The village was occupied first by PLO forces in the late 1970s, then by Israeli forces in the early 1980s.[citation needed]At least two people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes on the settlement, one of 30 September 2024 and the other on 5 October 2024.[3][4][5]

References

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  1. ^ "التوزيع حسب المذاهب للناخبين/ناخبات في بلدة الرفيد، قضاء راشيا محافظة البقاع في لبنان". إعْرَفْ لبنان. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
  2. ^ Robinson and Smith, 1841, vol 3, 2nd appendix, p. 141
  3. ^ "Israel continues to bombard Lebanon, killing at least one". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
  4. ^ "A Yemeni doctor and his mother were martyred in an Israeli raid on Lebanon". يمن شباب نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-11-23.
  5. ^ "Israeli incursion in South Lebanon; first strike on Ain el-Hilweh camp: Day 360 of the Gaza and Lebanon wars". L'Orient Today. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.

Bibliography

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