Until the Nakba the villagers had good relationships with neighboring Jews, a common story. An Egyptian army outpost was nearby, shelled by Jewish militia during the Nakba. The Egyptians fled during a full moon night. Villagers understood the area is rich in history and archeology. They understood that Greeks and Romans once lived there, and that up until Nakba Christian brothers lived in the Crusader Church. Later, Israel excavated more of the area, with no indication of its Arab inhabitants.
(Thanks to Ayed Alazza)