| Abud | |
| Arabic | عابود |
| Government | Village |
| Also Spelled | 'Abud (officially)
Abboud (unofficially) |
| Governorate | Ramallah & Al-Bireh |
| Population | 2,500 (2006) |
| Jurisdiction | 15,000 dunams (15 km²) |
| Head of Municipality | Ilyas Azar |
Abud or Abboud (Arabic: عابود) is a Palestinian village in the West Bank, about 17 km north-west of Ramallah. The village also lies near the settlements of Beit Arieh and Oferim. The village's population is mostly Christian. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the village had a population of 2,500 inhabitants in mid-year 2006. Near the village are a large number of natural springs which are sources for the Yarkon River.
History
The village is mentioned in geographic writings from the 13th century. Adjacent to Abud lies an ancient church named after Saint Barbara. The church, located on a hill due west of the village, was erected in the Byzantine Period. By the church, ancient catacombs have been uncovered whose dating is uncertain. One of the burial caves is especially magnificent, and a door post decorated with carvings of wreaths, grape vines and grape clusters stands at its entrance.
Struggle against separation
The separation barrier is being built adjacent to the village, on lands belonging to it. For this reason, since 18 November 2005, weekly demonstrations against the fence have been held in the village. Participants in the demonstrations, which take place on Fridays, include residents of the village, radical left-wing activists (mostly members of Anarchists Against the Wall), and activists from foreign countries. The demonstrations in the village are organized by the village council and is part of a larger struggle against the barrier. Similar demonstrations, but which draw larger media attention and are more violent in nature, are held in Bil'in.
