This document was gathered and released by Aboud Christian Youth members with the great help from Mr. Ibrahim Hmaid whom we would like to mention and thank much for his deep concern. We would like to notify that this English document was translated an Arabic one. In fact, this English document can be considered as a summary of the Arabic document; but not a brief summary. Anybody who is good in Arabic and interested in this issue can refer to the Arabic document.

Any comments are welcomed with a great love. To submit your comments please contact any member of Aboud Christian Youth (The Roman Catholic Church) in Aboud.

Aboud is a Palestinian town located on the road parallel to the coast. This road connects Jerusalem with nazereth. Aboud is 45Km from Jerusalem; the holy city where Jesus Christ was crucified. It is 450m above see level. To be realistic; more than 60% of Aboud’s population are abroad. Aboud is not unique in this matter; it’s case is exactly like the other Palestinian cities, towns, and villages. The majority is scattered; seeking a better life; seeking dignity. That is what the occupation has made; if you were wondering.

Aboud is a very romantic place, the nature is very charming. It is surrounded by olive, fig, and grapes trees. Many wild plants and herbs grow up in the mountains and open fields. The weather in Aboud is a Mediterranean one; four seasons a year, and rarely you see snow even during winter. Eastern traditions dominate the social life of the people, exchanging visits, gathering in some places at special occasions, etc ……..

In Aboud you can see the Palestinian national dress although it is becoming restricted to relatively old people over 60s. In this small town you are able to smell the mixture of the present and the past. The ancient past that goes back to the Roman Empire is resembled by the Roman tombs that are graven in the stones.

It is said that the old name of Aboud is "the city of flowers", and that name was due to the beauty of its nature and the various types of flowers that grow in it’s lands. According to a document written by researcher L.E.P.Lombardi that was issued in 1959; the name "city of flowers" is the name that was given to Aboud by a priest Elias Al-Aboudi. It is also said that the name Aboud was given after the name of the profit Obidia (from Aboud) whose name is mention in the old testament of the Bible.

About 1Km to the East of Aboud there is a valley which is called Lemon Valley. Lemon, oranges, and few apple trees can be found in this valley. A vivid water spring that gives more than 150 cubed meters of pure water is flowing without being taken care of. In this context it is good to mention that Palestinians are neither allowed to manage their waters nor to invest in any project that uses these waters. This is what happens to you if you were occupied. Old ruins of an old water mill located few meters to the North of the valley. In fact, a total of nine water springs exit on Aboud’s lands. None of these springs is being invested. No doubt; these water springs attracted the first people who resided in Aboud in the far past.

The location of Aboud between the North and the South of Palestine has made it very strategic place. One of the Roman trade roads was passing through Aboud. This road which is made of small pieces of stones planted in the ground can be seen till these days in Aboud.

It is said that Jesus was sitting in Aboud on a high place to teach people and, later on, a church was built in this place and was called "Messieh". "Messieh" is an Aramic word which means Christ. Later, this church was destructed and was used as a cemetery. According to some historical references it is said that nine churches existed in Aboud. Some of these churches were destructed during wars; others were ruined by natural effects. Here we list these nine churches: