Watch Rick Steves' The Holy Land: Israelis and Palestinians Today

Rick Steves' The Holy Land: Israelis and Palestinians Today is an eye-opening travel documentary series that explores the complex history and modern-day realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The show follows host Rick Steves, a seasoned traveler and acclaimed guidebook author, as he journeys through the region, meeting with locals on both sides of the conflict and delving into the cultural, political, and religious traditions that have shaped the Holy Land.

Throughout the series, viewers are offered a unique and nuanced perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as Steves speaks with people from all walks of life, including Jewish settlers, Palestinian activists, Christian pilgrims, and Muslim leaders. With each encounter, Steves provides a thoughtful and compassionate exploration of the perspectives, struggles, and hopes of those he encounters, shedding light on the many interconnected issues that continue to fuel the conflict.

The show is divided into several episodes, each of which explores a different aspect of the conflict or feature of the region. In the first episode, "Jerusalem," Steves visits the historic city, exploring its many holy sites and meeting with Jerusalemites of various faiths. Through these encounters, he delves into the overlapping histories and claims to land that have caused so much tension in the region.

In the second episode, "West Bank," Steves visits the Palestinian territories, including Bethlehem and Hebron, where he speaks with activists and ordinary citizens about their struggles to maintain their identity and dignity in the face of Israeli occupation. He also highlights the ways in which international aid and grassroots initiatives are working to support Palestinian communities.

In the third episode, "Israel's Negev Desert and Tel Aviv," Steves shifts focus to the Israeli side of the conflict, exploring the vibrant, modern city of Tel Aviv and the challenges of life in the desert. He also visits a Bedouin community, where he speaks with residents about their traditional way of life and the ways in which it has been threatened by Israeli government policies.

In the fourth episode, "Gaza," Steves visits the besieged Gaza Strip, where he speaks with residents about their daily struggles to survive in one of the world's most densely populated and poverty-stricken areas. Despite the difficult conditions, he also finds hope and resilience among the people he meets, who are determined to build a better future for their families.

Finally, in the fifth episode, "Israel's Northern Coast and Galilee," Steves explores the beautiful region around the Sea of Galilee, where he speaks with Israelis and Arabs who are working together to promote peace and mutual understanding. He also visits towns and cities near the Lebanese border, where residents have lived through years of conflict and are now grappling with the effects of the Syrian refugee crisis.

Through his travels and conversations, Steves offers a rich and nuanced portrait of the Holy Land, one that highlights the humanity and complexity of those caught up in the ongoing conflict. His exploration of the region's traditions, history, and contemporary realities is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in building a more peaceful and just world.

Rick Steves' The Holy Land: Israelis and Palestinians Today is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between August 27, 2014 and on