Ep 1. Jerusalem

In the first episode of season 2 of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, Bourdain travels to Jerusalem to explore the cultural and political landscape of the ancient city. The episode opens with Bourdain wandering through the bustling streets and markets of the Old City, taking in the sights and sounds of the diverse communities that call Jerusalem home.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain engages with a wide range of locals, from Jewish settlers in the West Bank to Palestinian chefs and activists in East Jerusalem. He delves into the complex and often controversial issues that shape daily life in the city, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the role of religion in daily life, and the challenges of coexisting in a city with such a rich and contested history.

One of the highlights of the episode is Bourdain's visit to the home of chef Kamel Hashlamon, who prepares a traditional Palestinian meal for Bourdain and his crew. Over the course of the meal, Bourdain and Hashlamon discuss the importance of food in Palestinian culture, and how sharing a meal can be a powerful symbol of unity and resistance in a divided city.

Bourdain also spends time with members of the Israeli military, visiting a checkpoint in the West Bank and touring an underground tunnel system built to protect Israelis from terrorist attacks. These encounters offer a glimpse into the complex and often fraught relationships between the different communities in Jerusalem, and underscore the challenges of finding common ground in a city defined by its divisions.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain's signature wit and irreverence are on full display, as he navigates the complicated politics and customs of this ancient and endlessly fascinating city. By the end of the episode, viewers will come away with a deeper appreciation for the many layers of Jerusalem's history and culture, as well as a renewed sense of the possibilities and limitations of coexistence in a city defined by conflict.