National Geographic Explorer Season 4 Episode 9 Last Christians of Bethlehem

In season 4 episode 9 of National Geographic Explorer, the viewers are taken on a journey to explore the lives of the last Christians of Bethlehem. Bethlehem is a small town near Jerusalem and holds immense significance in the Christian faith as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The town used to have a Christian majority, but today, Christians account for only 15% of the town's population. The episode sheds light on the lives of these Christians who are struggling to keep their faith alive in a fast-changing world.

The episode starts with a brief history of Christianity in Bethlehem. It explains how the town was predominantly Christian until the 20th century when the influx of Jewish immigrants led to a demographic shift. As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalated, many Christians started migrating to other countries, leaving behind a small and struggling community. The episode then introduces the viewers to a few Christian families who have been living in Bethlehem for generations.

The first family we meet is the Nazzals. They are one of the oldest Christian families in Bethlehem and have been living in their ancestral home for over 300 years. The family members take the viewers on a tour of their house, and we get a glimpse of how they have been preserving their Christian heritage. They have a beautiful altar in their living room, where they light candles and offer prayers every day. Mrs. Nazzal tells the viewers how difficult it is to live as a Christian in Bethlehem, where they are a minority, and how she is worried about the future of her community.

Next, the viewers are introduced to George Al-Ama, a Christian activist who has been fighting for the rights of his community for many years. He takes the viewers to visit the Church of Nativity, where Jesus Christ was born. The church is one of the oldest and most revered Christian holy sites in the world and attracts thousands of visitors every year. George explains how the church has been a symbol of hope for Christians for centuries and how the Christian community is determined to keep it alive.

The episode also sheds light on the challenges faced by the Christian community in Bethlehem. As the town's economy relies heavily on tourism, many Christians have been forced to work in the hospitality industry, which pays low wages. The younger generation is also facing pressure from their families to migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities. As a result, the Christian population in Bethlehem is declining rapidly.

The episode ends on a hopeful note, with the viewers introduced to a few individuals who are working hard to keep the Christian heritage alive. We meet a group of young Christians who have started a tour company to showcase the Christian sites in Bethlehem. They believe that by educating people about their heritage, they can help preserve it. The viewers also see an interfaith initiative, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews come together to promote peace and understanding.

Overall, season 4 episode 9 of National Geographic Explorer is a thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the struggles faced by the last Christians of Bethlehem. The episode is well-researched and presented, and the viewers get an insight into the lives of these Christians who are fighting against all odds to keep their faith alive.