Safe in the Holy Land: A Firsthand Look at Life in Jerusalem Today

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson — Premiere Networks
Episode Date: November 4, 2025

Episode Overview

Host Ben Ferguson broadcasts live from Jerusalem for an episode themed around the current realities of life in Israel, the spiritual significance of being in the Holy Land, and the geopolitical tensions surrounding recent events. Ferguson explores the story of returned hostage remains, the psychological warfare waged by Hamas, the impact of rising antisemitism (particularly in the American right), the role of U.S. leadership, and the ongoing security situation. Personal encounters and moving stories from Israeli families and leaders ground the episode, offering listeners an on-the-ground perspective far from mainstream media narratives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Broadcasting from Jerusalem

• [01:02] Ben Ferguson sets the tone, explaining the logistical challenges of recording abroad and previews a week devoted to firsthand coverage from Israel.
• He notes the show will differ from usual, focusing on local stories and the lived realities of Israelis.
• "If you’re thinking about coming to Israel, now is the time...I would feel incredibly safe bringing my entire family." — Ben Ferguson [03:16]

2. The Story of the Returned Hostage Remains

• [02:17-03:58] Ferguson recaps a major headline: partial remains returned by Hamas to Israel via the Red Cross did not match any known hostages per DNA testing.
• Details Hamas’ messaging and the psychological toll on families who were awaiting news of their loved ones.
• "This is torturing the families. They know this is psychological warfare." — Ben Ferguson [06:10]

3. Spiritual Reflections and Pilgrimage

• Ferguson emphasizes the personal importance of visiting sites of religious history: seeing where Jesus walked, the journey with the cross.
• Considers the mix of spiritual enlightenment with the charged political situation, sharing how safe he feels and encouraging listeners to visit Israel.

4. Psychological Warfare and Media Narratives

• Returns to the emotional impact of Hamas’ actions on both hostages’ families and the general Israeli populace.
• Critiques global media for framing Israel as the aggressor, stating:
  • "Their torture has not been told by the media...the media is for them to imply on every opportunity they get that Israel is somehow evil, that they are committing genocide, that they are the ones that are hurting innocent people, which is not the case at all." — Ben Ferguson [05:35]

5. Firsthand Stories: Hostage Families

• Shares a specific encounter with the mother of a recently returned hostage, referencing the viral video that captured her son’s kidnapping.
• Highlights the years-long captivity and suffering, encouraging listeners to seek out the full account on his Facebook page for context and empathy.
• "What you learn when you are here and you talk to the hostage victims and their families is that their stories have not been told by the media." — Ben Ferguson [05:16]

6. Rising Antisemitism on the American Right

• Discusses widespread concern in Israel about increasing antisemitism among American conservatives, naming figures such as Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Nick Fuentes.
• References and agrees with Senator Cruz’s warning (as reported in the Jerusalem Post):
  • "Senator Cruz delivering a dramatic warning that antisemitism is spreading on parts of America’s right, and urged conservatives, pastors, and lay leaders to draw red lines and confront it head on...The church is asleep." — Ben Ferguson quoting Cruz [08:22]
• Frames the segment as a call for reflection and action, both among leaders and the Republican base.

7. Perspective on U.S. Policy and Trump’s Leadership

• Praises Donald Trump’s approach to peace in the Middle East, the Abraham Accords, hostage recovery, and standing firmly with Israel.
• Contrasts Trump’s record with prior administrations and describes visible gratitude among Israelis for U.S. support.
• "The people of Israel, they are so thankful for Donald Trump becoming president yet again...And it's part of the conversation I'm happy to be having while I'm here in Jerusalem." — Ben Ferguson [10:27]

8. Preview for Future Episodes and National Security

• Announces intention to cover the strategic importance of Israel in U.S. intelligence, counterterrorism, and regional stability.
• Teases on-the-ground reporting from attack sites and more personal stories, promising deeper exploration throughout the week.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On psychological warfare:

  • "What we are witnessing right now is truly psychological warfare. It's psychological warfare by a terrorist organization that still refers to Israel as the enemy in their own statement on Telegram today." — Ben Ferguson [04:09]

• On personal safety and pilgrimage:

  • "I would feel incredibly safe bringing my entire family...it has been a spiritual journey for me. I will never shy away from talking about that." — Ben Ferguson [03:01]

• On media bias:

  • "What we've seen by the media is for them to imply on every opportunity they get that Israel is somehow evil, that they are committing genocide...which is not the case at all." — Ben Ferguson [05:35]

• On the risk of antisemitism on the right:

  • "There's real antisemitism on the right now...a growing cancer. Senator Cruz warns of antisemitism spike on the US Right." — Ben Ferguson [07:36]

• On Trump’s support for Israel:

  • "There is clarity in the world now of where America stands with Israel." — Ben Ferguson [10:22]

Important Timestamps

• [01:02] — Ben Ferguson goes live from Jerusalem, describes time zone and trip logistics.
• [02:17] — Details on false remains returned by Hamas.
• [03:01] — Reflections on spiritual journey and safety in Israel.
• [04:09] — Psychological warfare: the impact on families and Israeli public.
• [05:16] — Interview with hostage’s mother described, urge to view full story on social media.
• [07:36 – 08:22] — Senator Cruz’s warning about antisemitism on the right, cited in the Jerusalem Post.
• [09:24] — Criticism of certain right-wing figures; reaction among Israeli public.
• [10:22] — Expressions of Israeli gratitude for Trump’s presidency and support.
• [10:57] — Episode wrap-up and tease for continued coverage.

Summary Takeaways

• Firsthand Perspective: Ferguson offers both political context and spiritual reflections gained during his travels in Israel, providing listeners a hybrid of reporting and personal narrative.
• Analysis & Advocacy: The episode blends news analysis (especially surrounding antisemitism and U.S. policy) with first-person advocacy for ongoing support of Israel.
• Emotive Storytelling: Notable segments focus on stories of hostages and their families—often missing in mainstream coverage—underscoring the personal impacts of geopolitical events.
• Political Context: Ferguson frames Trump’s leadership as a linchpin for regional stability and U.S.-Israel relations, contrasting with perceived past failures.
• Call to Action: Encourages listeners to combat antisemitism within conservative circles and to personally engage with the issue via stories and social media content.