Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: BONUS POD: Safe in the Holy Land – A Firsthand Look at Life in Jerusalem Today
Release Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson (reporting solo from Jerusalem)
Notable Guest Mentioned: Senator Ted Cruz

Episode Overview

In this special bonus episode, Ben Ferguson broadcasts live from Jerusalem, providing listeners with an on-the-ground perspective of life in Israel amidst ongoing conflict with Hamas. The episode centers on Ferguson’s personal pilgrimage and experiences in Israel, stories of hostage families, the psychological warfare conducted by Hamas, and the alarming rise of antisemitism on the American right. Ferguson addresses news coverage, political dynamics, and the enduring U.S.–Israel relationship, including strong support for Donald Trump and a warning sounded by Senator Ted Cruz.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life and Safety in Jerusalem (04:00–05:45)

• Ferguson recounts his experience traveling in Jerusalem, underscoring that the city feels safe—contrary to some media perceptions.

  • “If you’re thinking about coming to Israel, now is the time to do it. It has been incredibly safe, especially in Jerusalem… I would feel incredibly safe bringing my entire family.” (05:05)

• Notes the city’s spiritual significance and the impact of witnessing firsthand the sites where “Jesus walked.”

2. Hamas Psychological Warfare and Hostage Crisis (03:25–07:50)

• Ferguson criticizes Hamas for cruel tactics, detailing how they recently returned partial human remains to Israel, falsely implying these belonged to hostages.

  • “This goes back to what I have been witnessing since I’ve been in Israel… What we are witnessing right now is truly psychological warfare.” (06:45)
  • Cites official statements:
    • Hamas: “We offered to deliver three samples from unidentified bodies... Israel refused to accept the sample and demanded to receive the bodies for examination and we hand them over to preempt the enemy’s claims.” (03:45)
    • Red Cross: The organization acted as a neutral intermediary in returning the remains, but identification is Israel’s responsibility.

• Ferguson describes meeting the mother of a recently released hostage:

  • She recounted her son’s abduction (filmed and shared on social media), his captivity “underground without being able to see the sun,” and the trauma inflicted on their family.
  • Ferguson encourages listeners to view the full, emotional video on his Facebook page. (08:30–09:10)

3. Media Bias and Untold Stories (08:40–09:40)

• Ferguson expresses frustration that the ordeal of hostages isn’t widely covered by mainstream media.
  • “Their stories have not been told by the media… 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, that they are the ones that are hurting innocent people, which is not the case at all.” (09:00)

4. Gratitude Toward U.S. Leadership (06:55, 10:50–11:20)

• Ferguson highlights the deep appreciation among Israelis for Donald Trump’s role in achieving ceasefire and facilitating the Abraham Accords.
  • “There is incredible gratitude in Israel right now for the President of the United States of America and him accomplishing something very quickly that the prior administration couldn’t do or didn’t do on purpose.” (07:20)
  • “The people of Israel, they are so thankful for Donald Trump becoming president yet again… There is clarity in the world now of where America stands with Israel.” (11:05)

5. Rising Antisemitism on the American Right (07:55–10:45)

• Ferguson voices deep concern about increasing antisemitism among American conservatives—a trend, he says, reflected in Israeli conversations and the Israeli media.

  • "It is definitely a rise in antisemitism on the right in America. It is being led by names that I’m sure you know about: Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes and others…” (08:10)

• Reads from the Jerusalem Post headline:

  • “‘A growing cancer: Senator Cruz warns of antisemitism spike on the US right. The issue is accelerated by online normalization of fringe figures. He also said the church is asleep... and called on Christian leaders to act.’” (09:30)
  • “Senator Cruz delivering a dramatic warning that antisemitism is spreading… and urged conservatives, pastors and lay leaders to draw red lines and confront it head on.” (09:35)
  • Ferguson repeatedly affirms Cruz’s warning, citing personal conversations with Israelis requesting an explanation for “what is happening with Republicans and conservatives.”

6. The Strategic Importance of Israel to U.S. National Security (10:45–11:15)

• Ferguson previews coming discussions about Israel’s intelligence contributions in fighting ISIS, Al Qaeda, and wider Islamic extremism “that allows us to stay safe.”
  • “We’re also going to talk about what I see on the ground as I am going to visit the site of the terrorist attack where that festival was.” (10:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben Ferguson, on safety and spiritual impact (05:05):
  “If you’re thinking about coming to Israel, now is the time to do it. It has been incredibly safe, especially in Jerusalem… I would feel incredibly safe bringing my entire family.”

• Ferguson, on Hamas’ psychological tactics (06:45):
  “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.”

• On media portrayals of Israel (09:00):
  “Their stories have not been told by the media… 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, that they are the ones that are hurting innocent people, which is not the case at all.”

• Citing Senator Ted Cruz’s warning (09:35):
  “‘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.’”

• Ferguson closing with gratitude toward Trump (11:05):
  “The people of Israel, they are so thankful for Donald Trump becoming president yet again. They love that we have a president that is standing with them and also understands there’s a difference between right and wrong and good and evil…”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:00–05:45] – Ferguson describes safety and spiritual experience in Jerusalem
• [06:45–07:50] – Critique of Hamas and psychological warfare
• [08:30–09:10] – Personal story: mother of returned hostage; social media video
• [09:00–09:40] – Media bias against Israel discussed
• [09:20–10:45] – Senator Cruz’s warning on rising antisemitism; named figures on the right
• [10:45–11:15] – Preview of security discussions and on-the-ground reporting
• [11:05] – Ferguson’s closing thoughts on U.S.–Israel relations and Trump

Episode Tone

The episode is emotionally charged, patriotic, and urgent. Ferguson maintains a concerned but hopeful tone, advocating for pro-Israel solidarity among conservatives and warning against the dangers of growing antisemitism. There is a strong focus on personal stories and direct witness, with clear appreciation shown toward supportive U.S. leadership.

Conclusion

Ben Ferguson’s report from Jerusalem serves as both a personal travelogue and a political call to action. He urges listeners to stand with Israel, counter misinformation, and resist rising antisemitism within American conservatism—bolstered by firsthand stories from Israeli families and emboldened by Senator Cruz’s recent public warnings. Listeners are encouraged to seek out the hostage mother’s testimony online for further insight and empathy.