In a revealing episode filmed in Jordan, commentator Tucker Carlson engaged in a profound dialogue with two prominent Christian leaders about religious freedom in the Holy Land, uncovering unexpected interfaith dynamics that challenge Western perceptions. The discussion with Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum of Jerusalem and Jordanian banker Saad Mouasher presented a nuanced picture of Christian-Muslim relations while highlighting ongoing tensions under Israeli administration.
Archbishop Naoum, a Palestinian native of Nazareth holding dual Israeli-Jordanian citizenship, detailed Jordan’s significant financial contributions to Christian holy sites, including the Church of the Nativity and Holy Sepulchre. This custodianship role, formalized in 2013, positions Jordan as a key protector of non-Jewish religious sites in Israeli-occupied territories.
The conversation took a critical turn when addressing Israeli restrictions on Christian worship. Naoum recounted instances where Israeli authorities prevented Easter celebrations under security pretexts, despite no historical safety incidents during such observances. The archbishop personally described experiencing harassment from Israeli extremists, including being spat upon while wearing clerical garments, and noted repeated vandalism targeting churches and clergy.
Remarkably, both religious leaders emphasized the absence of similar hostility from Muslim communities. Mouasher, chairman of Jordan Ahli Bank, attested to Christianity’s comfortable coexistence with Islam in Jordan, stating: ‘Islam is very much an integral part of our culture as Christians here. We have constitutional rights as equal citizens.’
Carlson challenged the post-9/11 narrative of inherent Islamic hostility toward Christianity, drawing strong rebuttals from both interviewees who described harmonious interfaith relations. The discussion contrasted this with the treatment of Palestinians under Israeli control, who frequently report second-class citizen status.
The episode culminated in Carlson’s sharp criticism of U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, an ordained Christian minister and Zionist, for failing to address Christian ill-treatment. Carlson specifically cited Huckabee’s inaction regarding access to Gaza’s Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital and protection from settler violence. This criticism sparked a public exchange on social media, with both parties agreeing to pursue a direct interview to further discuss these Middle East complexities.