Uproar as American game show host refuses to accept "Palestine" as an answer

Sometimes it’s best not to bring up a touchy subject at all – especially when you’re clearly not particularly informed at all. This was definitely the case for Alex Trebek and the writers of the hit game show Jeopardy, when they decided to use a question that touched upon the Palestine/Israel conflict.

The show is structured under a number of different categories in which contestants answer questions that revolve around the same theme. In the episode that aired earlier this week, contestants were asked questions under the “Where’s the Church?” category, in which they had to name the place that was,”Built in the 300s A.D., the Church of the Nativity.”

In response, contestant Katie Needle said “What is Palestine?” But, her answer was rejected. Her opponent, however, responded with “What is Israel?” and was awarded the point.

A made for Twitter moment if ever there was one.

The correct answer is Palestine btw. pic.twitter.com/IZK1NoE4fJ

— Richard Goldwasser (@_Goldwasser_) January 11, 2020

As a whole, America recognises Israeli occupation of the Palestine region as Israel, however, internationally, the West Bank and East Jerusalem is not recognised as part of Israel. The Church of Nativity in question is where Jesus is said to have been born and is located in Bethlehem, at the Israeli occupied West Bank, which, again, is recognised as Palestine in most places, but not America.

And thus, we turn to Twitter for education

The area mentioned is currently internationally recognized as an occupied portion of Palestine.

— Eve (@QueenEvangalin3) January 12, 2020

If we’re playing by those rules Israel didn’t exist until 1948, so yeah I’ll take Palestine since it existed first and was dismantled for Israel

— Dr. Kufi’s assassinator 🤣🤣🤣🤣 (@eronthaboy) January 12, 2020

The creepiest is when people start insisting that Palestinian people dont exist, and have never existed. I’ve seen it more than once.

— Sara Nelson fan account (@KnittingQueer) January 12, 2020

But, ultimately…

Shameful that Order of Canada recipient, Alex Trebek is reinforcing the unlawful Israeli military occupation of Palestine in the game show, Jeopardy. Bravo, Katie! Your answer is obviously correct – and you get bounus points for standing up for human rights in Palestine!

— J Max Soos (@globalpilgrim) January 11, 2020