Louis Theroux: The Settlers

The Settlers is a documentary series by Louis Theroux, first airing in 2018 on BBC Two. The documentary explores the growing community of ultra-Orthodox Zionists who reside in the occupied West Bank, a region disputed by Israel and Palestine. Thirteen years had elapsed since Louis Theroux's initial visit to the area, during which he encountered many of the same communities and individuals who would later become central to his narrative. Upon his return, Theroux discovered that the settler community had not only expanded in size but had also undergone significant ideological and social shifts. He delves into the various aspects of their daily lives, their faith, their sense of purpose, and their unwavering conviction that they have a divine mandate to settle the land. Throughout the documentary, Theroux engages in candid conversations with a diverse array of individuals, including residents of settlements, rabbis, and local politicians. One of the documentary's key figures is Rabbi Erez Maman, the leader of the settlement in Ariel. Rabbi Maman is a charismatic leader with a profound faith and a fervent dedication to his cause. Through extensive interviews and observational footage, Theroux reveals the profound impact that Rabbi Maman has on the settlers, many of whom believe that he embodies the spirit of modern Zionism. The documentary also examines the role that Rabbi Maman plays in mediating disputes and guiding the settlers through the complexities of modern life. However, a different, more nuanced picture emerges when Theroux encounters a number of settlers whose experiences and perspectives challenge the stereotype of the zealous, militant settler. These individuals include a young couple living in the settlement of Ofra, who grapple with the challenges of integrating into Israeli society and establishing a family in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Their stories provide a poignant reminder that the settler community is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and motivations. Theroux also explores the complex relationship between the settlers and the broader Israeli society. Many settlers view themselves as outsiders, caught between the traditional Jewish values of the ultra-Orthodox community and the secular, modern values of contemporary Israel. They are, in effect, caught in a precarious balancing act, struggling to reconcile their desire to settle the land with the demands of Israeli law and society. Throughout the documentary, Theroux poses fundamental questions about the settlers' relationship to the occupied West Bank and their perception of Palestinian rights. While some settlers argue that they are simply attempting to fulfill a divine obligation, others express a more pragmatic view, seeing themselves as pioneers in a land that is destined to be part of a greater Israel. These perspectives underscore the deep and abiding divisions that exist within Israeli society over the issue of the settlements and the future of the West Bank. Ultimately, The Settlers raises essential questions about the role of faith in shaping public policy and the impact of ideology on human relationships. By immersing himself in the worlds of these settlers, Theroux creates a thought-provoking and deeply personal exploration of the complexities and contradictions that lie at the heart of this contentious issue. Through a powerful combination of observation, interview, and reflection, The Settlers delivers a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of life on the Israeli side of the divide, one that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.