‘Jeopardy!’ clue comes under fire

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After tons of positive publicity surrounding its “The Greatest of All Time” tournament, quiz show “Jeopardy!” found itself in the hot seat after a controversial clue aired.

• The clue appeared during the syndicated version of “Jeopardy!” — not the ABC “GOAT” tournament.
• Under the “Where’s that Church?” category, the $200 clue read: “Built in the 300s A.D., the Church of the Nativity.”
• Contestant Katie Needle responded first with “What is Palestine?” but was ruled incorrect.
• Next, Jack McGuire rang in and said “What is Israel?” — which the show ruled as correct.

However, the subject of the clue is built in a part of the world where geography and political turmoil don’t play nice.

• The church in the clue was built over the location where Christians believe Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
• Bethlehem is a city in the Palestinian territories.
• However, Israel controls the territories using military checkpoints and settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.
• Palestinians in particular took offense to the clue — since it essentially “gave” Israel possession of land that is, at least geographically, inside of Palestinian territories.