The video The Battle Over Jerusalem (A luta por Jerusalém), which explores the history of the city considered the most important on Earth, has reached the milestone of over 10 million views.

The content was featured on the Inteligência Ltda. Podcast, hosted by Brazilian comedian, cartoonist, and screenwriter Rogério Vilela. The program has established itself as one of the largest content channels on YouTube in Brazil. Over the years, Vilela has stood out as a balanced and objective interlocutor on topics such as Israel, antisemitism, and the Jewish community in Brazil.

Among the participants are highly relevant figures:

Daniel Woods, a Jewish professor and co-founder of the Scheinholtz Institute, recognized for his work in combating antisemitism. In partnership with Luiz Sayão, he organized the 2025 event, “Israel In The Light of Chanukah,” with judges and business leaders to promote dialogue about Israel and the Jewish community. Similar initiatives in 2026 continue to strengthen ties across different sectors of society.

Luiz Sayão, pastor, theologian, and Hebraist, regarded as one of Brazil’s leading scholars of the Hebrew language. Throughout his career, he has impacted millions with his research and teachings on Israel and Judaism, always emphasizing his spiritual commitment to all peoples.

Rodrigo Silva, PhD in Classical Archaeology from the University of São Paulo, (USP), and postdoctoral researcher in Biblical Archaeology at Andrews University (USA). Also trained in Theology and Philosophy, with a master’s in Historical Theology, he is known as the “Bible detective.” He is a YouTube phenomenon, with millions following his analyses that combine academic rigor with accessible language. He also works actively against antisemitism.

The three guests trace a broad chronology of the history of Jerusalem. From the times of Salem and Melchizedek, through figures such as King David and Solomon, they highlight that David established Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel around 1005–999 BCE, and acquired the site of the future temple — the threshing floor of Ornan (or Araunah), the Jebusite, on Mount Moriah — shortly after the end of a plague in the city, as reported in 2 Samuel 24:18–25 and 1 Chronicles 21:18–30. The narrative continues with the destruction by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BCE, the return under the Persians, the Hellenistic and Hasmonean periods, and Pompey’s entry in 63 BCE, marking the beginning of Roman rule.

The video also covers pivotal episodes such as the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, the Bar Kokhba revolt (132–135 CE), Byzantine Christianization, the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, the Crusades, Ottoman rule (1517–1917 CE), and finally the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. The establishment of modern Israel represented the rebirth of the nation after nearly 2,000 years of oppression.

Condensing millennia of history, the video delivers an engaging and accessible narrative of Jerusalem’s journey, and that of the Jews, the people of Israel.

See this and much more! (Video in portuguese)

Article by Daniel Woods / Silas Anastácio

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)