Story perspectives

Tennessee Bill Seeks to Rename West Bank to Judea and Samaria

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill to rename the West Bank as "Judea and Samaria" in official state documents.
Laurie Cardoza-Moore (evangelical activist) and Bruce Pearl (former basketball coach) support the change, saying it reflects historical and biblical significance.
Anwar Arafat (Palestinian American) argues the change erases heritage.
Senator Richard Briggs emphasizes that students should learn modern geography.
The legislation awaits Governor Bill Lee's signature.

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Story summary

The Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill to rename the West Bank as "Judea and Samaria" in official state documents.
Laurie Cardoza-Moore (evangelical activist) and Bruce Pearl (former basketball coach) support the change, saying it reflects historical and biblical significance.
Anwar Arafat (Palestinian American) argues the change erases heritage.
Senator Richard Briggs emphasizes that students should learn modern geography.
The legislation awaits Governor Bill Lee's signature.