US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee arrived Friday morning at the Western Wall and will place US President Donald Trump's note in the cracks of the wall at his request.
Arriving at the Wall, Huckabee prayed and placed notes in the Wall.
Speaking following his prayers, Huckabee related how Trump had brought him a note and asked him to place it in the Wall and pray for peace in the Land. On the note, Trump wrote briefly and movingly: "For peace in Israel – Donald Trump."
"He wrote that with his own hand last Thursday and he sent me to place it here, so I do so with the best wishes of the president," he related. "I can think of nothing I’d rather do than represent a prayer from the President of the United States on behalf of the American people to pray for the peace of Jerusalem."
He added, "Trump told me to pray for the hostages' return."
Huckabee continued, "I cannot think of a better time to come and to bring this message of goodwill. I come today on behalf of the American people with prayers or best wishes—not just for Passover, but for all eternity. And I also come with a prayer that all the hostages will come home now, and that we will bring them home. And that is the prayer of the President as well. He has visited this place in person the only president to do so. He has done so much to show extraordinary love for the Jewish people and the people of Israel: Recognized Yerushalayim (Jerusalem - ed.) as the capital of the Jewish state, recognizing the Golan Heights, moving the embassy here and many more acts of love for the Jewish state."
Noting the values that Israel and the US share, Huckabee added, "I come to also join the President in prayer for the peace of Yerushalayim."
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Western Wall rabbi, thanked Trump and Huckabee, and praised their acts of goodwill towards Israel and the Jewish People.
He added, "Words cannot describe the emotion felt by the citizens of Israel and throughout the Jewish world upon hearing the announcement that you would come directly upon landing to the Western Wall, to pray and place a note on behalf of the President of the United States — one of Israel’s greatest friends. Especially in these difficult days of war, pain, and uncertainty — your acts of friendship, faith, and support give the people of Israel strength and hope."
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed Huckabee, saying, "Welcome, Mr. Ambassador. The State of Israel is honored to welcome you to the Holy Land."
"Your choice to begin your mission with a visit to the Western Wall speaks volumes about your deep connection to the people of Israel and the Land of Israel — a bond rooted in values, history, and friendship.
"We see your arrival as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the ties between our nations, and I am confident that through close cooperation, we can advance prosperity, stability, and true partnership. Welcome and Happy Passover."
