In a historic first, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee paid an official visit the ancient site of Shiloh in the Binyamin region, at the invitation of the YESHA Council.
Ambassador Huckabee met with local municipal leaders in Judea and Samaria as the guest of Binyamin Regional Council head and YESHA Council chairman, Israel Ganz. He was warmly received in a celebratory event.
Ambassador Huckabee and his wife Janet began the historic visit with a guided tour of ancient Shiloh, accompanied by Israel Ganz and YESHA Council Director General Omer Rahamim.
During the visit, Ambassador Huckabee prayed at the site of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in ancient Shiloh for the release of the hostages and for the safety of Israeli soldiers.
Ambassador Huckabee said, “I have never used any term other than 'Judea and Samaria.' It would be a historical injustice and a denial of the Bible to use other terms. President Trump loves this land. You have sacrificed greatly to live in these places. You have paid in blood, sweat, and tears. This place is a miracle. Only the existence of G-d can explain your presence here. I believe in the Bible, and I have no faith without you. I owe you a spiritual debt. The Jewish people are a revolution to the world in how to live in the world. Jewish existence represents living according to G-d’s rules, and that’s why so many people in the world want to kill Jews – because they want to kill G-d. You represent G-d’s presence and His choice in this land."
He added: "You are not alone. We stand with you, and so do many around the world. Those who do not stand with you do not stand with G-d.”
Yisrael Ganz, Head of the Binyamin Regional Council and Chairman of the Yesha Council, welcomed the incoming ambassador, saying, “Welcome home. The home of the Holy Land, the home the Jewish people have prayed for over 3,000 years. Ancient Shiloh was the place that united the tribes of Israel, and today, we stand here, in the State of Israel, united and strong, together with you.
"As someone who has visited this special prayer site many times, your prayers and ours have been answered, and you have arrived at this important position. Your success is our success. Together, we will make Israel stronger. Together, we will make Judea and Samaria stronger. Together, we will make history.”
Eliana Passentin, International Desk Director of the Binyamin Regional Council, stated: "Ambassador Huckabee is a true friend of Israel. It was an honor and a privilege to stand together at the site of the Tabernacle in Shiloh—the birthplace of prayer. There, we offered a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving, and we prayed for Ambassador Huckabee's continued success, for the well-being of Israel and America, and for the swift release of the hostages".