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.Today, October 6, 2024 , a Quarter of a Billion Friends of Zion Welcome the incoming U.S. Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mr. Mike Huckabee
The largest welcoming event in Israel's history, was broadcast tonight globally from the media center of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem
The official welcome ceremony for the incoming U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, was held last night (Tuesday) at the Media Center of the Friends of Zion (FOZ) Museum in Jerusalem. The event was initiated and hosted by Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the friends of Zion museum, a close advisor to President Donald Trump, and one of the most influential figures in the global Evangelical community.
The event was attended by hundreds of guests from Israel and abroad, Ambassadors, ministers, members of parliament, associates of President Trump and very significant legislators in Washington DC such as the speaker of the house Mike Johnson senator Ted Cruz and many more. The event was broadcast to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. Key speakers included Dr. Evans, Ambassador Huckabee, Omer Shem Tov – who was held hostage in Gaza for 505 days, and and Ilan and Meirav Gilboa Dalal, the parents of Guy Gilboa Dalal, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival and is still being held captive by Hamas.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said at the event: I came here and thought I was in Disney world. I’ve never seen something like this, telling the story of the foz.
No honour better than being called a friend of the Jewish people.
Without the Jewish people I don’t have a faith. The belief, that in the beginning god created the heaven and the earth. And god decided to bring his light and law into the world through the Jewish people. I respect what god chooses to do so and I honour that.
I tell my Jewish friends- I owe you. Without you, my faith doesn’t exist.
A hatred toward antisemitism is a hatred towards god.
Omer, I was taken away by your smile. After all the things you’ve been through, you are able to smile. God is in you. You are stronger than The hate that was surrounded you for 505 days.
We pray for every hostage. I pray for Guy to come back home.Yesterday my wife took her cane and hiked up the snake path in Masada. I’m proud of the hike. Her motivation was that she took pictures and biographies of the hostages with her and prayed for them. The reason she managed to get to the top is because she prayed for each one.
Normally we come to Israel for several weeks and go home. This time we are home."
Dr. Mike Evans, the founder of Friends of Zion and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 113 books, as well as a Nobel Peace Prize nominee said:" Mike Huckabee, we as Evangelicals are so extremely happy that one of ours, an Evangelical, is now the Ambassador of Israel... And it's a first. The astonishing thing about it is it's an Evangelical with a Biblical worldview being an Ambassador in the Bible land. How novel.
Omer Shem Tov, who was kidnapped on October 7 and released after 505 days in captivity, shared: "I was 505 days at Gaza in captivity. when I was there my belief in god came so strong, everyday I woke up and thanked god that I have air In my lungs, little food on my plate and that my family is safe in israel. I did kiddush every Friday night. My faith and believe in god kept me going".
"Thank you ambassador Huckabee and thank you president Trump. I am here today, standing near Mike Evans because of you. And today, I am the tha happiest man alive". "we have to bring My brothers and sisters home as soon as possible. I believe and I know you can bring them home. So please do everything you can".
Shelly Shem tov, Omer's mother said: "for us it’s a miracle. Omer was born again in Feb 22. Every time I’m trying to tell people how we felt when Omer was in captivity i say there is one thing that parents cannot forget- when their child got lost. There are five minutes that you panic and you don’t know what to do with yourself. For the parents of the hostages , it is more than 1 million minutes, that their children are in hell. hell!!! . And you, ambassador Huckabee and president Trump - you have the power to give to all of the families of the hostages, let them feel what we feel. So please do everything you can to bring them back home"
Ilan Dalal:" Guy has been held in Gaza now for 578 days. Im looking at omer, and I’m praying everyday that my son too will come back home. Guy went with his best friends from kindergarten to a music festival. Non of them came back home. Guy is held hostage in Gaza with his best friend evyatar. Every moment could be their last. Time is running out for them. We must bring them home as soon as possible. Ambassador Huckabee - I wish you a great success in your new role.
As a representative of the strongest country of the world you have an important role . You have the power to influence the parties to achieve a release agreement. Please, my son;s life is in your hand. The U.S.A is the greatest country in the world. Thank you for standing by us, may god bless you".
Evangelical leaders representing a quarter of a billion evangelicals around the world participated in the event, including leaders from two of the largest evangelical denominations: the Southern Baptist Convention and the Assemblies of God.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center is the world's largest social network platform dedicated to the fight against antisemitism and BDS. Its advanced Media Center hosts dozens of events, activities, and press conferences aligned with the FOZ museum's vision. More than 250,000 visitors have already explored the Friends of Zion Museum since its establishment in 2015.
Tel 02-5329401
https://www.facebook.com/fozmuseumIL
https://www.instagram.com/foz.museum/
https://www.youtube.com/c/FriendsofZionMuseumJerusalem
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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- Written by Silvia G Golan
President of Ecuador, H.E. Daniel Noboa Azin diplomatic visit to Israel and received The Friends of Zion Award
President Isaac Herzog held a diplomatic meeting with President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, making his first visit to Israel, during which he officially opened his country’s new Innovation Research and Development Center in Jerusalem. And meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hosted Ecuador's Foreign Defense and Interior Ministers Mrs.Gabriela Sommerfeld and Mr. John Reimberg in Jerusalem.
The President of the Republic of Ecuador, Mr. Daniel Noboa, as part of his official diplomatic trip to Israel , also visit to the Western Wall Plaza. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation headed by the Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Israel. And inaugurated an innovation center in Jerusalem.
President of Ecuador, H.E. Daniel Noboa Azin said : " I am honored and excited to receive the Friends of Zion Award, One of the Most Prestigious Awards ".
President of Ecuador, H.E. Daniel Noboa Azin, received The Friends of Zion Award. The evening at the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem was attended by 300 guests, including ambassadors, distinguished guests, businessmen and other VIP.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem hosted the event in honor of the President. The president received the Friends of Zion Award for his steadfast support of Israel these days and in appreciation for 75 years of true relations between Ecuador and Israel.
The Friends of Zion Award was established by the late Shimon Peres, Israel's 9th President and former International Chairman of FOZ. It has been given to over 24 world leaders, including former US President George Bush, former US President Donald Trump, and former Vice President Mike Pence.
President of Ecuador, H.E. Daniel Noboa Azin said: " I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Friends of Zion and Dr. Mike Evans for the meaningful recognition bestowed upon me. This honor is a reflection of the strong ties of friendship between Ecuador and Israel, and it reaffirms our shared commitment to values such as freedom, peace, and cooperation. I am deeply thankful for this gesture, which inspires us to continue working toward a future of mutual respect and solidarity between our nations. "
Dr. Mike Evans, Founder of FOZ stated: “Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa Azín deserves recognition from Friends of Zion for his firm and determined support for Israel at crucial moments. Since the beginning of his term, he has strengthened diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Israel, upholding principles of solidarity, cooperation, and mutual respect. His leadership has promoted collaborative agreements in key areas such as innovation, security, agriculture, and education, and he has publicly expressed his support for Israel's right to defend itself against, condemning the October 7 attacks and expressing his commitment and support for Israel's security and right to defense. He has also condemned Iran's attacks against Israel. This courageous and consistent stance reflects a deep commitment to the values that Friends of Zion promotes and positions Daniel Noboa Azín as a true friend of the people of Israel”.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center was established in 2015, in the center of Israel’s capital Jerusalem, by founder Dr. Mike Evans, a number one best-selling author, and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for a lifetime of combating antisemitism.
The Friends of Zion Heritage center is a Zionist platform dedicated to the fight against anti-Semitism and BDS and concerns itself with bolstering awareness for the historical support of the Christian friends of Israel. Their advanced Media Center holds dozens of events, activities, and press conferences in line with the FOZ museum's vision
Photo credit with President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu: Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)
Photo credit at FOZ courtesy FOZ Museum
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President Isaac Herzog today welcomed the new ambassadors to Israel from Cambodia, Fiji, Micronesia, and Nauru.
President Isaac Herzog today, Monday, received the diplomatic credentials of new Ambassadors to Israel from Cambodia, Fiji, Micronesia and Nauru.
Welcoming Ambassador of Fiji, H.E. Mr. Fillipo Tarakinikini, the President noted he looked forward to the planned opening of the country’s new embassy in Jerusalem, and thanked the Ambassador for his country’s important decision.
The President thanked newly appointed Ambassador of Micronesia, H.E. Ms. Jackson T. Soram, for the nation’s deep friendship and support for Israel. He noted the longstanding support the country had given to Israel on the international stage, and said he hoped that this important relationship would go from strength to strength.
Speaking with Ambassador of Cambodia H.E. Mr. SOK Chea
, and Ambassador of Nauru, H.E. Ms. Lara Erab Daniel, the President noted his hope to greatly strengthen with their nations, and noted the great potential for cultural exchanges and cooperation in Agritech between Israel and their countries.
Photo credits: Kobi Gideon (GPO)
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Photo Ambassadors and Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps
*At Independence Day Diplomatic Reception, President Herzog calls on world to act to return hostages, stand up to Iran, expand the circle of peace*
President Isaac Herzog, today, Thursday, hosted ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of nations, faith communities, and international multilateral organizations from around the world, for a special reception marking Israel’s 77th Independence Day.
The reception hosted at the President’s Residence with the participation of Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, was attended by US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, as well as representatives of the Abraham Accords nations including the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and representatives of Bahrain.
Addressing the event, President Herzog began by thanking those nations who had offered assistance to Israel as its firefighters and rescue services battled the fires across the country over the past days. He said, “I want to express my profound gratitude to the countries that have stepped forward to help us in a stark moment of crisis; helping turn it into a moment of human solidarity. I pray, along with all of us, for the safety of our communities, our brave fire-fighters, and for a rapid and full resolution to this disaster.”
The President said, “Seventy-seven years ago, the Jewish people, still on the ashes of the Holocaust, stood on its feet and took a radical leap forward: establishing the independent, Jewish and democratic State of Israel. Our young state proceeded to reach heights that no one would have thought possible. Emerging victorious on the battlefield. Making peace with former enemies. Establishing a vibrant democracy. And eventually becoming a world-leader in science and innovation; helping find sustainable solutions in agriculture, medicine, and so many of the fields that hold humanity’s most pressing challenges.”
He noted key among these challenges was the immediate return of all the hostages held in Gaza. “Our hearts and minds go out at this moment, first and foremost to our hostages, who are still buried, alive and dead, in Hamas’ underground dungeons. This grievous and ongoing crime violates every legal, ethical and human norm.” He urged, “I call upon all of your nations, all of your governments, and upon all people of morality, to see in this moment the moment to act swiftly and decisively with us to end this horrendous crime. And bring all of them home. Every last one. Urgently.”
The President added that the world must stand united in preventing Iran’s ongoing efforts to spread terror. He said, “It is not our battle alone. In this battle, we must all stand united. We must jointly ensure that Iran never reaches its nuclear goals. We must insist that it ends its subversive terror activities, including arming and orchestrating the terrorism of its radical proxies.”
The President reiterated, “My friends, this gathering here shows clearly: there is another way. Diplomacy and dialogue can forge new realities. I pray for the moment when corridors of connectivity that bring security, prosperity and peace will stretch from Israel to India. Not as a distant dream, but as a clear and present reality.”
The President thanked the attendees from around the world, and concluded, “Israel’s story is one of resilience, audacity and hope. And we hold fast to these deep resources now. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you, as we come together in goodwill, commitment and purpose, to transform pain into growth, and to shape a shared future of stability, peace and prosperity.”
Also addressing the diplomats was Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh who was taken hostage on October 7, and murdered in captivity nearly a year later. Rachel spoke movingly about her late son, his memory, and his ordeal at the hands of Hamas terrorists.
She went on to say, “Our country, Israel, is bursting with potential. It is a magnificent, complicated, textured, sacred, hurting, diverse, blessed and battered place. It has challenges and opportunities at this fragile time, with its 77th birthday, and so my dear friend, Israel, there is so much I would like to wish for you, but most supreme and urgent is the wish to reclaim the identity of the heart, core, and DNA of this treasured land, and that is bringing home the remaining 59 precious hostages. It won't be easy, but nothing meaningful in life ever is, and it is absolutely doable, as long as people with power decide that it is an interest and an equity for them. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I am simply a regular person, but I know that every single one of you here has the ability to help make this happen. You were not put here by chance,” she told them.
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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President Herzog to new U.S. Ambassador Huckabee: “We share our heartbreak and our absolute resolve to see every last hostage freed from the Hamas dungeons and returned to their loved ones. Immediately. Every last one. I thank you for this allegiance of heart, and, no less, for your commitment to action. Nothing is more urgent.”
U.S. Ambassador Huckabee: “We care deeply, Mr. President, about the threats that face Israel, because those are also the threats that face our country. I never want Americans to think that we Americans are not greatly benefited by our partnership with our ally Israel. We benefit dramatically in the sharing of intelligence, the sharing of technology, and the sharing of agricultural innovation, in which Israel has led the world.”
New U.S. Ambassador Huckabee concluded a full program of diplomatic meetings at the President’s Residence, during which the new ambassadors of India, Canada, Belarus, the Dominican Republic, and Angola also submitted their diplomatic credentials.
President Isaac Herzog today, Monday, received the diplomatic credentials of seven new ambassadors to Israel from Belarus, India, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Angola, and the United States.
Speaking alongside new U.S. Ambassador Huckabee, President Herzog began by expressing his condolences to Christian communities
around the world following the passing of Pope Francis: “I share my deepest condolences with the Christian world, and with the Christian communities here in Israel and in the United States, for their great loss on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.”
The President stressed: “For years, and especially since October 7th, you have been a leading voice of moral clarity and conscience,” and added, “Your appointment as Ambassador by President Trump to this critical post is a shining reflection of the President’s love, friendship, and support for the State of Israel. We are deeply grateful for the historic steps he has taken to strengthen the ironclad U.S.–Israel alliance — and for his vocal solidarity and commitment as we fight to defend our people and bring each and every one of our hostages home. I know you, Mike, share both our heartbreak and our absolute resolve to see every last hostage freed from the Hamas dungeons and returned to their loved ones. Immediately. Every last one. I thank you for this allegiance of heart, and, no less, for your commitment to action. Nothing is more urgent. And nothing warrants our attention more than ending this despicable and ongoing crime against humanity — against every legal and ethical norm, against God Himself.”
The President noted: “You begin your new role at a decisive moment in the history of this region. On the one hand, the Abraham Accords, brokered by President Trump, have demonstrated the power of warm peace. They have shown what happens when nations turn their swords into ploughshares, their conflict into cooperation, their distrust into dialogue.
We can deepen this path. We believe that these words of faith in peace are not only a dream but a demand upon us — a vow to realize it. But to expand peace, we must also soberly recognize the threats to peace.”
He stressed: “The Ayatollah regime in Iran continues to pursue its radical vision of regional dominance and destabilization – on its own and via its proxies – while pursuing nuclear arms and openly calling for the destruction of Israel. History has taught us that when a radical regime declares, ‘Death to Israel and Death to America!’ we must take these threats seriously — and counter them with all of our determination, resolve, and might. For the sake of the safety of our people. For the sake of peace.”
He concluded: “Michal and I, and the entire nation of Israel, welcome you warmly to the land you love so dearly. May your term here offer you every opportunity to explore the length and breadth of this country and its beautiful tapestry of people. God bless you. God bless America. God bless Israel.”
Ambassador Huckabee thanked the President for his welcome and said: “I come to stand together with the State of Israel and the Jewish people, because I believe that it is not simply a geopolitical position, but a divine position.”
He added: “I stand here today fighting back tears because I am here, not just as a visitor, but now, for the next few years, this will be my home. Janet and I come with an extraordinary sense of awe and wonder
and deep gratitude to President Trump for giving us this extraordinary privilege.”
The Ambassador stressed: “I am here with the mission to stand with the people of Israel for peace and prosperity — to serve in a role that I pray will see times when the Israeli people can go to bed at night, not fearing that a siren will awaken them and force them into a shelter because enemies are irrationally dedicated to destroying them. I long for the day when that young Israeli mother puts her babies to bed at night and does not fear that some harm will come upon them as they sleep — but that they will rest with peace, and continue to live with the extraordinary resilience of the Israeli people, which I’ve come to admire as second to none.
Over these coming months, I pray that one thing we will see — and see it very soon — as you’ve so eloquently said, Mr. President: that every hostage returns home to their family. Every hostage. Those who are alive and those deceased, but whose remains are a reminder of the dignity that they deserve — to have a proper burial here in their home.”
“There are challenges, and I share with you that concern that the Iranian regime and all of its hostility, which has been inflicted upon the world for 46 years, continues to threaten not just the peace of Israel, but the peace of the United States. And I constantly remind people that the Iranians have always said ‘Death to Israel’, and chapter two is ‘Death to America’. It has always been their desire that Israel would be the opening act, and then it would be America's turn to face destruction.”
He stressed: “We care deeply, Mr. President, about the threats that face Israel, because those are also the threats that face our country. And I always want to remind my American colleagues that we stand with Israel, first of all, because we share the values of the Bible. We share the understanding that the Judeo-Christian foundation is the foundation of all Western civilization. Without it, there is no sense of democracy, and love, appreciation, and respect for the individual. But it's also important that Americans know that while we hope to be a good friend to Israel and to provide assistance where we can, I never want Americans to think that we Americans are not greatly benefited by our partnership with our ally Israel. We benefit dramatically in the sharing of intelligence, the sharing of technology, and the sharing of agricultural innovation, in which Israel has led the world.”
He concluded: “On behalf of the President and the American people, I thank you for your hospitality, and I welcome the opportunity to serve my President and my country in partnership toward the peace that you truly and most deservedly should have. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Earlier, the President received the diplomatic credentials of the Ambassador of Belarus, Yury Yaroshevich; Ambassador of India, Jitender Pal Singh; Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, Olivio A. Fermin; Ambassador of Canada, Leslie Scanlon; Ambassador of the Philippines, Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau; and Ambassador of Angola, Nelson Manuel Cosme.
Speaking to the Ambassador of India, the President said: “Returning the hostages is our highest priority. We want to see all the
hostages back home — every last one of them. They are going through hell, and we are very worried. I would add that it requires an enormous international effort, and I also want to thank your government, your Prime Minister, for standing with Israel since October 7.
Our governments enjoy strong relations, and we have to work together on the geostrategic issues: getting the hostages back home, preventing Iran from spreading terror, and moving toward peace, inclusion, and connectivity — and of course, enhancing the incredible relations between our peoples.”
Welcoming the Ambassador of Canada, the President noted the close friendship between the two nations. The Ambassador and the President spoke about the contribution and the importance of the well-being of the Jewish community in Canada. The President thanked the Ambassador for her words reiterating the call for the immediate release of the hostages held in Gaza.
Speaking with the Ambassador of the Philippines, the President expressed his condolences to the large Catholic community in the Philippines on the passing of the Pope. The President thanked the Ambassador for her country’s strong support for Israel, and they spoke about opportunities to deepen and expand the economic and cultural relationship between the two countries.
Welcoming the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic the President spoke of his pride that so many students from his country had come to Israel through the Mashav program, and of the importance of cooperation in the fields of water and agricultural technologies.
The President spoke with the Ambassador of Belarus about the rich Jewish history in the country, which was the birthplace of many great Jewish and Zionist leaders.
Welcoming the Ambassador of Angola, the President spoke of the important cooperation between the countries in developing water and agriculture technologies among other areas of cooperation.
Throughout each of his meetings, President Herzog stressed the supreme importance of bringing the hostages home.
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Photo credits: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)
