The visit is being seen by some as a gesture of solidarity with the Jewish community and a reaffirmation of his longtime support for Israel and Jewish causes.
With his Senate confirmation hearing to become U.S. Ambassador to Israel scheduled for later this week, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee made a symbolic and spiritual stop in Queens, New York—visiting the Ohel, the revered gravesite of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
Huckabee was joined by Rabbi Dovid Katz and Dr. Joseph Frager of the Israel Heritage Foundation for the visit.
The Ohel, located in the Cambria Heights neighborhood of Queens, is a pilgrimage site for tens of thousands of Jews each year, who come to pray and seek inspiration at the resting place of the Rebbe, one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century.
The visit, just days ahead of Huckabee’s anticipated confirmation hearing, is being seen by some as a gesture of solidarity with the Jewish community and a reaffirmation of his longtime support for Israel and Jewish causes.
Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister, has been an outspoken advocate for the U.S.-Israel alliance for decades and has frequently engaged with Jewish leaders and organizations.
His nomination by President Donald Trump to serve as the next Ambassador to Israel has drawn both praise and scrutiny, with the upcoming hearing expected to draw significant attention from both political and religious circles.
Observers say the visit to the Ohel may also serve as a signal to faith-based communities—Jewish and Christian alike—of Huckabee’s intent to represent shared values and mutual respect in his diplomatic mission.
No public statement was made by Huckabee following the visit.
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