US Ambassador Mike Huckabee Prays in Ancient Shiloh in Historic Visit

In a historic first for a sitting American diplomat, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited Ancient Shiloh in the Binyamin region of Samaria on Wednesday, affirming his deep faith, unwavering support for Israel, and recognition of the biblical heartland as central to the Jewish people’s heritage.

Huckabee was accompanied by his wife, Janet, and welcomed by the Yesha Council, which represents Jewish communities across Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley. The ambassador’s visit to Shiloh the site that served as Israel’s spiritual center for 369 years after Joshua’s conquest marked a rare and powerful moment in modern diplomacy.

At the ancient site of the Tabernacle, the Huckabees recited Hannah’s Prayer from the Book of Samuel, lifting their voices for the return of Israeli hostages and the safety of IDF soldiers currently fighting in Gaza. It was a moment rich in faith and symbolism—offered at the very place where Israel’s tribal unity was first consecrated.

During the visit, Huckabee also viewed biblically pure red heifers currently being raised in Shiloh in preparation for future Temple purification rituals. He emphasized the historic and religious authenticity of Judea and Samaria: “I have never used any term other than Judea and Samaria,” he declared. “It would be a historical injustice and a denial of the Bible to use other terms.”

“You have sacrificed greatly to live in these places. You have paid in blood, sweat and tears. This place is a miracle,” Huckabee said to residents of the region. “Only the existence of God can explain your presence here. I believe in the Bible, and I have no faith without you. I owe you a spiritual debt.”

In remarks that echoed across generations, he added “You represent God’s presence and His choice in this land. Those who do not stand with you do not stand with God.”

Israel Ganz, chairman of the Yesha Council and head of the Binyamin Regional Council, welcomed Huckabee by saying, “Welcome home.” Reflecting on the unifying power of Shiloh, Ganz said, “The Jews’ first spiritual capital before Jerusalem was the place that united the tribes of Israel. Today, we stand here, in the State of Israel, united and strong, together with you.”

This visit follows Huckabee’s recent address in Jerusalem, where he called his posting to Israel a divine assignment, declaring: “God decided to bring His light and His law into the world through the Jewish people… I respect what God chooses to do. I honor what God chooses to do.”

Earlier this week, Huckabee was also presented with a mezuzah made from stones from Joshua’s Altar in Itamar a further testament to his connection with the Land of Israel and its sacred history.

The ambassador’s steps through Shiloh are more than symbolic they are a declaration that the eternal bond between the Jewish people and their land is acknowledged, honored, and defended by true friends of Israel.

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