At Western Wall, House Speaker Asks for Continued American Solidarity With Israel

On the solemn day of Tisha B’Av, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) offered a heartfelt prayer at Jerusalem’s Western Wall, asking that the United States “always stand with Israel.” Leading a congressional delegation, Johnson’s visit underscores the deep and enduring ties between the American people particularly the evangelical Christian community and the State of Israel.

“We are grateful for the privilege of being here in Israel today, on the day we recognize the destruction of the Temple twice in history,” Johnson said, referencing the historical tragedies mourned by Jews around the world on this sacred date. “Our prayer is that America will always stand with Israel and for the preservation and peace of Jerusalem.”

The delegation included fellow Republican lawmakers Michael Cloud, Michael McCaul, Nathaniel Moran, and Claudia Tenney, as well as Heather Johnston, founder of the U.S. Israel Education Association. Together, they met with senior Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Sa’ar praised Johnson as “a true friend of Israel,” and emphasized the urgency of confronting rising global antisemitism and the efforts by countries like Ireland to delegitimize the Jewish state. He also briefed the delegation on regional threats, including attacks against Druze communities in Syria and Hamas's continued brutality.

The speaker’s visit, originally postponed due to last spring’s brief war with Iran, comes amid Israel’s continued efforts to defeat Hamas in Gaza and return its hostages. Johnson’s presence at the Western Wall sent a powerful message of unity, faith, and American solidarity at a moment when Israel continues to face international scrutiny and security threats.

“May God continue to bless and protect the people of Israel and its greatest friend and ally, the United States,” Johnson wrote in the guest book, echoing the prayer he spoke aloud before the ancient stones.

This visit is yet another reminder that in the heart of Jerusalem on one of Judaism’s most sacred days the alliance between Israel and America remains unbreakable, rooted in shared values, faith, and a commitment to freedom.

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