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The new US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, placed a note from President Donald Trump in the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem on Friday morning in what he called his “first act” in his new role.
The former governor of Arkansas, who was confirmed in the post last week, showed the small note to the media and the crowd gathered for the visit. Written on a tiny piece of paper, the note said, “For peace in Israel – DT.”
Huckabee said Trump gave him the note to place in the wall last Thursday.
Some background: Jewish worshippers and other visitors often place prayers and notes on tiny slips of paper in the cracks of the wall, the holiest site at which Jews can pray.
Huckabee was wearing a Jewish prayer yarmulke on his head and a yellow ribbon pin, which shows support for the hostages still held in Gaza.
A staunch supporter of Israel who has previously said there’s “no such thing as a Palestinian,” Huckabee said Trump was “praying for the peace of Jerusalem.” He made no mention of Gaza or the Palestinians.
“I cannot think of a better time to come and to bring this message of goodwill,” Huckabee said in remarks after he said a short prayer of his own at the wall. “And I also come with a prayer that all of the hostages will come home now and that we will bring them home and that is the prayer of the president as well.”