At Tikvah, we believe that renewing the American promise requires a strong alliance between Jews and Christians advancing our shared biblical heritage, our dedication to religious freedom, and our unwavering commitment to Israel. That is why we are pleased to award our highest honor, the Herzl Prize, to an American patriot, Christian leader, and friend of the Jewish people: U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
In America’s 250th year, traditional Jews and Christians must work arm-in-arm to reject the path of resentment, bitterness, and disillusionment, and instead rededicate the nation to the deeply Hebraic vision on which it was founded. Together, we can remind our fellow citizens of what makes America exceptional and what it will take to preserve that inheritance for coming generations.
Throughout his career as a pastor, an elected official, and now as ambassador, Mike Huckabee has embodied this noble calling. His love of Israel is rooted in his Evangelical convictions and deep understanding of how the alliance between our countries is an expression of both nations’ deepest values. And today, as radical voices on the so-called populist right seek to drive a wedge between faithful Christians and committed Jews, Huckabee stands apart as a courageous voice for Israel and the natural bonds of friendship between Christians and the Jewish people.
Nominated by then-President-elect Trump as U.S. Ambassador to Israel in November 2024, Mike Huckabee is the first non-Jew to serve in that role in over a decade. During his tenure, the U.S.-Israel alliance has reached unprecedented levels of cooperation during Operations Midnight Hammer and Epic Fury in Iran, all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza were returned, and America and Israel have worked together in an effort to reshape the strategic landscape of the Middle East. Ambassador Huckabee has also worked to facilitate Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land, strengthening the bonds between American Christians and the Jewish state. He continues to serve as a vocal advocate for a strong partnership between America and Israel, countering lies about Israel’s treatment of Christians and standing firm against rising anti-Semitism around the globe.
Before entering public office, he worked in Christian broadcasting and advertising and served as a pastor for twelve years. He was elected lieutenant governor of Arkansas in 1993 and, upon his predecessor’s resignation, served as governor from July 1996 until 2007, earning national recognition for his successes as the state’s chief executive. He sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, and was host of The Huckabee Report, a daily radio program, as well as popular shows on Fox News and TBN.
The ambassador has been married to Janet Huckabee since 1974. They have three children—John Mark, David, and current Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders—and seven grandchildren.
Join Jewish and Christian leaders, thinkers, and patriots from across the country this fall as we honor Ambassador Huckabee and stand shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of the biblically inspired principles that are the touchstone of our republic and of Western civilization.
