Above Mike Huckabee’s desk at the US Embassy in the Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem hangs a colorful guitar next to a banjo. These instruments are not symbolic props. The former Arkansas governor and veteran political figure plays them — including an electric guitar — whenever he finds the time. He has even joined a Jerusalem church as a volunteer musician in its choir band. The instruments are a reminder that Huckabee brings a personal, almost pastoral presence to one of Washington’s most demanding diplomatic postings.
Over the past year, Huckabee says, he has come to love Israel not from briefing papers but from daily encounters with its people. He speaks with admiration about what he calls the “endless resilience” of Israelis and their determination to defend their country even under relentless pressure. He also speaks with genuine enthusiasm about Israeli food — especially the fruits and vegetables.
“The watermelons, mangoes, tomatoes,” he says with childlike excitement. “Amazing. I’ve never tasted produce like this anywhere in the world. Oh, and the hummus here is the best. Pure delight.”
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