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Recently I was privileged to spend a few very intense days with one such individual, Mike Huckabee, a singular yet unassuming statesman-leader with a courageous worldview. The former Governor of Arkansas and candidate for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination is now host of his own Fox TV and ABC radio shows. It has been suggested he will run for high office again in 2012.
Accompanying Governor Huckabee on a whirlwind trip sponsored by the Jerusalem Reclamation Project, I had an opportunity to observe the man up close and personal. To my delight, I found Huckabee to be someone who does not fit neatly into any of the pigeonholes that pundits like to deploy.
Radiating moral clarity, and referring often to the shared values and organic ties that bind the American and Israeli peoples, he is also far too pragmatic to be confused as a member of the currently discredited albeit misunderstood idealist school. In fact, I would be hard pressed to come up with another American leader who so ably synthesizes patriotism and core principles with a realistic apprehension of foreign policy matters, in this case those concerning Israel’s existential security needs.
Evincing deep understanding of the conditions of the Middle East, Huckabee spoke eloquently and reassuringly about the need to ensure Israel’s long-term viability. If the proposal to create a Palestinian state proved to be inimical to Israel’s security interests and her status as a Jewish and democratic state, then the Governor was prepared to say that alternatives should be explored.
Although Huckabee was emphatic about not looking to cause problems for the US administration, he nonetheless sounded an alarm regarding its flawed policy of ignoring the protracted history of Palestinian antagonism. Myriad examples have been cited, all relevant to this day, over the course of 16 years post-Oslo Accords: the PA’s flouting all of its principal commitments; convening conferences that explicitly justify violence; publishing maps showing a state called Palestine from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, with Israel obliterated; inciting hatred against Israeli citizens in the official media, mosques, schools and camps; lionizing mass murdering terrorists by naming streets, schools and sporting events after them; and countenancing a revolving door that frees terrorists almost as quickly as they are detained. And these are the “moderate” Palestinians!
As we traversed the communities of eastern Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria whose ethnic cleansing it has been said is necessary for “peace,” Huckabee repeatedly argued that a policy seeking to restrict Jewish habitation anywhere in the world is fundamentally immoral. This policy is all the more so unsupportable, he asserted, in the very place where the Jewish historical experience took root in antiquity, and Jews have had an ongoing presence throughout the millennia.
Huckabee parried reporters’ questions and jibes with the observation that a separation of peoples based on ethnicity or religion would never be tolerated in America. Furthermore, he emphasized, in a region as volatile as the Middle East, why would anyone believe that radical population transfers would contribute to a durable peace?
For me, a dual citizen of Israel and the US, it was refreshing to hear such frank discussion from an American leader about the moral and practical implications of arm-twisting Israel. And not only vis-à-vis the Palestinians but also with regard to Iran, with its perilous nuclear ambitions being used by President Obama as a pawn to exact one-sided concessions from Israel.
Israelis await each of the President’s pronouncements with bated breath. Only four percent believe he is supportive of Israel and with each new speech, the latest at the Israel-bashing UN of all places, concerns are continually justified. Huckabee, on the other hand, visits Israel frequently—this was his eleventh—and implies with his encouraging words that Israelis need not capitulate to pressure sure to undermine their interests. What a contrast.
Fact is, sympathetic and strong American support is still in abundance among US leadership and populace alike. Indeed it is because of this critical yet understated point that ZOA’s Israel office considers it a priority to plan meetings for US officials with key ministers, Knesset members and community leaders. We took the opportunity to do as much for Governor Huckabee, in this instance with Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon (Likud), Minister Yuli Edelstein (Likud), and Members of Knesset, Tzipi Hotovely (Likud), Danny Danon (Likud), David Rotem (Yisrael Beteinu), Ze’ev Elkin (Likud) and Michael Ben Ari (National Union), among others.
The tête-à-tête we arranged for Ya’alon and Huckabee in particular may have far-reaching import. These are two leaders who do not shrink from speaking truth to power, and both have much to say during this determinative period about failed policies and realistic alternatives.
The challenge now is to follow the example of the Ya’alons and Huckabees. The times demand adaptive thinking, an honest reassessment of the current paradigm with an eye toward its replacement. And the new paradigm should be based on accurate demographic projections; not the manufactured data of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, with its history of bias, distortion and propaganda.
Moreover, unfettered discussion of all the options necessarily must include the possibility of simply managing the conflict for the foreseeable future. Present realities being what they are, this is at least preferable to plunging recklessly towards the more dangerous scenario on the table.
Promoters of the two-state paradigm would have everyone believe “there is no alternative,” dictating a Faustian binary that is hardly reasonable and presumptive in the extreme: Either establish a Judenrein Palestinian state (no matter that it is bent on Israel’s destruction), or accept that Israel by default will become undemocratic and apartheid-like. We must not allow ourselves to be constrained by voguish, doctrinaire claims meant to reduce the debate to a single trajectory.
President Shimon Peres once said, “When you have two alternatives, the first thing you have to do is to look for the third that you didn't think about, that doesn't exist.” Peres’ ill-considered sponsorship of the disastrous Oslo process notwithstanding, he had the right idea. It’s about time we heard about those third way possibilities from more leaders on both sides of the ocean. Thank you, Governor Huckabee, for joining the conversation.
Jeff Daube is Director of the Israel Office of the Zionist Organization of America and looks forward to greeting Governor Huckabee on his Christian mission to Israel in February 2010.
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gracepraying
10/01/2009 08:25 AM
How blessed I was to go to Huck Pac this morning and read your kind comments! I am leaving it in God's hands whether I can go to Israel or not. It is my prayer.
Thank you Jeff Daube, and Jill, Sarah Ann, and Captain Obvious for your kind words and well-wishes. I know some of my friends and family smile skeptically when I tell them I am going to Israel with Huckabee. Or they try to discourage me because "it is too dangerous to travel there now." But as I am part of a Bible study on I&II Kings, about King David and King Solomon, and especially the promises of God for the nation of Israel, my desire to be one with this nation grows more and more. If I could die for her it would not be in vain. This is God's promised land and His people, and they have struggled so much for freedom and just to exist. Also, there are miracles going on in Israel now, I know. The fact that they exist today is a miracle of Ezekial's valley of "dead bones" being raised to life.
We must protect Israel, who have relied on America in the past for much of their military and other funding. We must resist some of the "liberals" in our government who want to defund Israel or take away part of her holy land. The people of Israel are being squeezed from all sides, trying to make them give up land or the ability to defend themselves.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper who love you...Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek your good." (Psalm 122:6, 9)
America will only prosper as we love Israel and work to keep Jerusalem one undivided city.
God bless you all, and God bless Mike Huckabee and his family.
GRACE, in Kansas, PRAYING
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Anderson, Jill
09/30/2009 07:56 PM
Captain & SarahAnn- you are so thoughtful and kind. We must get "gracepraying" to the Holy land first. I would be ready to go in a minute but only if my husband would go with me and take a vacation for a change. No one can understand this but he never takes any vacations from his job anymore. He has time coming but turns it down. I guess he is thinking about the time when he will no longer be able to work so he keeps on going.
I was not going to post but wanted to respond to you.
I have some issues with my Huckpac account, so will not do any posting until it gets resolved. If it never gets resolved then I don't know how I can continue. Just thought I would let you and my other friends on here know if you don't see me around. Sometimes the Lord closes doors in some unusual ways so he can open another door for us :-) -
Captain Obvious
09/30/2009 01:07 AM
...'cause we major in miracles...
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Captain Obvious
09/30/2009 01:06 AM
Sarah Ann has a great idea! I believe many HuckPAC people would donate to a fund to send Grace and Jill and their spouses to Israel.
We would not be able to make the trip either--even if we could afford it. (Hope to get into the next level of Hebrew studies next year--that's my "visit to the holy land".)
Is there any way we could have a very quiet little "send Jill and Grace to the Holy Land" fund? I'll bet they would bring back lots of wonderful stories and pictures to share with us!!
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SarahAnn
09/29/2009 02:30 PM
Jeff,
I enjoyed reading your report about Mike Huckabee's visit to Israel... I do not believe that Israel should be divided... The land belongs to the Jews and should never be divided... If the other countries want peace , it would be very easy... Just recognize Israel as a Jewish State...
I would also love to go to Israel and walk where Jesus & his disciples walked.... But, I am not able to make such a long trip, besides not being able to financially.............Grace & Jill I would love for y'all to get to go, and I would be willing to donate to a fund where some of the Huckabee's could go to Israel..
There are a lot of us out here, and just $10.00 each might send a lot of you....... There could be a drawing or something to decide who could go.. And, everyone who wanted to go and were able, they could add their name to the pot... -
Daube, Jeff
09/29/2009 09:13 AM
Barbie, Jill, Harley, Grace, Tim (and apologies to anyone I inadvertently missed),
Thank you for your kind and encouraging feedback. It is heartwarming to read that we in Israel and Governor Huckabee have such good friends, especially when we are each, in our own way, under attack from many quarters.
I just completed the Yom Kippur fast, made all the more meaningful here in Jerusalem as not a single car traverses any of the thoroughfares for an entire 25 hours. This is the holiest and most solemn day on the Jewish calendar and as we contemplate our individual and collective fates it can feel pretty lonely in the Holy Land surrounded by hostile neighbors.
Imagine my delight then in seeing your messages after I had a bite to eat. It gave me pause to once again thank God for all the gifts he has bestowed, not the least of which is wonderful friends such as yourselves who want to see Israel not only survive but thrive.
A week from Wednesday I will be taking busloads of supporters to the magnificent heights of Samaria (mistakenly known as "West Bank") for visits to some of our holy sites and to celebrate the Tabernacle holiday with the residents of the area. That evening I will rush back to Jerusalem to celebrate Israel Night at the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem as part of their Feast of the Tabernacle mission.
I sincerely hope you will be able to join Governor Huckabee on his trip to the Holy Land in February. If you cannot make it then, perhaps at another time.
Grace, I would love to help. I recently sent an email to Governor Huckabee and his daughter, Sarah, to consider me at their disposal. I will be glad to do anything possible to facilitate from Jerusalem.
Blessings from my beloved Jerusalem,
Jeff Daube, Zionist Organization of America
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Barbie
09/27/2009 11:29 PM
Mr. Daube...
Thank you for your commentary. For many years the United States policy regarding Israel and Jerusalem has been flawed. American Presidential politicians verses American Presidential leaders and statesmen with a realistic vision for the future.
Governor Huckabee is a true American leader, statesman and visionary. He understands the reality of war with Israel is not necessarily for land, but war because of religion. Christianity versus Muslim extremism and dictatorships versus freedom.
There is no city on the face of the earth like Jerusalem. Jerusalem—the very word stirs deep emotions, memories of the past, and hopes for the future. The United States should move the American embassy to Jerusalem.
Israel,smaller in size than the state of New Jersey is the only democracy in that part of the world that is surrounded by countries with massive land and dictatorships. Such countries cannot accept the freedom promoted by such a small, but powerful country…Israel.
God himself chose to establish Jerusalem as His dwelling place on earth forever. Jerusalem is the city where God's presence dwells on the earth. It is the literal presence of the living God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That divine presence appeared to Moses in the burning bush, calling him to liberate the Jewish people from the iron grip of Egyptian slavery. Many past Presidential administrations have recently been talking about slavery in the United States, but ignore the slavery that ocurred with the people of Israel in past years. Within the last two weeks, the Carter, Clinton and Obama administrations have all pleaded racism in our country and all three have ignored the plight of Israel. They use racism as a way to divide, so they can conquer and become powerful. Such is the belief of the Muslim extremists who divide, so they can conquer and become powerful.
Gods' divine presence was established by God through King David 1Kings11:36 "And to his son [Solomon] I will give one tribe, that My servant David may always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chose for Myself, to put My name there."
Jerusalem is the heart of Israel. For over 3,000 years the hearts and the souls of the Jewish people have preserved the history of their beautiful city and culture.There are voices calling for the sacred city to be shared as a part of the Roadmap for Peace in the Middle East. Yet there is only war and no peace. The city of Jerusalem should not be up for negotiation with anyone at any time and for any reason in the future. It has been and shall always be the eternal and undivided capital of the State of Israel. The Jewish state allows all to live there…it is called freedom. The United States and Israel know that the freedom they share is a commonality. What’s in a word?
Look closely...JerUSAalem.
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Anderson, Jill
09/26/2009 12:05 PM
Jeff Daube -
thank-you for sharing a most interesting post!Deborah -
thanks for that video!
It is very apparent what is going on.
They said that they were a Christian when they ran for president. Many black Christian pastors believed it and one I know said he got goose bumps just thinking of a black African-American for our president. I wonder how he feels now. I guess they never bothered to check the "fruits" before the election. There was a strong lack of evidence but they got caught up in the color of the man.May God bless Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I have always admired this man and am so pleased that he is the leader at this critical time in history. He definitely needs our prayers for divine protection and wisdom.
May our God bless Israel and its people. I am thrilled also to be part of a commitment through the Daystar television network in pledging to help in bringing 24-7 continuous Christian broadcasting to Israel. They now have their own studio right there. PTL !!
It would be fantastic to be able to be on this Huckabee Tour in February.
gracepraying -
I pray you will be able to fulfill your dream of going on this trip! My husband has always had a yearning to go and I guess many of us have but it seems that it not feasible for us. Would definitely take a miracle !! -
gracepraying
09/26/2009 09:43 AM
Reading this article by Jeff Daube was a delight to one who loves both Israel and Gov. Mike Huckabee. As I read, I got tears in my eyes to realize that we have in Huckabee a man who can talk to important leaders, reporters, the people of Israel and the USA. If he can talk directly to them--and not have his words filtered through a media who disdains freedom--most people are impressed by his wisdom and clear-cut reasoning, as well as his moral leadership. He is uniquely courageous, consistent, and bold in his defense of Israel's rights to maintain its borders and sovereignty.
I have such a strong draw to go to Israel, to accompany Mike Huckabee's tour, not only to visit the places my Savior walked, or where Abraham journeyed or the Prophets and Kings lived. I also want to be a part of that history and see leaders of Israel honor and include Mike at the international townhall meeting.
So, I am praying for unexpected money to pay for the trip, as well as a sign that God would have me to go.
I would also love to have Mike Huckabee and other experts on Israel do an hour-long television special when he goes to Israel in February. Jeff Daube, could you help with a project like this? Would FoxNEWS do a feature with Huckabee, as they have with Hannity, Bair, and others?
God bless you for your defense of Israel.
GRACE, in Kansas, PRAYING
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper who love you...Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek your good." (Psalm 122:6, 9)
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Judge Deborah
09/26/2009 08:41 AM
Christians in America support Rabbi Eckstein and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews!
We pray for Israel, Jerusalem and the Jews every day!
It's no wonder our U.S. President doesn't share our feelings about the protection of Israel. We've elected a Muslim to the White House.
If you don't believe it, watch this video:
Pastors Arrested At White House For Praying
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COVINGTON, ANN
09/25/2009 04:17 PM
Israel is blest with a courageous Prime Minister at a time when Israel is being besieged with not only terrorist missiles and suicide bombers, but coersive efforts on the part of the U.S. Administration to give up land for peace. Let Iran or Iraq or Lebanon or Syria give up land to make room for the Palestinians. GOD Himself gave that land to Israel, and none but Israel has a right to it. 2012: Huckabee and Palin or Huckabee and Keyes.
May P.M. Netanyahu stay strong in the Lord's sheltering guidance!! -
King, Tim
09/25/2009 09:59 AM
LOVED this post. Gov. Huckabee's actions and words so encourage me...to think we could be so blessed to have such a man as our leader, representative..one word describes it..HOPE. He could be our Josiah. He acts so Presidential in an unassuming way. Way to go, Huck..I'm proud of you - and stand with you.
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Keen, Brently
09/25/2009 02:48 AM
I really enjoyed reading this post, thanks!
Here's an interesting look at anti-Zionism from the American Thinker:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/09/when_did_antizionism_become_an.html
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Bue, Harley
09/25/2009 01:10 AM
I was quite impressed with Jeff Daube's discernment and eloquent dissertation concerning Mike's character. Jeff's writing is exemplary and his distinct profile gives us a glimpse of Mike's expertise on foreign policy.
Obviously, Israel's role in the volatile Middle East is prominent in Biblical prophecy. We need leaders like Mike who understand the importance of being a supporter of Israel in end times eschatology.
I like the way he described Mike as an unassuming statesman-leader with a courageous worldview. The word statesman seems to be arising more frequently in discussions.
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September Dawn
09/24/2009 10:29 PM
Excuse me. Where are the Americans who profess to be Jews? They are not irate at this current Administration. If they are, their silence is deafening.
Joe Lieberman, how can you stand by this insane political policy that the left is perpetrating? It is time for you to change parties and stand with people who are more aligned with Israel.
I understand that you are a devout man. You need to exercise courage and come out with a scalding statement about Israel's treatment at the hands of Barack Hussein Obama.
If the Jews sit back in fear or complacency, they risk another Holocaust. We cannot defend you if you choose not to defend yourselves or at least let us know you want to be defended.
