On the eve of Tuesday, 8 September 2026, the Ambassador of the United States to the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Mike and Mrs. Janet Huckabee hosted an festive and mamoth reception marking America's 250th Birthday. The reception was held at Jerusalem's Museum of Tolerance. The semiquincentennial celebration is when the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July in 1776.
The Museum of Tolerance with its golden - hued facade and soaring glass walls span 180 000 metres over four floors and is located between modern western Jerusalem and the Old City.
In the museum's Tikun Olam Garden, there is a permanent exhibition honouring Jewish Nobel Laureates and great Teachers and Sages of Israel, dating to Yehuda Hanassi, all of whom contributed to mankind.
During the reception a number of guided tours of a powerful photographic exhibition entitled 62:29 were available. This exhibition documents the atrocities, heartbreak and heroism of the October 7th attacks in 2023, conveying a clear message that even in the deepest darkness there were points of light. These moments of courage and humanity are what sustain us, reminding us that our greatest strength lies in our unity.
A huge board displayed over 40 sponsors included Lockheed Martin, Watergen, Boeing, Amazon, Oracle, Google, Colgate, In Mobileye, Delta, Coca Cola, J.P. Morgan, Ritz Carlton, Microsoft, CBC Israel, Herzog, Motorola, Pfizer and Applied Materials, to name a few.
Close to 30 food stations including Ben and Jerry which served mostly traditional fare namely mini hamburgers, KFC chicken, lamb kebabs, smoked assado and brisket, Israeli shawarma, fish and chips, a salad bar of fattoush, baby tomato, Asian and ceasar salad and lastly root vegetable curry accompanied with coconut cream
Not forgetting that there was also a well stocked bar of exclusive Kentucky Bourbon and Herzog wine as well as a number of fridges of Watergen bottles which is atmospheric water generated to extract clean, mineral and enriched drinking water from the air.
The official ceremony took place in the Museum's amphitheatre where every seat had a cushion and a small U.S. flag. A large screen at the back of the stage where snaps and a film of previous U.S. 4th of July celebrations and of the United States beautiful landscape was shown.The Israel National Police Orchestra conducted by Maestro Vadim Musikov performed. Speeches were short and the evening's emphasis was on enjoyment.
H.E. Mr. Mike Hucabee opened the evening with a succinct speech expressing that the United States has so many reasons to thank G-d and thankfully we can do so in Jerusalem where the three Monastic faiths' forefathers i.e. Abrahams, Issac and Jacob lived. America's founding fathers based our national values on that of Judeo Chrsitian values. The United States's Declaration of Independence vests its power with the people.
Patricia Heaton, the Emcee,a philanthropist, activist and famous actor as well as a loyal and strong friend of Israel flew in for the occasion.
The Presentation of Colours by the Marine Security Guard Detachment of the United States Embassy in Israel accompanied by the Israeli National Police Band dumbfounded everyone present with their impressive performance.
Paul Kroeger, a U.S. diplomat and former opera singer sang the Star - Spangled Banner followed by Ishay Ribo's rendition of Israel's Hatikva.
The Emcee stated that despite Jerusalem being a complicated city, not only referring to the traffic, it is the intersection of three faiths.
A film was shown about the proposed and newly planned U.S. Embassy campus in Jerusalem.
A message by Israel's President, H.E. Isaach Herzog's brief speech included an anecdote about a Jew, Haim Solomon who came to the United States on the eve of independence tying his fate to the nascent state. The values of America embody and prioritizes faith in possibility and freedom, the latter carrying responsibility as the United States and Israel concomitantly stand against forces of tyranny. I value the Ambassador and his wife Janet's energies, their overwhelming message of positivity of which he speaks of almost daily.
Tri' Corley and his band, the Music City Connection from Tennessee flew in especially for this momentous occasion performing Neil Diamond's "They Coming To America", from the movie, the Jazz Singer. Ambassador Huckabee who started playing guitar at the age of 8 accompanied by Amir Ohana, Israel's Speaker of the Knesset stunned the guests by performing together with the band.
Israel's Prime Minister, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu's short message on film started that America was not given its freedom but valiantly fought for it. Not the United States nor Israel bows to anyone as we fight for our power knowing that peace comes through strength. Together we stand and together we shall prevail.
Mr. Larry Mizel, the Museum of Tolerance's Chairman who for 25 years worked ceaselessly to realize the dream of actualizing a Museum of this magnitude in Jerusalem presented Ambassador Huckabee with the Torch of Abraham Award, the Museum's most prestigious accolade saying that he could not be a better friend to Israel as displayed in the war against Iran helping to develope the resilience of the Israeli people. His love of Jews and of Israel epitomizes his unbound loyalty. Through dialogue, inclusion and understanding he has brought people together embodying tolerance and mutual responsibility among people who differ.
Robert Davi, a well known American multi talented performer and jazz singer who as a young man worked with Frank Sinatra came especially for the evening's celebration. With his rich and sonorous voice he enthralled the audience performing three of his Mentor's songs which included "I Did It My Way", "Fly Me To The Moon" and a song written in 1946 against rabid Jew hatred in New York and antisemitism in the U.S.A.
An enormous birthday cake with the U.S.'s tricolours against a backdrop of 4 large sparklers was presented on a tier by 4 Marines. The birthday cake was sliced by Ambassador and Mrs. Huckabee.
The evening spectacular conclusion where Ambassador and Mrs Huckabee appeared on stage while the Knesset Speaker who represented the government of Israel, Mr. Amir Ohana played the guitar to "America the Beautiful" sung by Robert Davi and Paul Kroeger accompanied by the Israel National Police Orchestra conducted by Maestro Musikov.
Upon leaving, guests were presented with two gift packages of souvenirs.
We extends its heartfelt wishes to H.E. Mr. Mike and Mrs. Janet Huckabee and to all Embassy staff involved in preparing a memorable evening of entertainment, splendour, glamour and joy. May the United States and Israel's close relationship strengthen and remain steadfast in times of adversity.
G-d Bless and Long Live America.
Photos Silvia G. Golan
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