US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee received the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem’s highest honor, the Torch of Abraham Award, during the US Embassy Jerusalem’s official celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Larry A. Mizel, chairman and co-founder of the Museum, presented the award in recognition of Huckabee’s decades-long friendship with Israel and the Jewish people, his contribution to strengthening the US–Israel alliance, and his leadership during one of the most consequential periods in the relationship between the two countries.
“They say you find out who your true friends are when you need them most, and there is no greater friend to Israel and the Jewish people than Ambassador Mike Huckabee,” Mizel said during the ceremony. “Throughout his distinguished career and his many visits to this country, he has demonstrated an extraordinary love for the State of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Mizel also highlighted Huckabee’s support for Israel during the recent confrontation with Iran, which saw an unprecedented level of strategic and military cooperation between Israel and the United States.
“At one of the most consequential moments in our shared history, Ambassador Huckabee stood firmly with the Jewish people and the Jewish State,” Mizel said. “He remained a strong and unwavering voice for Israel and the US-Israel alliance - a true ally whose leadership proved critical.”
The award ceremony was part of the US Embassy Jerusalem’s Freedom 250 celebration, marking 250 years of American independence. Held at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem for the second consecutive year, the event celebrated the enduring American values of freedom, democracy, and opportunity, as well as the longstanding partnership between the United States and Israel.
The Museum also welcomed a prominent delegation from the United States, including Pete Peterson, Dean of Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy; real estate developer Harold Smethills; Jeff Coors, President of the Adolph Coors Company; business executive Randy Davis; and investor David Engelberg. They were joined by MOTJ leadership, including Chairman Larry A. Mizel, Managing Director Jonathan Riss, and CFO Diana Zhu.
Ahead of the event, Huckabee described the Museum as “an international beacon of hope and human dignity in the heart of Israel’s capital and a valued strategic partner of the US Embassy.”
“This year, we gather at a truly historic moment,” the ambassador said. “As the US–Israel alliance continues to reach new heights, we celebrate not only 250 years of American independence but also the enduring partnership between two nations bound by shared values, democratic ideals, and an unwavering commitment to freedom.”
The Torch of Abraham Award recognizes individuals whose leadership reflects the Museum’s principles of tolerance, mutual responsibility, human dignity, and meaningful dialogue. Huckabee was also recognized for his longstanding relationship with the Museum and his support for its exhibitions, cultural initiatives, and wider mission.
Since October 7, the Museum has expanded its work addressing antisemitism, extremism, polarization, and the challenges facing Israel and democratic societies. Its exhibitions include 6:29 - From Darkness to Light, which presents the testimonies of women affected by the October 7 massacre through photography, holograms, and immersive technology. The exhibition has welcomed more than 150,000 visitors, including world leaders and official delegations.
The Museum’s broader programming includes the School of Civic Discourse, the Leadership Academy, The People’s Journey, and the Social Lab - initiatives that explore identity, civic responsibility, misinformation, and dialogue across differences.
Some 2,500 guests attended an evening jointly produced by the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem and US Embassy Jerusalem. The event utilized the Museum’s advanced audiovisual infrastructure, including large-scale projection systems, digital screens, and other technologies.
A VIP reception was held in the Museum’s Grand Hall, followed by the main program in the outdoor amphitheater. The Museum’s production team led the complex operation in close coordination with the US Embassy, successfully navigating significant logistical and security obstacles.
The Freedom 250 celebration brought these themes together at a landmark moment: honoring America’s history while recognizing an alliance that has demonstrated its strength through both shared values and decisive action.