Historic moment: US Ambassador Huckabee and Yossi Dagan affix Samaria Mezuzah

In a groundbreaking diplomatic event, newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee met with Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan on May 4, 2025, marking the first official meeting with an Israeli regional leader at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. The meeting culminated in a symbolic gesture as Dagan presented Huckabee with a handcrafted mezuzah made from stones of Mount Ebal in Samaria, which they jointly affixed to the door of the ambassador’s office. Huckabee expressed gratitude, stating, “This is a reminder, every time I enter my office, that there are people praying for the peace of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and all of Israel.” Dagan responded, “We are all praying for your success.”

The mezuzah, crafted by artist Asaf Kidron from the Itamar settlement, symbolizes the historical and biblical significance of Judea and Samaria. During the meeting, Huckabee and Dagan discussed Israel’s security challenges and the strategic importance of Judea and Samaria. Dagan recited the traditional mezuzah blessing and added the “Shehecheyanu” prayer, underscoring the historic nature of the occasion. Huckabee, visibly moved, thanked Dagan, calling the gift “a great honor.”

Huckabee, a longtime supporter of Israel, has visited Judea and Samaria multiple times, including sites like Alon Moreh, Itamar, Barkan, Shiloh’s ancient tabernacle, and a new Efrat neighborhood. He once joined Dagan for prayers at Joseph’s Tomb, a significant religious site. Their longstanding friendship has bolstered U.S. support for the region, including hosting American delegations in Samaria.

Dagan has been instrumental in advocating for Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, collaborating with U.S. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to establish a congressional caucus with over 20 members. The caucus pushes for legislation to replace “West Bank” with “Judea and Samaria” in U.S. documents and promote sovereignty. Dagan also met with Massad Boulos, Trump’s son-in-law and Middle East advisor, who expressed admiration for Samaria’s residents.

This unprecedented event signals a deepening of U.S.-Israel ties under the Trump administration, with Huckabee and Dagan’s shared commitment to Judea and Samaria at its core.