U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee received a giant esrog during a special meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem ahead of the Sukkot holiday.
The unusual gift was presented by Duvi Honig, founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, and Rabbi Chaim Michoel Gutterman of the Shuvu educational network.
Honig explained that the esrog is traditionally associated with the heart and was chosen as a symbol of appreciation for Huckabee’s support and solidarity with the Jewish people. “You have a heart as big as this etrog,” Honig told the ambassador.
Rabbi Gutterman added “Just as the etrog remains on the tree through all the seasons," Rabbi Gutterman said, “you have stood with us through every period - through the ups and downs and through all the storms we've experienced. You've consistently stood at the side of the Jewish people, and for this you are greatly deserving of our appreciation."
Huckabee expressed his appreciation for the unusual Sukkos gift, remarking, “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
This article was independently written by the BJL Newsroom based on reporting from Israel National News and additional published reports.