Mike Huckabee speaks at October 7 remembrance ceremony in Little Rock
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee joined state leaders in Little Rock for a memorial service. Leaders gathered to honor victims of the October 7 assault and support ongoing recovery efforts. The gathering commemorated the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel’s history.
Hamas and allied militant groups launched an attack three years ago. The assault killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 people taken hostage.
Huckabee detailed staying in a bunker in Israel during the initial attack. He remained in constant communication with President Donald Trump. Portions of Israel still feature destroyed buildings and war-torn streets.
“I sometimes ask the president, what did I do to you? You send me to one of the most intense places on earth, but I tell you, I wouldn’t be anywhere else right now, to serve my country, my flag, and to serve a president who had the courage to recognize the threat to America and the American people and to say enough,” Huckabee said.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders and Secretary of State Cole Jester gave speeches. Attorney General Tim Griffin joined them in condemning Hamas. They voiced strong support for Israel.
Several Jewish leaders addressed the gathering in Little Rock to describe the lasting impact:
- Rabbi Pinchus Ciment, Regional Director for Lubavitch of Arkansas
- Harry Ehrenberg with the Arkansas Jewish Federation
- Albert Veksler, Director of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast
National Association of Christian Lawmakers President Jason Rapert hosted the event. He thanked participants for opposing antisemitic behavior. Governing board member Pastor Happy Caldwell closed the ceremony with a prayer for peace.
Israel officially declared war on Hamas the day after the initial attack. Fighting remains ongoing. Around 74,000 Palestinians and 800 Israeli soldiers have died, according to an Associated Press report.
Memorial ceremonies offer a public space for community members to grieve collective losses. Civic and religious organizations coordinate these events to foster mutual solidarity. Programs typically include shared prayers, historical reflections, and formal speeches.
The full ceremony recorded in Little Rock is available on the National Association of Christian Lawmakers Facebook page.
