Mike Johnson at the Western Wall: 'May America always stand with Israel'

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Jerusalem’s Western Wall, a sacred Jewish site, wearing a kippah during Tisha B’Av fast. Leading a congressional delegation, Johnson prayed at the Wall, emphasizing U.S. solidarity with Israel. Other initiates alongside Speaker Johnson include Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the daughter of Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

Tisha B'Av is a significant Jewish fast day that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, by God's will. The Book of Jeremiah suggests God permitted the destructions as punishment for Jewish sins such as idolatry, injustice, and disunity. Tisha B'Av, a major fasting day, commemorates the destruction with a 25-hour fast and mourning rituals, including reading the Book of Lamentations, with prayers for the temple to be rebuilt.

“We are grateful for the privilege of being here in Israel today, on the day we recognize the destruction of the Temple twice in history,” Johnson stated. “Our prayer is that America will always stand with Israel and for the preservation and peace of Jerusalem.”

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Mordechai Eliav welcomed the group, noting their stance against anti-Semitism. The delegation toured the “Gate of Heaven” exhibition, exploring Jewish history. Johnson placed a prayer note in the Wall’s stones and signed the guest book: “May God continue to bless and protect the people of Israel and its greatest friend and ally, the USA.” The visit highlighted Johnson’s public faith and U.S.-Israel ties.