Dr. Joseph Frager On Mike Huckabee, Pete Hegseth,
And The Love They Have For Israel
Dr. Joseph Frager has been a tireless advocate for strengthening the bond between the United States and Israel for decades. His efforts have borne fruit in many ways, none more visible than his role in shaping the pro-Israel worldview of two prominent figures in American politics: Mike Huckabee, recently named Ambassador to Israel, and Pete Hegseth, the new Secretary of Defense nominee. Frager’s personal relationships with both men, and his consistent work in bringing them to Israel, have left an indelible mark on their understanding of the region, the challenges it faces, and the unparalleled strength of the US-Israel relationship.
Dr. Frager accompanied these two men on multiple guided tours in Israel through Ateret Cohanim, which leads efforts to reclaim Jewish property and reestablish thriving Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem’s Old City and surrounding areas, ensuring a united capital. Since its founding in 1977, Ateret Cohanim has facilitated the return of over 1,000 Jewish families, yeshivos, and synagogues to historically Jewish areas. Through land reclamation, community building, and educational tours, Ateret Cohanim strengthens the spiritual and historical connection to Jerusalem, preserving its legacy as the eternal Jewish capital.
Dr. Frager’s partnership with Mike Huckabee began during Huckabee’s 2008 presidential run. “During those debates, I realized he was such an orator and an incredible friend of Israel,” Frager recalls. Indeed, Huckabee was a rare voice in the 2008 Republican primary, unequivocally opposing a two-state solution, advocating instead for Israel’s right to all its historic land. This steadfast stance, combined with Huckabee’s deep personal faith and alignment with Jewish and Christian Zionist values, created a unique bond between the two.
Dr. Frager facilitated Huckabee’s first visit to Israel with Ateret Cohanim, introducing him to critical sites and the realities on the ground. “He fell in love with our group,” Frager said, describing the connection Huckabee developed with Israel’s land and people. Over the years, the two embarked on at least 12 trips to Israel together, visiting areas like Kever Yosef and Gush Katif – places that symbolize the resilience of Jewish communities under threat.
Huckabee’s pro-Israel advocacy didn’t stop at the borders of the Jewish state. He became an outspoken supporter of Jonathan Pollard and a close ally of Israeli leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu. He brought Israel’s stories to the American public through Fox News specials, press conferences, and speeches at the Knesset. Reflecting on Huckabee’s appointment as Ambassador to Israel, Dr. Frager expressed unbridled optimism: “We have someone who is very knowledgeable, can speak on behalf of American Jews, and can help Judea and Samaria. It’s a great pick – an excellent pick by the president.”
Dr. Frager’s relationship with Pete Hegseth, a decorated Army Major and two-time Bronze Star recipient, began in Washington, DC, at a conference focused on electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks. This connection quickly deepened, with Frager introducing Hegseth to Israel through five transformative trips. “We went to Joshua’s tomb together, visited Kever Yosef, and toured Israel extensively,” Dr. Frager said, noting that these visits solidified Hegseth’s profound appreciation for the challenges and opportunities in the region.
Hegseth’s military background uniquely positions him to understand Israel’s security needs. As the nominee for Secretary of Defense, he brings not only expertise but also firsthand experience from his time with Frager in Israel. His reporting on critical issues – like the October 7 attacks, the Golan Heights, and terror tunnels – demonstrates an intimate knowledge of the complexities Israel faces. “He wasn’t just a naïve, uneducated reporter,” Dr. Frager said. “He saw everything firsthand, on the ground.”
Hegseth’s appointment heralds a new era of cooperation between the US Department of Defense and Israel. Dr. Frager predicts a stronger technological partnership, encompassing advancements in drones, the Iron Dome, and laser defense systems. “There won’t be any distance between the Defense Department and Israel. It will be appropriate but special,” Dr. Frager said. “No one is more pro-Israel than Pete.”
The Queens Jewish Link highlighted Hegseth’s 2016 fact-finding mission to Israel, organized by the American Friends of Ateret Cohanim, as an impactful moment in his career long before his nomination for Secretary of Defense. The article detailed how the trip, led by Dr. Frager, Dr. Paul Brody, and Odeleya Jacobs, allowed Hegseth to gain a deeper understanding of Israel’s challenges and strengths, which he felt were often misrepresented in mainstream media. During a media briefing attended by the Queens Jewish Link, Hegseth emphasized the critical alliance between the US and Israel and criticized the Obama administration and liberal policies. The trip included visits to key sites like Jerusalem’s Old City, Hebron, and the Golan Heights, which Hegseth described as enlightening, helping him better inform his audience on Fox News.
Dr. Frager’s influence on Huckabee and Hegseth highlights the importance of fostering relationships with key leaders. As Dr. Frager himself said: “Jews need to get close to very important people.” By introducing these figures to Israel’s history, culture, and challenges, he ensured that they became not just supporters, but vocal advocates for the Jewish state.
Reflecting on the broader implications of these appointments, Dr. Frager sees a continuation of the miracles he has witnessed in recent years. “Just Trump surviving the assassination attempts, winning the election, winning the Senate, winning Congress – just miracles.” With Huckabee and Hegseth now in pivotal roles, Dr. Frager is confident that the US-Israel relationship will grow even stronger, anchored by leaders who understand and share Israel’s values.
Both Huckabee and Hegseth embody the principle of “peace through strength,” a philosophy that has guided their careers and will now shape their approach to their respective roles. As Frager puts it: “It’s great for America, it’s great for Israel, it’s great for the world.”
For Dr. Joseph Frager, the journey has been deeply personal. Through his unrelenting commitment and vision, he has helped to ensure that two of Israel’s staunchest allies now stand at the helm of American leadership. It is a legacy that will resonate for years to come, cementing his role as a bridge between two great nations.
By Moshe Hill
