Dozens of mayors and municipal leaders from around the world gathered in Jerusalem on Sunday evening to commemorate the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, as US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged them to challenge misinformation about Israel by sharing their firsthand experiences of the country.
The candle-lighting ceremony took place during the opening of the 35th International Mayors Conference, organized by the American Jewish Congress (AJC), bringing together local leaders to strengthen international ties and explore cooperation in technology, innovation, and economic development.
The commemoration marked 88 years since the Nazi pogrom of November 9-10, 1938, known as Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, which marked a major escalation in the persecution of European Jews in the years preceding the Holocaust.
Mayors from several countries participated in the ceremony, lighting memorial candles to remember the victims.
Huckabee calls on mayors to see Israel firsthand
Addressing the international delegation, Huckabee emphasized the importance of visiting Israel and forming independent impressions rather than relying on narratives circulating abroad.
“There are so many crazy things being said about Israel around the world that simply aren’t true. Israel needs more people to come here, see the reality with their own eyes, and then go home and simply tell people what they saw.”
Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas, pointed to the influence municipal leaders can have on public attitudes and policy, drawing on his experience in local and state government.
“Mayors and governors have one thing in common: we actually get things done. You can wake up in the morning with an idea and have it implemented by the end of the day.”
The ambassador said the ability of local officials to translate ideas into action also carries significant leadership responsibilities, particularly in confronting prejudice and promoting cooperation between communities.
Huckabee has repeatedly emphasized the importance of US-Israel cooperation, describing the countries as partners whose relationship extends beyond diplomatic and security interests.
Turning to Israel’s economy, Huckabee praised the country’s technological achievements and resilience despite years of war and international campaigns advocating boycotts and sanctions.
“Instead of the world simply saying thank you to Israel for the technologies and innovations it provides, there are countries seeking to boycott and sanction it. That’s crazy. What we should have here is a genuine partnership.”
His remarks reflected the conference’s broader focus on developing practical partnerships between Israeli innovators and municipal governments abroad.
Conference to promote innovation and municipal partnerships
AJC president Daniel Rosen said the gathering was intended to foster lasting relationships between international municipal leaders and Israel, with an emphasis on translating those connections into practical cooperation.
“Over the coming days, mayors from around the world will experience innovation born out of necessity. This visit is an opportunity to build trust and personal relationships that will endure long after it ends,” he said.
“Our goal is for these mayors to return home with a deeper connection to Israel and a genuine interest in pursuing joint initiatives, from adopting technologies that improve residents’ lives to developing economic and educational partnerships.”