US Ambassador to Israel Surprised by Giant Etrog Gift

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Harkavy received a giant "Chazon Ish" variety etrog, a citrus fruit used in the Sukkot holiday ritual, during a special meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Harkavy expressed his surprise, stating it was the first time he had encountered such a large etrog. The gift was presented by Dovi Honig, founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, and Rabbi Chaim Michael Guterman, a founder of the "Shuvu" outreach organization, which operates in dozens of Israeli cities.

Honig explained to Ambassador Harkavy that according to Jewish tradition, the etrog symbolizes the human heart. He presented the etrog as a token of appreciation for the ambassador's consistent and firm support of the Jewish people, telling him, "You have a heart as big as this etrog." Rabbi Guterman added that the etrog is called "fruit of the beautiful tree" in the Torah because it remains on the tree year-round, symbolizing endurance. He likened this to Harkavy's steadfast support for Israel through all its challenges, stating, "You always stand by the people of Israel, for which you are highly appreciated."

The ambassador was moved by the gift and reiterated his surprise at encountering the etrog for the first time. He also expressed deep admiration for the scope of "Shuvu's" activities and his desire to visit their schools and high schools across the country.