An extraordinary and deeply moving meeting took place today (Thursday) at the United States Embassy in Jerusalem. Amitai Perl, a 12-year-old boy from Atlit living with autism, arrived for an official visit with the United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. During the meeting, the young boy managed to leave the veteran ambassador stunned and speechless, thanks to his phenomenal historical and diplomatic knowledge, extraordinary eloquence, and immense self-confidence.
Video: From Mike Huckabee’s X page
The video that captured hearts across the internet opens with a moving moment in which Ambassador Huckabee presents Amitai with an official lapel pin and announces with a smile: “I hereby declare you an ambassador of the United States of America.” Amitai, appearing excited yet composed, shook the ambassador’s hand with the poise characteristic of seasoned diplomats.
During the meeting, Amitai shared his passion with the ambassador: history, diplomacy, and international relations. “I enjoy reading, learning, and discovering new things,” Amitai shared in fluent English, “I want to understand how countries can work together.” When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, his answer was unequivocal: “I want to be a diplomat, maybe even prime minister or foreign minister.”
Ambassador Huckabee, a veteran American politician who has seen much in his career, could not hide his immense admiration for the young boy. He noted to Amitai that he is far smarter than most people he knows in the diplomatic world, comparing him to himself as someone who developed an interest in politics at a young age. Following the meeting, the ambassador published a heartfelt social media post, writing that while he has met many world leaders, few have moved him as much as Amitai.