During his visit to Israel this week, Ambassador-Designate for International Religious Freedom Mark Walker expressed being “overwhelmed” by meetings with families of hostages and survivors of Hamas captivity, reaffirming what he described as the “spiritual and historic bond” between the United States and Israel.
Walker, a former Republican congressman and Baptist pastor from North Carolina, has been nominated by the President to serve as the nation’s principal global representative for religious liberty. He is slated to officially assume the position upon Senate confirmation, becoming the seventh American to hold the role since its creation by Congress in 1998.
His journey to Israel, he clarified, was prompted by both camaraderie and opportune timing. “All these other landmark historic agreements are taking place the same week we’re here,” Walker noted. “It’s been remarkable to witness the enthusiasm—literally banners adorning buildings and parks thanking President Trump for his ongoing efforts and the strength he’s demonstrated in guiding the region.”
Walker conveyed that his encounters with hostage families deeply impacted him.
“I was profoundly moved to spend time with Keith Siegel, who endured 483 days of captivity and torture, and with, whose son, Itay, was killed by Hamas—his body still unrecovered,” Walker stated. “To hear the passion in Ruby’s voice, to observe his perseverance, is deeply affecting. In America, we observe this from a distance. But being present, seeing how the community has united to advocate for these hostages—whether alive or deceased—has influenced me differently.”
The experience, he remarked, heightened his appreciation for Israel’s resilience. “The people of Israel have stood steadfastly in the face of evil,” he asserted. “Their faith and bravery serve as a global reminder of what strength embodies.”
As U.S. officials visited Israel to monitor the delicate ceasefire, Walker expressed his continued confidence in the administration’s leadership.
“I have based on their history,” he affirmed. “But I have immense faith in President Trump and his actions. He is dedicated to peace and demonstrating it through his initiatives—sending Vice President Vance, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff here this week.”
He also commended the Secretary of State for advancing the administration’s diplomatic agenda. “This is not merely a photo opportunity,” Walker clarified. “It represents a tangible plan for sustained stability.”
When questioned about his perspective on Israel’s importance, Walker reflected on his tenure in Congress.
“I believe historically, we have shared a long-standing relationship of mutual support through periods of both adversity and triumph,” he said. “Certainly, military and business relationships are key, but from a spiritual standpoint, America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.”
He added, “When one sits in the House chamber where President Trump delivers the State of the Union, there are 22 or 23 philosophers—men of extraordinary genius—depicted above. Yet, only one historical figure gazes directly at the speaker’s rostrum, and that is Moses. This speaks volumes about the spiritual connection that binds our two nations.”
Addressing criticism from some within the regarding its close alignment with Israel, Walker stated he welcomes open discourse but rejects efforts to undermine the partnership. “I have no issue with anyone questioning—we ought to be capable of defending these relationships,” he remarked. “However, when recent rhetoric aims to diminish that relationship, perhaps for personal gain or attention, I do find that problematic, and I believe it should be condemned.”
He further noted that such views are far from mainstream. “The evangelical communities I am part of—and I happen to be a member of the largest Protestant organization in the United States—do not share those concerns,” he explained. “While some loosely affiliated individuals might employ that type of rhetoric, the overwhelming majority of evangelicals in America commend and encourage the relationship we have with Israel.”
Regarding his impending role, Walker described the mission as profoundly personal.
“When President Trump extended the invitation and asked us to serve as the ambassador for International Religious Freedom—which is a global position—it was humbling,” he stated. “The responsibility is to advocate for people of all faiths, particularly in regions where they face persecution or are penalized by blasphemy laws.”
Walker indicated that he is already establishing connections with governments and faith leaders in preparation for his official capacity advising both President Trump and Secretary Rubio.
“Our duty is to engage, expose, and eradicate atrocities—whether it involves being massacred, Druze in Syria being targeted, or,” he declared. “The United States must persist as the beacon of hope for religious freedom. We are the sole nation that has this enshrined in law.”
He added that Israel’s example of tolerance stands out in the Middle East. “Christians should be able to live peacefully, share their faith, and worship without fear,” he said. “The fact that Israel permits this in a region where so many others do not is highly significant.”
Walker stated his intention to “resist wherever persecution exists—either through diplomatic channels or by urging governments to repeal blasphemy and anti-conversion laws.”
He concluded, “President Trump is the only president in American history who convened a global conference on religious liberty at the United Nations,” Walker asserted. “That conveyed a message worldwide—that faith matters, that freedom matters. What we observe here in Israel is that same spirit of courage, and it reminds us why this partnership, rooted in faith and freedom, must endure.”