Behind the Scenes: Inviting Ambassador Mike Huckabee to the Podcast
A lifetime of faith, a vital book translation project
Dear Readers,
I am thrilled to share a very special behind-the-scenes update with the community here at Hannah Klein’s Time: Indo-Pacific Dispatch.
Recently, a wonderful connection on X (formerly Twitter) led to an incredible opportunity: I have formally extended an invitation to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee for an exclusive 30-minute interview on my podcast.
For those who follow my writing, you know that my dedication to Israel and the Jewish people is a lifelong journey. Raised in a Protestant Christian family, I have been a passionate Zionist since I was eight years old, a path deeply influenced by my childhood mentors, the late Dr. Hessel H. Flitter and Dr. Harold R. Rowe of the University of Pennsylvania.
This upcoming interview feels like a profound convergence of my personal history, my faith, and my current professional work—especially my ongoing project translating the book Because It’s Just And Right by Farley Weiss and my dear friend Leonard Grunstein into Japanese. My deepest hope is to use this translation to bring a clear, heartfelt understanding of why Jerusalem is so vital to Israel to the Japanese public.
If the Ambassador’s hectic schedule allows, I intend to focus our 30-minute conversation on topics that go far beyond standard political talking points:
His personal religious faith and what Jerusalem truly means to Christianity.
His perspective on Judaism, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel from a biblical standpoint.
A deeply reflective, compassionate look at the tragedy of October 7th from a humane perspective.
The spiritual and strategic bond between the Evangelical faith and Israel.
Landing an interview with a high-profile figure like a U.S. Ambassador requires patience and coordination, but tracing this journey from a simple interaction on X to a formal request has been an honor in itself.
I will keep you all updated on the scheduling as things progress. Thank you so much for your continued support of my writing and the podcast here on the Indo-Pacific Dispatch!
With gratitude,
Hiroko Kasai / Hannah Klein Member,
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)