‘Today’ Host Presents Goodies From Israel Trip to Egyptian-American Co-Anchor (VIDEO)
by Shiryn Ghermezian
Kathie Lee Gifford, co-host of NBC‘s morning show, Today, returned from a trip to Israel bearing gifts on Monday for co-anchor, Egyptian-American Hoda Kotb.
Gifford, who is not Jewish, brought Kotb two goblets from Bethlehem, some jewelry, and some mud from the Dead Sea. She also brought chocolate-flavored tahini (sesame paste), and wine-flavored halva, a tahini-based confection.
Kotb was so enthusiastic about the tahini that she insisted on a second serving, asking Gifford, “Can I double dip?”
While in Israel, Gifford visited Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and the ancient fortress of Masada, among other popular destinations. The morning show host, who took the trip with family and some friends, shared some pictures from her time in the Jewish state and noted that her first visit to Israel was 45 years ago. She was 17 at the time and missed her high school graduation to be there.
Watch the broadcast below:
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