‘Israel’ to honor Charlie Kirk with award

• ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that late conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be honored with an award for his efforts to combat antisemitism at a global conference in Jerusalem later this month.
• The award comes four months after Kirk’s September 2025 assassination; Netanyahu hailed him as a "lion-hearted friend," though the activist's legacy on the issue remained a subject of debate due to his past critiques of Jewish influence in American media and philanthropy.

‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Wednesday that the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk will receive a posthumous award for his efforts in opposing antisemitism.

The recognition will be presented at the International Conference on Combating Antisemitism in Jerusalem later in January.

This decision comes four months after Kirk's assassination.

Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent figure in American conservative circles, known for mobilizing young conservatives and Christians in support of pro-‘Israel’ policies.

Netanyahu described Kirk as a “lion-hearted friend” of ‘Israel’ and a staunch defender of shared values following his death.

Kirk was assassinated in September 2025 while speaking at an American university, an event that shocked political communities and intensified discussions on political violence.

Prior to his death, Kirk actively condemned antisemitism, posting on social media platforms that “Jew hate has no place in civil society” and urging its rejection.

The International Conference on Combating Antisemitism, hosted by the ‘Israeli’ government for the second time is scheduled for late January 2026.

The event will feature prominent pro-‘Israel’ leaders, including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

Despite Kirk's pro-‘Israel’ stance, his legacy remains contested due to certain statements that drew accusations of antisemitism.

Comments regarding Jewish influence in philanthropy and Hollywood sectors prompted criticism, and in a 2025 appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, Kirk expressed frustration over the rigidity of ‘Israel’ support within conservative circles, noting difficulties in voicing even mild policy critiques.