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JERUSALEM – In a tribute to his efforts against antisemitism, Israel is set to honor the late Charlie Kirk at an upcoming conference scheduled for late January. This recognition comes four months after the conservative figure was tragically assassinated during a speech at a university in the United States.
On Wednesday evening, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Kirk will be posthumously awarded at the International Conference on Combating Antisemitism in Jerusalem. Among the notable attendees expected to join the event are Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, both recognized for their pro-Israel stance.
This marks the second occasion that the Israeli government is hosting the conference, which is described as a platform “dedicated to confronting antisemitism and Holocaust denial in today’s world.”
Kirk was known for his unwavering support of Israel. In the wake of his passing, Netanyahu praised him as a “lion-hearted friend” to the nation and a stalwart “defender of our common Judeo-Christian civilization.”
As a co-founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk often drew upon scripture and prophecies in his addresses, encouraging American Christians and conservatives to rally in support of Israel against its adversaries.
But some of his comments about Jewish philanthropy and Hollywood drew accusations of antisemitism. And as debates over Israel have emerged among American conservatives, his legacy on the issue has become contested. Last year, speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show, he said support for Israel had become so rigid that he felt unable to voice even mild criticism of its policies.
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