Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the state will posthumously honour the late American conservative activist Charlie Kirk for his work in combating antisemitism.
Jerusalem Conference to Host Award Ceremony
The award will be presented at the International Conference on Combating Antisemitism in Jerusalem in late January. The Prime Minister's office made the announcement on Wednesday evening, 14 January 2026.
This marks only the second time the Israeli government has hosted this particular conference, which it states is dedicated to confronting modern antisemitism and Holocaust denial.
International Figures to Attend
The event is expected to draw several prominent pro-Israeli leaders from abroad. Confirmed attendees include Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.
The decision to honour Kirk comes four months after he was assassinated while delivering a speech at an American university campus in September 2025.
A "Lion-Hearted Friend" of Israel
Following his death, Netanyahu described Charlie Kirk as a "lion-hearted friend" of Israel and a staunch defender of what he termed "our common Judeo-Christian civilisation."
Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a vocal supporter of the Israeli state. He frequently used biblical scripture and prophecy in his appeals to American Christians and conservatives, urging them to stand firmly with Israel against its adversaries.
A Contested Legacy on Israel
Despite this posthumous recognition, Kirk's legacy regarding Jewish issues and Israel is not without controversy. During his life, some of his remarks concerning Jewish philanthropy and influence in Hollywood attracted accusations of antisemitism.
Furthermore, as debates over Israel's policies have intensified within American conservative circles, Kirk's unwavering stance became a point of contention. In a notable interview on The Megyn Kelly Show last year, he expressed frustration that support for Israel had become so inflexible that he felt unable to voice even mild criticism of its government's actions.
This posthumous award from the Israeli government solidifies his official status as an ally in their eyes, even as the discussion around his complex views continues.
