‘Lion-hearted friend of Israel’ – Israeli leaders, Jewish groups eulogize Charlie Kirk

Israeli leaders and American Jewish groups mourn after conservative pro-Israel activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead at an event in Utah.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli leaders and American Jewish organizations eulogized conservative activist Charlie Kirk after his assassination at a speaking event in Utah on Wednesday, highlighting his long-time support for Israel.

Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was gunned down while speaking with students during a public debate at Utah Valley University. As of Thursday morning, the gunman remains at large, and no information regarding the motive for the shooting has yet been released.

Shortly after the shooting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote in a post to his X account that he was praying for Kirk’s recovery.

Two hours later, after President Donald Trump revealed that Kirk had succumbed to his wounds, Netanyahu penned a second post, lauding Kirk as a “lion-hearted friend of Israel,” noting that he was slated to visit the Jewish state later this month.

“Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom,” Netanyahu wrote. “A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel.

“Sadly, that visit will not take place,” he added. “We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Kirk a “huge ally” of Israel and offered his condolences to Erika Kirk and the couple’s two children.

“I am shocked by the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. Israel has lost a true friend and huge ally. I strongly condemn this terrible act of violence, and together with all the Israeli people, send my thoughts and prayers to Charlie’s wife, children, and all his loved ones.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a photograph of Kirk holding an Israeli flag in front of the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron. Alongside the photo, Ben-Gvir eulogized Kirk, while blaming his assassination on a growing alliance between “the global Left” and radical Islam.

“The collusion between the global Left and radical Islam is the greatest danger to humanity today,” Ben-Gvir wrote.

“Charlie Kirk saw the danger and warned about it. But the bullets of the despicable murderer struck him. Thank you, Charlie, for your support of Israel and for your struggle for a better world. My condolences to the family, to his dear wife and children, to President Trump, and to the American nation. Rest in peace Charlie, may your memory be a blessing.”

American Jewish groups, including the Orthodox Union, lamented the “senseless and vicious murder of Charlie Kirk.”

“What has become of us? This is a time for our nation to strengthen its internal bonds as we commemorate the devastation brought upon America by enemies who continue to threaten us. Instead of coming together, we have witnessed another horrific act of political violence, another effort to tear our country apart. This must stop.”

Zionist Organization of America President Morton Klein, a friend of Kirk, said the conservative activist had accepted an invitation to speak at the ZOA national gala in November.

“Charlie Kirk was a great man, a personal friend and an ally who loved Israel and the Jewish people,” Klein said.

“I had the pleasure of walking all over Jerusalem with him and sitting for an incredible interview with him on his radio show, where ,for over an hour, Charlie asked great questions to better understand the Arab-Islamist war against Israel, the Jewish people and the West.

“When I asked him several weeks ago to speak at the Zionist Organization of America’s national gala, he was thrilled and was excitedly looking forward to addressing our strong Zionist audience,” Klein continued.

“Charlie was extremely smart, knowledgeable, well-read and an authoritative yet genuine voice who could speak on virtually every subject, capable of responding to those debating and critiquing him.”