Benjamin Netanyahu Shares Memories of Charlie Kirk: “Once in a Generation”
As the world reels from the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, tributes pour in from across the globe. Among the most heartfelt is the message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recalls Kirk as “once in a generation”—a leader whose impact transcended borders, faiths, and generations.
Charlie Kirk was remembered for many things, but his unwavering support for Israel stands out. Netanyahu recalls their first meeting in 2018, at the newly relocated U.S. embassy in Jerusalem—a historic moment marking President Trump’s decision to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. Kirk’s presence at that event was more than symbolic; it was a testament to his deep commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance and Judeo-Christian values.
“He visited again the following year,” Netanyahu shares, “supporting Israel’s war against Hamas and standing against the wave of anti-Semitism that followed. Charlie was always there, not just as an ally, but as a friend.”
Kirk himself often spoke about how Israel transformed his life. “When we as Christians go to Israel, we are celebrated and treated like the most amazing you could ever imagine,” Kirk once said. “Reading Bible stories my whole life as a committed Christian, suddenly being there was life-changing. The nation of Israel has a place in God’s plan for us on this planet. We have a moral commitment to that.”
The Israeli community, Netanyahu notes, was always welcoming to Kirk and his faith. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling Kirk “a steadfast friend of Israel and a true ally of the Jewish people,” and praised his fearless commitment to truth and freedom. “Violence may have taken him,” the statement read, “but it cannot silence his legacy. May his memory be a blessing.”
The Prime Minister, visibly moved, shared personal memories: “I am heartbroken. My wife, my family, even my son—who had lunch with Charlie and his wife during his 2019 visit—are shattered. A great human being has been taken from us.”
Netanyahu recalled a letter Kirk wrote on May 2nd of this year: “One of my ideals as a Christian is advocating for Israel.” The Prime Minister had spoken to Kirk just weeks before the tragedy, inviting him to visit Israel again. “Sadly, that visit will not take place,” Netanyahu said. “But Charlie was a defender of our common Judeo-Christian civilization. He was unbelievably excited to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and valued the bond between America and Israel.”
Kirk’s advocacy extended beyond politics. He championed free speech, inviting debate and dialogue but never violence. “He did not invite the horrible violence that tried to silence him,” Netanyahu said. “This is a worldwide problem. Extremists—radical Islamists and ultra-progressives—speak about human rights and free speech, but use violence to take down their enemies. They got Charlie Kirk, and it’s heartbreaking.”
Reflecting on Kirk’s influence on young people, Netanyahu remarked, “Sometimes, people can be irreplaceable. Charlie was 31—a great hero of our common roots and culture.”
The Prime Minister drew a poignant parallel to his own family: “My older brother was 30 when he died, rescuing Israeli hostages. I’ve thought about my brother all my life, and I will be thinking of Charlie all my life. Maybe once in a generation someone like Charlie comes along, but generations live by their legacy.”
As Netanyahu concluded his tribute, it was clear that Charlie Kirk’s legacy will continue to inspire not just Americans, but people around the world who believe in faith, freedom, and the enduring bond between Israel and America.
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