New Initiative: The Charlie Kirk Award to Honor Young Leaders Supporting Israel
The Charlie Kirk Award: A Tribute to Emerging Leaders
In a significant step towards fostering support for Israel and Judeo-Christian values, Dr. Mike Evans, the founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center, has announced the establishment of the Charlie Kirk Award. This annual recognition aims to honor a young individual who exemplifies the moral clarity, courage, and supportive spirit for Israel that Charlie Kirk embodies. The inaugural award ceremony is set to take place this December in Jerusalem, coinciding with a gathering of a thousand pastors committed to standing with Israel.
Dr. Evans emphasized the importance of this award, stating, "Charlie's battle is Israel's battle." He further explained how Kirk’s advocacy against godless humanism is crucial in today's ideological landscape, describing it as an effort that begins in the minds of the youth through education and media. The proclamation comes at a time when antisemitism and misinformation about Israel are rampant, and Dr. Evans stressed the necessity of confronting these issues directly.
"We cannot allow lies and hatred to fester, whether in Gaza, where misconceptions about Jews are taught to children, or in global forums where antisemitism is trivialized," said Dr. Evans. He drew comparisons to the treatment of racial slurs in the United States, pointing out how addressing hate speech is paramount, and yet the J-word often goes unchallenged.
The aim of the Charlie Kirk Award is to spotlight young leaders unafraid to stand against hate and advocate for truth. Dr. Evans has called upon the public to suggest candidates who personify these values, encouraging the international community of Israel supporters to participate in this meaningful initiative.
Mike Huckabee, the United States Ambassador to Israel, has also praised the creation of this award. His familiarity with Kirk’s work and personal commitment to Israel lends a significant endorsement to the initiative. "From my many years of knowing Charlie Kirk personally, I have deep admiration for his work on behalf of Israel and for the profound love he had for the Jewish state," Huckabee stated, expressing anticipation for the first recipient’s announcement.
The Friends of Zion Heritage Center, created in 2015, serves as a platform supporting Israel and combating antisemitism. Dr. Evans, a best-selling author and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is recognized as a pivotal figure among evangelicals in supporting Israel. His commitment was recently honored with an award for volunteer heroism, marking his contributions as one of Israel's leading advocates.
The center is dedicated to raising awareness and resilience against anti-Semitic trends and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, focusing on elevating the historical support for Israel from Christians worldwide.
A Call to Action
The establishment of the Charlie Kirk Award is not just about recognition; it's about building a future where young leaders can emerge as beacons of truth and justice for Israel. Dr. Evans encourages feedback on potential awardees who embody the spirit of advocacy and courage. He invites global friends of Israel to actively participate in identifying these outstanding young leaders, thus ensuring that Charlie Kirk's legacy and mission continue to inspire the next generation.
As Dr. Evans declared, this award is meant to shine a light on those who embody courage and conviction, creating a stronger bond between America and Israel, and fostering a community of support that echoes across generations.
For inquiries regarding the award, please contact Tal Marom, Spokesperson for the Friends of Zion Heritage Center.