American actor and ardent Israel supporter Jon Voight, who is currently visiting the country, on Monday said that he has the utmost respect for the Jewish people and that he would continue to support Israel and defend it against anti-Semitism.

The father of famed international superstar Angelina Jolie arrived in Israel this week to partake in Glenn Beck's "Restoring Courage" rally in Jerusalem, scheduled for Wednesday.

"I think Glenn Beck came to Israel with an important goal and I wanted to give my support," Voight told Israel Hayom in an exclusive interview.

He added that Israel has many friends in Hollywood, and that he feels it is important to defend Israel during difficult times. "I came to stand alongside Israel and fight the anti-Semitism and lies in the world today," he said.

"My connection to Israel and the Jewish people is rooted in Judaism's contribution to mankind. I have the utmost respect for the Jewish people," Voight added.

As someone who avidly follows the media, Voight said he takes a special interest in news related to Israel and the region. "When I get the newspaper, I already know what I'll read," he said. "I like reading analyses, browsing the internet for information and finding Israel-related sources."

Voight said he is disturbed by Israel's portrayal in the media, calling it "an important issue."

"That's why I am here," he said, "to deal with the way that Israel is portrayed and the lies that are told about it."

Voight didn't shy away from sharing his opinion of the U.N. and the upcoming Palestinian statehood bid in September. "The U.N. has become problematic, especially with regards to Israel," he said. "The place has been taken hostage by anti-Semites. Everything that's going on in the Human Rights Council is a joke."

The actor added that he plans to protest in front of U.N. headquarters this fall when the Durban 3 anti-racism conference begins on Sept. 21. The conference's previous meetings have equated Zionism with racism and singled out Israel and the Jewish people for criticism and have offered a platform for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to deny the Holocaust, prompting a walk-out by international diplomats and officials. Some countries have also boycotted the conference due to the anti-Israel views presented.

"Nobel laureate and author Elie Wiesel, former U.S. envoy to the U.N., John Bolton and I will be there," Voight said.

Voight made an appearance at an event on the Holocaust on Monday that is also part of Glenn Beck's "Restoring Courage" roster of events. During his speech there, Voight lashed out at Palestinian terrorists and even referred to the massacre of the Fogel family in the settlement of Itamar earlier this year.

"How have we reached the point when blowing up babies and cutting their throats are an acceptable means to a political end?" Voight asked.

"We are facing a new Holocaust, and people of all faiths must demand that the truth be heard," Voight continued. "Palestinian radicals have only one prayer on their lips: To remove every Jew from Israel."

The biggest event from Glenn Beck's "Restoring Courage" rally is scheduled for Wednesday and is expected to draw thousands of supporters.