 Canada was the first to take this principled position and was later joined by the US under President Obama, Australia, Italy, Germany and other democratic governments, thereby enhancing the Harper government's leadership role on these issues.In December 2008, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations presented Stephen Harper, and his government with its inaugural International Leadership Award.Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice-chairman of the organization, stated that the award was given to express the group's appreciation for Canada's "courageous stand" including regarding the Durban Review conference.