We’re Living Through Miracles But Can’t See
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Charlie Kirk inspired a generation with his passion and purpose. In the wake of his horrific murder, how can we draw meaning and direction from the life and example he left behind?
I first heard the name Charlie Kirk in 2013, during a meeting with a prominent California philanthropist who supported Hasbara Fellowships, Aish’s campus pro-Israel advocacy program I had founded. “Have you met Charlie Kirk?” he asked. I shook my head. His reply was instant: “He’s a powerhouse. He’s going to change college campuses for the better.”
At the time, it sounded like the kind of bold prediction donors often make. But in this case, he was right—though even he couldn’t have foreseen just how far Kirk would go. A college dropout from suburban Chicago, Charlie Kirk didn’t just influence campuses; he transformed the political landscape. As founder of Turning Point USA, he built the largest grassroots conservative movement in the nation, rallying and empowering students across all 50 states.
His brutal assassination has left so many reeling. The man who reshaped a generation of conservative activism—who embodied drive, conviction, and an unshakable belief in America’s future—was cut down in an act of senseless violence. The shock is still raw. Yet in the face of this horrific loss, we are left to wrestle with what his life meant, and what we can learn from the example he set.
Here are my biggest takeaways I think we can learn from Charlie Kirk.
We can deeply believe in our own cause and fight for it vociferously—without demonizing or ostracizing those we disagree with. It is shockingly sad to see the state of political discourse in America today. Politicians, media personalities, and social media influencers compete to paint their adversaries in the darkest possible light. Each side proclaims that the other is destroying the nation.
Earlier this year, liberal commentator Keith Olbermann posted on X: “Every Republican is complicit. Every one of them is a collaborator in the destruction of America.” On the other side, right-wing commentator Steve Bannon declared on his podcast: “The radical left are demons. They worship power and chaos. They hate God, they hate America, and they hate you.”
Charlie Kirk stood for something else—conversation. He was known for setting up in the middle of college campuses and letting anyone engage him in debate. He offered the microphone to anyone who disagreed with him, though that person needed to be ready to have their ideas challenged. Charlie wasn’t a pushover and he had an agenda. But his agenda was to win the battle of ideas, not to demonize his opponents.
In this way, Charlie’s tactics echoed Jewish tradition. The Talmud is filled with debate, and two of its most famous combatants, Hillel and Shammai, disagreed constantly. Yet their aim was always to arrive at truth—not to humiliate or delegitimize the other side.
We can believe deeply in our own ideals while remaining committed to listening and respecting others. That’s the only way we can build our society.
Charlie Kirk made support for Israel a central platform of his advocacy. He spoke powerfully about Israel as both a strategic ally of the United States and a moral beacon in the Middle East.
In the past year, however, that position has become less popular among many outspoken conservative personalities. Bashing Israel—and even crossing the line into outright antisemitism—has sadly become increasingly normalized on right-wing podcasts and social media. Charlie would have none of it.
He argued that Israel was a key ally in the fight against America’s worst enemies, which in turn made Americans safer. He believed firmly that Israel held a historic right to the Land of Israel and was acting morally in defending itself.
At a time when young American conservatives are being fed hateful lies about Israel’s “bloodthirsty” intentions or its supposed attempts to drag America into unnecessary wars, Charlie Kirk offered another vision—one grounded in reason, knowledge, and passion.
In Charlie Kirk’s early years of public advocacy, religion played little role in his message. But over time, he became increasingly outspoken about his faith and values. He argued that America was founded on God-given rights and responsibilities, and that the erosion of these core beliefs was fueling many of the nation’s ills and its growing sense of directionless drift.
Charlie was not seeking to evangelize. In fact, he was a deep admirer of Judaism and a loyal friend of the Jewish people. Yet he was unafraid to wear his religious convictions on his sleeve, insisting that faith was not the problem but the solution. For him, religion offered timeless answers to society’s deepest challenges—anchored in ideals like self-worth, charity, personal responsibility, strong family and moral clarity.
Adam Rubenstein eulogized Charlie Kirk in the Free Press, writing: “He had a mission. It filled him with meaning. And that, above all, was why he convinced countless young people to listen to him, to change their lives for the better, to stand up for things that used to be called common sense.”
Judaism teaches that we are responsible for making the world a better place. We believe the values and morals of Judaism give us the tools to solve the world’s problems. And we believe deeply that if we are working to improve the Almighty’s world, He will help us succeed.
Charlie Kirk lived with this clarity. He knew he was responsible for fighting for a better America and a better world. He poured relentless passion into his mission, winning over countless allies, partners, and supporters.
His murder should stir us to reflect on these questions: What are we passionate about? What is our mission? How can we change the world? Charlie Kirk’s legacy—and the shocking way his life was cut short—urges us to face them with renewed seriousness and purpose.
May Charlie Kirk’s memory be a blessing, and may the impact he made in all these areas continue to inspire and endure far beyond his physical life in this world.
Please keep the comments respectful. And remember, this article is not about politics.
You do know that "the great replacement of white people" theory is antisemitic, as in "Jews will not replace us"?
“The great replacement of white people is far more sinister than any redistricting project. That is at the core of the Democrat project, at the core, and Jasmine Crockett is just some circus act in that entire operation. You shouldn't take what she says seriously. It's just a joke. What she represents is very serious, which is the continued attempt to eliminate the white population in this country.”
-- Charlie Kirk, August 4, 2025.
(A true mensch, Kira?)
Ha. If *that guy* was anti-Semitic, I'll take more anti-Semites, please.
Charlie Kirk was a good friend to Israel and to intelligent people everywhere. Anyone who supports critical thinking and reflecting on one's values as he did is an ally, regardless of whether you agree with his particular political stances. He invited vigorous debate and always remained respectful, as this article notes. In doing that, he was helping us all embrace diversity in viewpoints with respect for all - a true mensch.
Get real: "You do not have the brain processing power to otherwise be taken really seriously. You had to go steal a white person's slot to go be taken somewhat seriously" That was Kirk speaking about 4 highly qualified black women.
Is that what it means to be a true mensch, today?
cont from previous post
students, what about students with learning disabilities that are not black or Hispanic could they get a lower mark to to past the test, because if it is then it is reverse discrimination, even black and Hispanic people feel if a person is not qualified they shouldn't get the job, to get a job for being a certain color with out being qualified is in my view discrimination, also if you are a pilot and don't know what you are doing then a lot of lives are in jeopardy, for example to become a Israeli pilot you need eye sight like a eagle and pass lots of tests to qualify to fly a plane and most don't pass the test, does America and other countries make sure that pilots and others are really qualified for the job they are doing
The Guardian and other British media is against Jews and Israel and I would not believe what they write, also in my reading material it said that Charlie Kirk was friends with a Rabbi and went to his house for Shabbat, Charlie Kirk was a defender of Jews and Israel so how could be a hater, in this day and age so blacks, and maybe other minorities gat jobs that they are not qualified for because of affirmative action, which is reverse discrimination , a long time ago there were quotas against Jewish students now I think they target Asian students, I heard once that people cheat and let others take important tests for them, and the person they did for his very unqualified, and I heard if blacks and Hispanic take tests they can past tests with lower grades than white and Asian
His view on the black pilot, then still getting on the plane shows his own stupidity.
To disagree with a DEI policy is legitimate political disagreement. That is something we should be able to debate publicly and civilly.
To insinuate that a black pilot's competence should be questioned because of his skin color is racism and must be condemned.
To start a movement with the specific purpose of discrediting black pilots is abhorrent and must be vigorously and unequivocally rejected.
To accept and encourage the support of such a movement for political gain is disgraceful.
To insist that the entire nation must memorialize the founder of this hate is shameful.
We should be discussing how we can mitigate the damage that has been done.
Thanks for this article. I live in the UK as a foreign resident of the USA. I had never heard of Charlie Kirk As a supporter of Israel and peace I dont understand how evil has turned its ugly head instead of tolerance. Hashem runs the world but I struggle to see his mercy. Charlie kirk and his principles should live forever.
Some people on the radio are trying to helpfully explain how one should try to avoid getting fired in the future.
The key, they point out, is to figure out the "company culture" and try to blend in with it. This will hopefully help you stay employed, they say.
Let me help clarify:
For example, unless you work for the mafia or Hamas, murder is not usually celebrated.
Like if it makes you feel delightfully joyful that a 31-year-old innocent man, a husband and father of young children, was murdered in cold blood on a college campus, and you're not employed by the mafia or Hamas, you're going to want to tone it down a bit.
You know?
Who knew?
Thank goodness for these helpful tips!
No, we never celebrate the murder of a husband and father... except when we do. How Israel's Mossad Tricked Hezbollah into Buying Explosive Pagers | Aish
We need to understand what Kirk did that would incite someone to murder him. However, it seems like we are not even allowed to ask that question. We need to be able to question whether Kirk was an "innocent man" or whether his agitation was so destructive to the lives of people around him that someone could justify such a response. Did he deserve death? Probably not, but unless we examine the facts, we can't say.
The courts ruled that the victims of Kyle Rittenhouse deserved death. Are you outraged that Rittenhouse is celebrated by Trump and that Kirk called Rittenhouse "hero to millions"?
Correct. The murder of terrorist husbands and fathers is a reason for celebration.
Where the brainwashing comes in is people equating a man like Charlie Kirk with a terrorist.
Very frightening.
But only for clear-minded people who see what's going on.
Not frightening at all for the brainwashed bunch.😃
Once you admit that murder can be celebrated, you have to acknowledge that we can only determine whether or not a particular murder should or should not be celebrated is after we have examined the circumstances.
For those of us who are not direct targets of Kirk's hate, his rhetoric is simply disturbing and doesn't rise to that level of justification. However, there are people who are being terrorized as a result of his extreme language putting targets on them. Millions of people have been targeted and their lives have been upended.
Do you think that we could agree that using "free speech" to upend honest people's lives is a form of terrorism?
In your words:
"Why don't you get that? Have we lost our basic humanity?"
I agree with you 100%, when the world trade center was destroyed by terrorism, the Arab Muslim terrorists celebrated and gave out candy to children and others, what is wrong when Israel tricks their enemies that is exactly what our enemies do to us, Arab Muslim terrorists say one think in English and a completely other thing in Arabic, only people that now Arabic know the truth what they are saying, anyone that is not Muslim supporting Muslims is a big mistake, their goal is to make the whole world Muslim and be under Sharia Law( Muslim Laws) and if you are not a Muslim you will be a second class citizen/ infidel and your life is in danger, and even Muslims are scared to be Muslim because of how violence is their way of life and women are treated very badly in Islam,
People are usually "happy" when a terrorist is killed because now he can't kill other people, not because they celebrate murder. I personally did not celebrate the pagers saga, I found it all very sad and horrible, because killing other people, even if it has to be done, is still awful. At the same time, it's important to make a distinction between people who express their opinion and people who murder other people. Even if indirectly Charlie's words caused people harm (which, debatable) he still didn't murder people. Killing should always be awful, but we can still recognize that people's actions are not equal, that some are worse than others. On the opposite side, we should absolutely understand the power of our speech and the effect it can have on other people! See, it's not so simple.
⬆️ Most sober & evenhanded reply
No, it is not simple, which is why we have to respect that not everyone will see Kirk as some sort of hero. No one should be fired for saying that.
Besides being awful, it should also be pointed out that killing people for political reasons doesn't kill their ideology. This is particularly true in Israel's fight. We need to attack ideologies of hate not the people who hate.
BRAINWASHING is BRAINWASHING
=============================
I fear for the future of our DEMOCRACY, becoming DEMO(N)-CRACY.
As a "diehard" Democrat, I pray that people will soon wake up to the insanity.
I suggest studying the lesson of "Rabbi Preida" from Eruvin 54B.
Rabbi Preida gave his student, 400 repetitions of each lesson, and more.
I think Preida was not trying to brainwash his students, but to wake him up to truth.
Let me add, that in SPORTS, we use practice, failure, and repetition to improve.
But when it comes to REASONING and academics, we may feel THREATENED by mistakes, learning difficulties and the need for repetition, as suggested by Preida,
=============================================================
Rabbi Preida's student evidently had a learning disability. The repetition was not to "wake him up to truth" - as if the student was opposing the lesson - but because it was difficult for the student to grasp and remember the content.
The lesson we need to learn from this story is the need for teachers to have patience and to understand that learning is more difficult for some students, so they need more attention - not the need for political persuasion of students.
I'm genuinely perplexed here. For you to support him in this way would mean that you don't think he was serious in his religious beliefs or you don't care what he believes as long as he supports Israel's right wing government. He was very clear that he was an Right Wing Evangelical Christian. That comes with the immutable belief that all Jews are destined for an eternity of torture in hell and the reason he supports the Jews in Israel is for eschatological purposes where the Jews are pawns in Christ's planned return. He had contempt for American Jews except where they carried water for Trump. He believed strongly in Christian Nationalism, I don't understand how this isn't abhorrent to every Jewish American.
Cutting oneself off from the news - may be soothing. Though - it reminds me of the old saying that - IGNORANCE IS BLISS. Unfortunately - not being aware - or ignoring what's happening in the world - doesn't change what's actually going on. In some cases - not being aware - ignoring & doing nothing to help make changes - can lead to a major catastrophe - for oneself - or others. Hopefully - we will seek out G-D - to help us sooth & keep calm - as well as show us how - to bring PEACE to all MANKIND.
Something has been nagging me - as I read all the immensely diverse opinions EG: Charlie Kirk - & other debates on a variety of topics. Then it dawned on me. From the time I was young - as I frequently moved to new places - & later the different colleges I attended - all with different educational agendas. Along with other research work that I've done. I noticed that - there was a major difference - in the text books presentations on similar topics. In religious research - I also noticed that the bible texts changed immensely. The KJV almost exclusively used by the Chr-stians - began having competing language & philosophical texts & meaning(s). Even a gender neutral version. I then realized that - -->> more below.
-->> depending on what text source(s) - the person learned from - was IMMENSELY CRITICAL - on developing how the person perceived - made - & based their assessments - on how to perceive their values in life. May we be perceptive enough - to seek & learn clearly from G-D - are we learning correctly - what YOU want us to know about life's decisions?
Charlie was no saint, but did seem like a sincere person who advocated for what he believed in - traditional biblical values like faith, the importance of the nuclear family, heteronormativity and the gender binary. These views are very much mainstream conservative positions. Aish, as an orthodox Jewish organization, is obviously aligned with those particular points. Not sure why people are shocked by this article praising the substantial areas of overlap between Charlie's advocacy and traditional Jewish values.
The bottom line is, we can't have a functioning democracy if outspoken people will be murdered by those who don't like the principles they are espousing
There is a difference between abhorring political violence (which all reasonable people do) and lionizing a person who wants to turn our nation whose secular nature is what has made the Jews thrive here for generations into a Christian Nationalist state. Better to just not say anything. Jewish values do not include denigrating racial minorities nor do they include promoting the government pushing Christ in the public square. No Jew should be speaking out for Kirk the person, every Jew should be speaking out against murder.
If you watched the reaction of college kids to Charlie Kirk getting shot you might have noticed something. They were thrilled, delighted, best news they heard all year.
It's not only propaganda that causes them hate him and want him dead.
It's a total lack of human appreciation for life itself. They don't even value their own lives. They have been emptied of basic humanity. They're kind of like a bunch of lions surrounding a deer; value for life is not uppermost in any lion mind.
How do we re-humanize our youth?
I don't know.
In recent history, every generation has been given a name. This is the Lost Generation.
As an orthodox Jewish mother, I was tremendously inspired by the life of Charlie Kirk. His faith touched me profoundly. I had "given up" on society's morals and lack of right and wrong. He did not. The young whom we all believed to be impossible to reach, he believed in. His courage to stand for something and his belief in the goodness of people and their ability to be inspired by truth made met think about my own role. He inspired me to be a better contributor to society, patient, humble, giving, committed, hard working. He was excited about his service and to serve and I want to feel that in MY service of my Creator. Though I did not agree with all his abortion views or the underlying reason why Israel is valuable, I saw he was acting in good faith and conviction.
Kirk spoke out brilliantly on relationships, marriage, and fatherhood. I pray that more young Rabbis go out to these "godless unis" to create meeting spaces for our college aged children to connect in a holy way. The lack in SHIDDUCHIM nowadays is a shonda. More needs to be done.
Herein lies the difference:
Olbermann says "ALL Republicans are complicit."
Bannon says "the RADICAL Left are demons."
And who, might I ask, are the non-radical left?
This must begin with a definition of "left". I asked an AI for a definition (maybe it is biased, but its answer aligned with what I would have said): "Left-wing politics refers to a broad range of ideologies that prioritize social equality, economic fairness, and collective responsibility."
Sounds like observant Jews and Christians are non-radical left not to mention a broad range of secular groups.
And who, might I ask, are the radical left?
The comments are so dispiriting. They clearly show the toxicity that is sweeping America. I don't agree with much Charlie Kirk stood for, but his murder is abhorrent, and we can discuss the values Charlie did stand for, without turning him into a saint, and without feeling that we are betraying our political viewpoints. Stop demonizing, and start conversing.
agreed
He demonized everyone who wasn't a carbon copy of him.
I am so disappointed That aish.com would praise this man which only preach hate. And bully other in his debates! No his memory is not a blessing !!
You are so misinformed!
I agree with you, Luis. I provide here 2 egregious quotes of Charlie Kirk. I can provide sources for anyone who asks:
Here's two more:
Black women
To which I say: Really? You know that how?? You do realize you're spouting opinions without foundation? (That's a rhetorical question)
Oh, come on.
To make absolutely clear: His shooting was a horrific tragedy. No one should be murdered because of their speech.
Oh come on, you are intellectually dishonest or is it intellectual laziness to legitimize your disagreement with him. There was a CONTEXT. If you want to disagree with him, at least do it knowing all the information. He was talking about quotas and "positive discrimination" in a debate. He NEVER SAID that black people were less qualified. Think for 2 seconds, please!!
It's incredible, no? They want compassion for people getting fired. We should feel bad that people were fired from their jobs! People who are happy that Charlie Kirk was murdered- but they shouldn't be out of a job. It's incredible. It's frightening.
It's frightening how similar it is to stories I've heard about Communist Russia. About millions of people who believed that hose who dare to speak out against The State deserve death.
It's extremely frightening.
What more can we say?
I remember hearing and reading about a little boy who was idolized in Communist Russia. Every little girl and boy and teenager in the Communist schools (and your children were taken away from you if you didn't send there) worshipped this little boy.
What did he do? This little boy's father was a landowner who was commanded by the Communist government to hand over every possession he had. Hoping to save his family from starving to death through the winter, the father hid some grain for his family. The little boy told the Communist government and his father was killed.
And this little boy was worshipped by millions of brainwashed children.
See why this story comes to mind?
A father of young children, a beloved husband, is murdered in cold blood and brainwashed thousands rejoice.
I understand your point though someone has written they don't.
You are basically saying truth and reality are being inverted and that made be fairseeming.
Where reality is becoming a hell and a perversion of itself, normalized.
And that America is beginning to resemble Communist Russia in the fear factor that it is cultivating in the rhetoric being generation from every direction, and from top to bottom, and bottom to top levels of authority; and, it is causing a painful vascillating stricture/schism in the minds hearts and souls of human beings. Like they are being wretched out of shape. Terrorized.
I can only tell you this is what a curse from God looks like, and all humanity is under it.
Not exercising, and being a rational and moral society based on Torah has bred a world of irrationality, and immorality, and inverted right and wrong; sense and sensibility.
People are lost, and sense there is no escape from a forthcoming hellish world.
And this may be true.
But, I think this is not true if each person tries to locate God, and adhere closely to him, and for the rest of your life.
There is no better time than right this moment.
Love God First, and love your neighbors with kindness; and, do not do to others what you know is odious and wrong, and you would not want done to yourself.
And, stop reading and watching news, if your sense of the world is getting too dark, all about.
Did anyone hear the story about the " Emporer's new cloths" the only one that told the truth was a little boy, " the emperor has no clothes on" so someone has to speak up before it us to late, also I see the world turning into a old show called " The Twilight Zone " a sci- fi show about bizzare twists in the end and Rod Sperling made the show a while back and our reality is turning into something that would be on this show, what unfortunately we are in a very dangerous reality that is a nightmare that is real and we are not sleeping, only Hashem can help us get out of this situation
I'm very confused about what you're implying about the current State. Kirk was influential in the current administration and those who speak ill of Kirk and his advocacy are among those being targeted by this administration. Millions have been targeted by The State and tens of thousands have already been arrested. I agree with you that it is extremely frightening how similar to Communist Russia The State is becoming.
If your analogy were true, then it is the supporters of Kirk who are among the millions of people who believe that those of us who oppose what Kirk stood for who deserve death.
I don't know how many believe that we deserve death for daring to speak out against what Kirk was advocating, but at least one (you) believes that we deserve to be fired from our jobs.
There is a difference between saying you didn't like Charlie Kirk and you aren't sad, and saying how happy you are and it was about time someone killed him.
Not mourning and celebrating are 2 different thing. 1 shows you disagreed, and one shows a calousness towards human life.
I didn't agree with everything he said or how he said it, but I think it is terrible that he was killed for speaking his mind.
Yes! I agree! They are being arrested because they are celebrating a crime. If society is a the point when crime is celebrated, these people are aggravators!
The students in public schools and democrats are supporting terrorism and Hamas the evil bad guys so society is being brainwashed to think this way, Jews learn critical thinking from the oral Torah and people that don't learn to critical think fall into the trap of being brainwashed, these people are acting like they belong to a cult, they have to be reprogrammed to snap out of it, if is not done society will be doomed, some people write with the left hand and the democrats of today are radical anti Jews anti Israel anti American pro terrorism and all the wacky things against Judeo-Christian values and western civilization, which came from Qatar oil money to change America from within a Chinese and Russian tactic to destroy within, unfortunately it is also happening in Israel
If you happen to be part of a group against which Kirk was arousing hate, you would naturally feel relief that his voice has been silenced.
I don't think that people defending Kirk and his "free speech" understand the devasting impact his speech has had on the people he attacked.
The real problem is that people not only tolerate hate speech like his, but encourage it. What I am truly sad about is that the only way we have found to silence hate speech is murder.
Jews, of all people, should understand where hate speech leads.
Why wouldn't you be sad?
I can think of 20 leading liberals who make my skin crawl. Listening to them talk is an extremely un-fun experience for me.
But the thought of something like this happening is absolutely horrific to me. Terrible, terrible, terrible!
Why don't you get that?
Have we lost our basic humanity?
😂😆😂
Thank you. Charlie was doing God’s work to try to save America & he was succeeding especially with young people. That’s why then left killed him. I stand with Israel just like Charlie did.
Amen!
Rabbi, Lincoln said, “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time." Those of us who know Kirk’s life’s work and legacy well know what he actually stood for.
Thank you for publishing this article in it's truth about Charlie Kirk--a great person who shared love and respect for others while trying to help college kids get back on the right path. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on and become bigger and more evident, thankfully
Amen!!
Kirk was a white supremacist, and only believed in Israel as the future site of The Rapture. Extremely disappointed in this article.
I am appalled that Aish HaTorah writes such a praising article about a man who disguised his hate as love. He has commented negatively over time about Jews, Blacks, Gays, and the Civil Rights Law of 1964, saying that these have led to the downfall of this country. If this is an opinion of Aish, I am severely disappointed.
I fully agree with you. "Appalled" is exactly how I felt upon seeing the article. In another comment, I provided some appalling quotes of his.
Mind blowing that a Jewish organization would cannonize Kirk. He did not deserve to die- that was wrong and tragic. But through his "conversations" he indeed did demonize his opponents. Just listen! Worse yet, while he supported Israel, he did so in the traditional Christian Nationalist manner, which does so to facilitate the "Second Coming" in which Jews will not fare well... And of course, he palled around with other Christian Nationalists who were much more open in their Anti-antisemitism. Wake up!
Aish does do some amazing work.
By all means, we should keep our ears open to others views, _particularly_ in their own words:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/11/charlie-kirk-quotes-beliefs?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Instead of parroting agenda-driven media that has cherry picked quotes with zero context in attempt to drive a “racist” narrative, I invite you to take 30 minutes to look at some of the actual source video of Kirk speaking. Choose anything you like, but make sure you watch the whole clip direct from Turning Point. You will discover a very different truth to the one you *think* you know, fed to you by mass media. Go on. Take the chance to hear for yourself.
The media wants to paint him as divisive when in fact he was respectful to all , yet he did make his Bible values front & center known. He lived what he preached and he accomplished alot in his short lifetime.
He was mission driven with love & respect to open people's minds to think for themselves
The quotes speak for themselves. How do you spin it otherwise? How, for example, is the following quote doing anything other than fanning the flames of antisemitism: “Jewish donors have been the number one funding mechanism of radical open-border, neoliberal, quasi-Marxist policies . . . . This is a beast created by secular Jews and now it’s coming for Jews, and they're like, ‘What on Earth happened?’ . . .
And this one: “We made a huge mistake when we passed the Civil Rights Act in the mid-1960s.” What context makes this idea anything other than a racist idea? Was he or was he not propounding that we should not have passed laws outlawing separations on buses, water fountains. Or, outlawing employers from refusing to hire to black people.
Please don't tell me I'm cherry picking. These are HIS thoughts. And I could go through them all one by one.
Facts are facts whether Jewish leftist extremists like them or not. Hurry up and collapse through below replacement level birth rates and ennui.
Well feel free to wade through the 100s of awful things he said and add the necessary context for all of us. You won't though b/c it's all just a "narrative".
The Guardian? You want to quote the guardian? How about its long anti Israel record? How about its deep and abiding hatred of America na d no stop praise of the USSR? What about its serializing Joseph Campbell?
Thank you for posting this article. In no way do i celebrate Kirk’s appalling murder. However, I deeply fear that his unconscionable views and spewing of hatred will increase as he becomes a martyr to his cause. I, too, an disappointed in this article for not taking a more critical eye to the true nature of Kirk’s message.
Wow how I see from portion of comments you sparked the haters of Chalie Kirk who have drunk the propaganda Kool aid. Very fine sentiment rabbi, America and the world need to get back to civil debate battle of ideas as Charlie successfully did. However, but as you see the Marxist pro Hamas Islamist crowd not interested in such, they are known to be so vile and will resort to violence to get their way. By the way, Steve Bannon's Tucker Carlson's, Candace Owens are all isolationists have all gone off the rails. They have such disdain for Israel Jew haters, one for sure, but they do not speak for the conservative movement and MAGA in USA.
If by propaganda you mean READING or watching Kirk talk and then using your critical thinking skills to easily determine that he was a racist anti semitic pompous ass of a hateful spreader of filth to insure that generations of gullible and impressionable college students will vote for people like Trump - yes that is what I think of Kirk for saying that “abortion is WORSE than the holocaust “ that the civil rights act was a mistake “ and that the only way prominent African Americans could have attained their positions is through affirmative action and or DEI “ ( paraphrased ) and that Jews , mostly, are responsible for the “ GREAT RESET where little
By little whites in America are being replaced by non whites “. Have you done your duty as a Jew to make sure that White people shrink by %?
It is impossible to reason with anyone committed to slander. I dare you to take half an hour to listen to ANY clip of your choice- but you must hear it all, from the source directly, not edited or one sided and removed from conversational context. You will see just how far off track you are, in believing Kirk was anything but a decent and loving person, grounded in faith and respect for Jews and everyone else.
Ted only likes to hear the HEADLINE of his fake news, not ever attempting to see the ENTIRE clip.
Jewry is withering demographically—and I mean shrinking fast.
Surely you jest!
your praise of an antisemite is unseemly. Forget about getting a donation this year. I only support organizations which support Jews, the Jewish people and Judaism.
that's why the jews are so alone right now. We need all the help we can get from Christians who love Israel, versus the BILLIONS of MOS who don't!
Please stop blaming each other and singling out other be group over another? Weep for our loss to hear each other! Weep for a human being who was murdered
You have got to be kidding. This man was openly recruiting nazi style youth. Who cares if he's an advocate for Israel when he's a wolf in sheep's clothing? Don't you guys realize the only reason the right supports Israel is because their own antisemitic beliefs. They all believe in the end times and that when their messiah comes back he will convert all the Jews. Right there in the new testament book of revelations. Unbelievable.
I’m with Charlie all the way after reading most of the comments here.
After sifting thru endless posts, I've yet to see anyone expressing concern about what amounted to a "revival" which took place at the Kirk memorial. Unlike the isolated evangelicals of 20th century America, this was MASSIVE, and seemed like an incubater potentially leading to the same sort of religious frenzy which took place during the Crusades and pogroms! Chilling.
While he certainly had the right and privilege to speak and should not have been murdered (for any reason) Charley Kirk was a white nationalist bigot. A supporter of a pre (pro) fascist regime and Jew hater. (As to his professed love for the Jews and Israel, his agenda was to inevitably covert Jews to Jesus and fulfill the (Christian) prophecy to bring in the second coming. Jews who eulogize and support him are just as foolish as those in 1930s Germany.
After sifting thru endless posts, I've yet to see anyone expressing concern about what amounted to a "revival" which took place at the Kirk memorial. Unlike the isolated evangelicals of 20th century America, this was MASSIVE, and seemed like an incubater potentially leading to the same sort of religious frenzy which took place during the Crusades and pogroms! Chilling.
How can you actually positively eulogize a man who openly spouted anti-semitic and racist tropes? He actually stated that gun deaths were a sacrifice he was willing to make for the preservation of the 2nd amendment. No one deserves to be assassinated like he was, but his words were despicable and antithetical to what Aish promotes.
can you quote 1 antisemitic line from KIRK... in its entirety, of course.
Here's one: “Jewish donors have been the number one funding mechanism of radical open-border, neoliberal, quasi-Marxist policies, cultural institutions and nonprofits. This is a beast created by secular Jews and now it’s coming for Jews, and they're like, ‘What on Earth happened?’ And it's not just the colleges. It's the nonprofits, it's the movies, it's Hollywood, it's all of it.”
Please don't tell me to listen to the whole clip. This quote speaks for itself. If this does not fan the flames of anti-semitism among his listeners, don't know what does.
He was absolutely correct. You like the result of that, too, but you won’t acknowledge the FACTS.
Joshua, you're right. Furthermore, so many of these types such as robert have all along have "cried wolf" about anti-semitism, such as accusing RFK (with crocodile tears) when he truthfully said that nowadays people don't have where to hide, the way Anne Frank did. Or when people compared Covid passports to blue auschwitz tattoo's, they, too, were labelled anti-semites.
With that said, please see my above post about concern for where the U.S. conservative trend is headed, inspired by the Kirk memorial.
He did nothing of the sort.
Thank you Rabbi Mathias! All the best from Susie Mendelsohn, Livingston NJ
Of course, ma'am. Shame on all of us who want to raise the minimum wage.
This website treads a very thin line. To be able to reach all Jews, you have to find common ground. I don't think the things he said about Mr. Kirk are false, even as I disagree with the subject's views.
He was an incredible person and what a terrible waste of a good life. He never spoke of hate. He spoke of goodness conversation to get your problems resolved God rest is so.
He spoke "of hate" all the time...I think you mean to say he wasn't hateful. Which is debatable.
Across all the various media - where comments are made about Charlie KIrk & what he stood for. There seems to be an OBVIOUS - CLEAR DIVIDE. Those who have LOUD - ANGRY DISDAIN - for anything that resembles - or implies that there is a G-D GIVEN MORAL OBLIGATION - to turn from immoral behaviors - which limits their anything goes style(s) of living. The other side of the spectrum - saw that - Charlie Kirk - held onto the MORAL VALUES - that he believed - G-D gave us to perform. It can be noted that - there is a tremendous increase - of people who want to join the organization - he started & a return to a more moralistic society.
So many Jewish leftist libertard's, here with TDS. You're the same people that supported the expulsion of your fellow Jews from Gaza which led directly to October 7th. כל הפוסל במומו פוסל
Whoever accuses Charlie Kirk of spewing hate, is a very hateful person himself. And obviously didn't listen to Charlie. You also have no idea what the heck democracy is, because Charlie was standing up for it. You Democratic socialists are probably the ones who are going to vote for MadDany in New York City and get what you deserve.
The rest of you in New York can all make Aliya.
What a loving, thoughtful comment. So much for being the light of the world.
Disdainful sarcasm is even more unbecoming than what you're railing against!
Your account name is Truth, yet are you Angry?
Please don't hit me over the head. I do not know what TDS is, and I did not know of the existence of Kirk except a few days ago, learning of his death.
I am simply writing to recommend you take a three month break from media, and be prepared to have your world-view properly revised.
I do not think you will regret it, if you do.
The future requires it of you to put your intellect before your emotions, and to discern clearly the true condition of our world.
Wishing you a good year, and in doing so, from that goodness, may happiness flow for you.
Unfortunately, Steve Bannon's statement is 100% correct.
And the beauty of it is that anyone who doesn't consider themselves a "radical leftist" agrees with it. Well, maybe besides the demons part, so as not to offend demons. But who is the radical left? Does somebody who wants to revive laws about stock buy-backs and the assault rifle ban "radical"? Is somebody who wants abortion to be "safe, legal, and rare" radical? Or is it limited to those calling for workers to violently seize the means of production?
That is the brilliance of inventing a non-identifiable enemy. "They" can be accused of all manner of faults and there is no one to push back.
Meanwhile, the USA is in a holding pattern while waiting for a "they" that can be singled out for retribution. Everyone-who-isn't-MAGA is too large a group against which to carry out a purge; a more specific target will be named soon.
It’s so sad and pathetic to read this article supporting a person who was a racist, sexiest and anti-Semite. I feel bad for Rabbi Mathias and Aish who are morally bankrupt if they remain blind to what this man has said about women, Jews, blacks, and other minorities or non-whites. The Rabbi overlooks this because Kirk has also said he supports Israel’s right to exist. Thank you Mr. Kirk. I’m not going to list all the anti-Semitic tropes and racist and sexist comments this man has made. Rabbi Mathis, do yourself a favor if you’re interested in the truth: do some research, open your eyes, and stop writing such blatant propaganda fueled by an autocratic, mentally unfit, hateful and racist U.S. President.
Amen to this.
Hey, just who's the hater here?!
So many commentators (including this one) ignored the request to keep comments respectful!
A new year is fast approaching, so it would be a good idea to control our tempers and tongues!!
FREE SPEECH UBER ALLES...because if we don't talk, that's what leads to wars, divorce etc
I wish i could get clarification by seeing a transcript of all anti-Semitic tropes and racist and sexist comments he allegedly made so I can judge for myself. But ONLY if all the aforesaid are NOT taken out of context.
Your loss, certainly not ours!
The fact is that a discerning reader should challenge all media sources, particularly the leftist ones (which are the majority), and especially the "reputable" ones (e.g.. The NY Times, Washington Post, et al).
We see how low "reputable" universities have sunk, beguiled as they've become by shameful lies that they want to believe even if they're proven false.
If that's the "intelligentsia," we're in a sorry state indeed!
You know, the essays in The New York Times about Mr. Kirk's murder (why are people calling it an assassination? He wasn't a government official.) have been of the same flavor as Rabbi Matthis's essay here.
Heck, the socialist magazine Jacobin had one essay like this.
And yes, you are correct that a person should think about what they read and not blindly accept it.
Amen. Thank you for sharing these timely words.
I had an opportunity to meet with Charlie Kirk a few years back. We spoke about our religious and political disagreements for about an hour. He was kind, sincere, and respectful towards my Judaism, and my political views. He was equally respectful to the other person there, my colleague who is a Hindu. He was firm, intelligent and eloquent in advancing his views, did not hold back from social critique, but was also very kind, warm, considerate and sensitive. We exchanged a few emails and letters, as well, he was mindful and respectful. I didn’t change his mind, and he didn’t change mine, but we came together as fellow humans (and fellow Americans) enjoying our democracy and freedom of speech. I remember he specifically mentioned the importance of diversity of thought. I will miss him.
I will show his debates/speeches to my kids, because the Rabbis today don't have such an impactful, passionate reach as Kirk did.
Life is precious and fleeting. I am so very sorry this has happened and so upset with the people who rejoice over it. As the new year approaches, we need to look within ourselves and find ways to work even harder to repair our broken world. Prayers and deepest sympathies to Charlie’s family.
To all the Hateful Democrats on this comment section I ask you...Is HaShem a Democrat or Republican, is HE a leftist or right wing believer? And you wonder why Americans have tuned Antisemitic, you wonder why Americans are blaming the Jews for all the problems.... just look at what you all have posted. NOW... ANSWER MY QUESTION IF YOU CAN!
Hashem is neither a Democrat nor a Republican. Hashem is God. Hashem gave us the Torah, 613 mitzvos that do not neatly fall into the right/left dichotomy (Shemittas Kesafim, matanos aniyim are "leftist", rules about avodah zarah are "rightist." We read all about the causes of antisemitism this past Shabbos; when we follow the Torah, Hashem is good to us; and when we don't follow the Torah, tragedies occur.
There is no justification for killing a person because you disagree with his politics. Here in the UK we can see how the extreme left wing Socialist Worker (do any of them actually have a manual job?) and the Green (green is the colour of their faith) parties stur up antisemitism that leads to violence. Sad to say America is not unique here.
I just loved this young husband father and Patriot. He gave new hope and meaning to so many.
Charlie Kirk was not prefect, but he did not deserve to be murdered. We cannot excuse political violence or we're heading down a dark path as a country.
Rabbi, you clearly don't know what you're talking about. This was a hate-filled man who was anything but standing up for conversation, that is unless you agreed with him.
For example, in Kirk’s view the Civil Rights Act has led to a “permanent DEI-type bureaucracy,” referring to diversity, equity and inclusion, that has limited free speech. If you believe in the truth Rabbi, you know that's not true. What DEI is about is respect for everyone, not just people like you. Well Kirk didn't respect those who were different than him. Kirk said that Martin Luther King Jr. was “awful. He’s not a good person. He said one good thing he actually didn’t believe.”
Moreover, Kirk was an antisemite, repeatedly invoking the Jews funding “Cultural Marxism” a clear antisemitic blast of lies.
Afraid of the truth? It's easy to find these words and ideas coming right from the deceased's mouth. He didn't hide it, why would you?
So you're okay with hiring people just based on the color of their skin?? That's so UNLIKE MLK!
lol! Jews are nearly entirely responsible for cultural Marxism. Read any of David Horowitz’s books; he names names and maps it all out.
Speaking in a respectful tone does not mean that he was respectful. He was most often not. He consistently cut off his videos posted of his “debates” at extremely misleading points by telling the people that HE cut off to “think about this,” offering a diatribe, and giving them no chance to respond, whether or not in person is unclear, but never in the videos. He always gave himself “the last word” with no chance for the other person to respond. No one deserves to die the way he did, but I absolutely cannot agree that he was “respectful” or “did not demonize others” just because the tone of voice he use itself sounded “respectful.”