In Memory of My Friend, Charlie Kirk, of Blessed Memory
Words cannot express the depth of our grief at the tragic murder of my dear friend, Charlie Kirk, just a few hours ago by an evil gunman. Charlie was not only a national leader; he was also my neighbor here in Scottsdale, Arizona, with whom I shared a special bond.
We often spoke about G-d, whom he loved; our Judeo-Christian values, which he championed; America, which he adored; Israel and the Jewish people, whom he deeply cherished; and the state of our youth, for whom he cared so profoundly.
Beyond Charlie’s profound wisdom and unquenchable curiosity, he had an uncanny ability to engage in every exchange – even when disagreements grew heated – with respect, humility, and grace, along with an unrelenting desire to find common ground. A few months ago, he proudly shared with me that he too “observes the Sabbath.” From then on, we would often wish each other “Shabbat Shalom” on Fridays.
Unlike many in positions of power, Charlie never felt threatened by the success of others. He lifted people up, opened doors, and rejoiced in their growth. Over a year ago, he encouraged me to join our mutual friend Seth Leibsohn on the radio, where I now appear regularly every Friday on 960AM The Patriot. Charlie often introduced me to his many friends and influencers, always eager to connect people and help them thrive.
Charlie loved his family fiercely. His beloved wife, Erika, and their children were his crown jewels. He hugged them tightly every day and often reminded me to do the same with mine. Their well-being was always on his mind; his family was both his source of joy and his greatest mission. Just recently, while I was praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Charlie asked me to “pray for my family, my wife Erika, and our children.”
Charlie was also a true believer in the United States of America, in the Constitution, and in the Divine principles upon which this country was founded. He worked tirelessly to reach everyone – particularly students on campuses across America – engaging them in dialogue and reminding them of our sacred values.
He was a stalwart supporter of Israel and of the Jewish people. Just a few weeks ago, I wrote here, in The Times of Israel, that “Charlie is one of the most stalwart and consistent fighters in this war for truth, faith, and moral clarity… one of the shiniest ambassadors of G-d in our world.” Indeed, he lived with courage, with clarity, and with uncompromising faith.
Charlie’s sudden passing is not only a colossal loss for his friends; it is also a profound loss for America, for the nation of Israel, for all people of faith, and for the world.
To his amazing wife, Erika, to his precious children, and to all of Charlie’s loved ones: We send our deepest love, our fervent prayers, and our endless blessings. Know that we are with you today, tomorrow, and always.
And to us all, I beg you. In Charlie’s memory, please consider the following:
– Hug your spouse and children tighter today and every day, as Charlie did.
– Embrace G-d and His values uncompromisingly, as Charlie did.
– Add more and more good deeds to your everyday life, as Charlie did.
– Debate ideas but never demean people, as Charlie did. As the seal of our great nation proclaims: E Pluribus Unum, out of many, one. May we live by it.
May Charlie’s light continue to illuminate our world. And may we soon see the day in which “G-d will swallow up death forever… and wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). Amen.