My first time broadcasting from Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, in December 2021, I was fortunate enough to interview Charlie Kirk. He saw my kippah and immediately began reminiscing about his last trip to Israel. When he learned that my son was studying in a yeshiva in Jerusalem, the whole conversation pivoted to religion. What I had expected to be a political interview became something so much more—an exchange about faith, family, and Judeo-Christian values.
That was Charlie. Anyone who spoke to him walked away feeling as if they had known him for a lifetime. After October 7, he emerged as one of the staunchest supporters of Israel and the Jewish people, a stand that deeply resonated with my own children. His voice is irreplaceable, and he will be missed, not just by those who knew him personally, but by the millions touched by his work and conviction.
On the Founders and Faith
At AmericaFest, Kirk began by challenging the modern interpretation of “separation of church and state,” arguing that it is not found in the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, or the Bill of Rights, but rather misappropriated from a single Thomas Jefferson letter. He reminded listeners that the nation’s founders were steeped in Scripture and that America’s Judeo-Christian foundation was essential to its creation.
“We must honor that,” Kirk said, pointing to the biblical influences woven into the nation’s founding documents and symbols.
Standing Against Antifa
Our conversation turned to his visits to Washington State, where Antifa threats had once forced the cancellation of a church event. He recalled offering to personally fly in 30 security guards when local law enforcement and Governor Jay Inslee failed to protect citizens from political intimidation.
Reaching America’s Youth
On Turning Point USA’s success in reaching the next generation, Kirk’s answer was simple: meet them where they are. “We go to campuses, we go digital, we talk to them directly,” he said. With Gen Z facing record levels of depression, addiction, and hopelessness, Kirk argued that they crave meaning rooted in eternal truths.
“The media won’t cover it,” he said, pointing to the 10,000 students who gathered in Phoenix right before Christmas break. “They’d rather talk about AOC protesting climate change. But there’s something deeper happening here.”
A Shared Faith Conversation
The interview closed on a personal reflection about the Shabbath and the gift of rest. Kirk described the joy of turning off his phone for 25 hours: “You get to pray, read things that are eternal, things that never change. That’s what wisdom is the knowledge of things that don’t change.”
He expressed admiration for Torah study and observant Jewish life, calling it “a life well lived.” When I mentioned my son studying in Jerusalem, his affection for Israel was unmistakable: “I have a special place in my heart for observant Jews, all Jews, but especially those who dedicate their lives to the Torah.”
A Lasting Impression
That conversation in Phoenix captured the essence of Charlie Kirk’s mission: grounding America’s youth in faith, family, and freedom. It wasn’t the political interview I had planned. It was so much better.
Baruch Dayan Emet—Blessed is the true Judge. May his wife and children be comforted among the mourners of Zion, and may Hashem avenge his blood.
Listen to the full audio here:
