A memorial held in Jerusalem on Sunday for the late conservative activist transformed into a declaration of commitment, as hundreds of Israeli and American visitors pledged to advance the work he initiated, according to reports.
The Press Service of Israel (TPS-IL) reported that approximately 300 individuals, including Israeli officials, clergy members, and U.S. Christians, gathered on Sunday to honor the founder of Turning Point USA. He had been fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in September. Many attendees remarked that the event felt less like a memorial service and more like a directive for future action.
Pastor Rob McCoy, described as one of Kirk’s closest confidantes, characterized him in comments reported by TPS-IL as “faithful, humble, a wonderful husband and father.” McCoy also disclosed Kirk’s personal discipline of observing a weekly Sabbath rest.
“He discovered remarkable freedom in disconnecting entirely. From Friday evening to Saturday evening, he was unreachable,” McCoy stated. “That routine provided him with stability.”
McCoy additionally noted that Kirk viewed politics as a means to strengthen society, rather than a pursuit of power.
“He perceived politics as an access point to greater humanity,” McCoy explained. “He believed that if he could guide young people toward the principles of liberty, they would ultimately discover its origins.”
Several attendees informed TPS-IL that Kirk’s influence extended far beyond his immediate audience.
Tammy Martin from California commented, “Although I never personally met Charlie, his death felt like the loss of someone I knew.”
She credited him with assisting Christians in understanding the importance of foundational truths. “There are individuals one only encounters digitally, yet the truth they convey deeply resonates,” she elaborated. “Charlie was such an individual.”
Robert Whitley, also a Californian, conveyed to the publication that Kirk possessed a unique ability to connect with young people.
“He had a singular talent for communicating with young people in a way no one else could,” Whitley remarked. “He empowered them to resist indoctrination and to perceive Israel and America with genuine insight.”
Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, offered reflections on Kirk’s character and resolve in comments to TPS-IL.
“Charlie personified the profound essence of freedom — responsibility, lucidity, and discipline,” stated Chikli. “His passing represents an immense loss, not only for his family but for the global conservative movement and for all who regarded him as a proponent of truth.”
According to TPS-IL, American-born musician Nissim Black referred to Kirk as “a giant — truly a giant — whose legacy is indelible.”
Black observed that Kirk’s unwavering moral conviction created a void. “He was unequivocal regarding morality and resolute in upholding what was right,” Black asserted. “Even without him, his unifying influence on so many people is profoundly felt.”
Throughout the event, various speakers reiterated one of Kirk’s concluding recorded declarations: “In the absence of courage, truth is an orphan.”
By the close of the evening, attendees expressed their resolve to advance Kirk’s mission.
“Charlie may be gone, but the truth he championed endures,” one participant declared. “And now, the responsibility falls to us.”