The Jerusalem memorial for Charlie Kirk drew about 300 people, including Israeli officials, clergy and U.S. Christians, and became a vow to continue his work. Pastor Rob McCoy highlighted Kirk's weekly Sabbath practice and his view of politics as a way to strengthen society. Speakers, including an Israeli minister and musician Nissim Black, emphasized Kirk's ability to connect with young people and his unapologetic moral stance. The gathering repeatedly invoked Kirk's line, "In the absence of courage, truth is an orphan," and left attendees resolved to carry on his mission.
"In the Absence of Courage, Truth Is an Orphan": Hundreds in Jerusalem Pledge to Carry On Charlie Kirk's Work
The Jerusalem memorial for Charlie Kirk drew about 300 people, including Israeli officials, clergy and U.S. Christians, and became a vow to continue his work. Pastor Rob McCoy highlighted Kirk's weekly Sabbath practice and his view of politics as a way to strengthen society. Speakers, including an Israeli minister and musician Nissim Black, emphasized Kirk's ability to connect with young people and his unapologetic moral stance. The gathering repeatedly invoked Kirk's line, "In the absence of courage, truth is an orphan," and left attendees resolved to carry on his mission.
11:15 AM, 11/17/2025Politics
Hundreds Gather in Jerusalem to Honor Charlie Kirk
A memorial held in Jerusalem on Sunday for conservative activist Charlie Kirk drew roughly 300 attendees — including Israeli officials, clergy and U.S. Christian visitors — and evolved into a pledge to continue the causes he championed. The event remembered the Turning Point USA founder, who was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in September, and many described the evening as both a remembrance and a mandate.
Pastor Rob McCoy, identified by local reporters as one of Kirk's closest confidants, reflected on Kirk's personal discipline and character. McCoy recalled Kirk's weekly Sabbath practice as a source of grounding and called him "faithful, humble, a wonderful husband and father." He emphasized that Kirk viewed politics as a way to strengthen the social fabric, not merely a path to power.
"He saw politics as an on-ramp to increased humanity. If he could get young people rowing in the streams of liberty, he believed they would eventually reach its source."
Attendees told The Press Service of Israel (TPS-IL) that Kirk's influence extended well beyond his live audiences. Tammy Martin of California said she had never met Kirk in person but felt the loss as if she had. She credited him with helping many Christians better understand the importance of supporting Israel. Robert Whitley, also from California, praised Kirk's rare ability to connect with young conservatives and help them push back against ideological indoctrination.
Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, praised Kirk's discipline and clarity of purpose, calling his death a significant loss to the family and to the conservative movement worldwide. American-born musician Nissim Black described Kirk as "a giant" whose unapologetic moral convictions created a unifying force for many.
"In the absence of courage, truth is an orphan."
The evening repeatedly returned to one of Kirk's final recorded lines, and attendees said they left determined to carry forward his mission. As one participant put it, "Charlie is gone, but the truth he fought for is not — and it's up to us now." The memorial combined personal recollection with calls for continued engagement in the political and cultural causes Kirk promoted.