Charlie Kirk's assassination struck me one day after arriving in the US for an advocacy mission. Everyone here speaks only of this. It's dominating the news in the US, and whether they supported or opposed his views, everyone remains consumed by this murder.
The US witnessed last night a nadir in its history when a prominent activist was assassinated purely for his views. This constituted an attack on free speech, on the capacity for discourse and hearing dissenting voices. Those incapable of countering his arguments opted to attack him. In the US – a symbol of the free world and Western democracy – one cannot accept circumstances where political-ideological debate culminates in murder.
Remarkable ability possessed by few globally
Kirk stood as a genuine friend of the State of Israel, a passionate advocate who decisively confronted pro-Palestinian activists, and with refined words, educated them thoroughly. His debates went viral online, and no one in the hasbara world (public diplomacy) could ignore his ability to make his case and the expertise he displayed.
He understood how to corner his opposition and guide them through planned maneuvers to leave them speechless. This represents a remarkable ability possessed by few globally. Additionally, he was a rhetorician brimming with style.
During the past two years, when the State of Israel's position hit bottom internationally, few worldwide stood with us proudly and powerfully, and Kirk ranked among the most prominent and significant of these. Specifically due to his standing and influence across the US, his backing carried tremendous meaning.
Currently, the pursuit continues for the attacker whose identity remains unknown, while everyone remains traumatized. I'm getting cancellation notices for event after event from my scheduled advocacy mission here.
It remains uncertain how the US will recover from this incident and its ultimate consequences, but clearly Kirk's assassination constitutes a defining moment. Each social advocate engaged in debates and ideological battles, particularly regarding Israeli advocacy, now faces genuine mortal danger.
A dark day for the US, and for Israel
Kirk was assassinated and became a casualty in his struggle for truth. He was assassinated there on stage with a microphone in hand while performing what he excelled at most. This marks a dark day in US history, but furthermore, it marks a dark day for the State of Israel which lost one of the finest and most genuine representatives it possessed, though he wasn't Israeli and though he wasn't Jewish.
During the past day, I've gotten inquiries from individuals asking whether Kirk's assassination will impact my mission and my advocacy efforts. So, yes, it will, since I hold numerous events similar to what took place at Utah Valley University, where he was shot, and thus I'll have to exercise far greater caution, verify security exists consistently, and remain vigilant and prepared constantly.
But will I halt due to this? Categorically no. One cannot fear confronting individuals who think differently and attempting dialogue while presenting them with facts. This is presumably what the attacker desired would occur. This is what the violent and antisemitic demonstrators would desire to occur. But if it were Kirk's decision, I'm certain he would request not to halt due to what occurred, but conversely, simply to persist and amplify.
May his memory be a blessing.
