Some people are using the passing of this great American to advance their own careers and agendas.
There was an ultraorthodox rabbi who passed away years ago. Shortly after his passing, two of his sons wrote books about their sainted father. One claimed that he was a vehement opponent to the state of Israel and expressed his views through protests, writings and other means. The other son said exactly the opposite, namely that his father had come to accept the state, work with it, and find its place in the lives of the Jews. When I discussed the matter with a friend, he wisely said, “I know nothing about their father. But I do know everything about his sons.”
Charlie Kirk was murdered just over a week ago. He was an extraordinary individual and an exceptional American. His approach to young Americans was unique and positive. He believed firmly in the values he held dear and was not afraid to debate anyone on any subject. Many videos have been put up of late showing his wit, wisdom, honesty, and openness. I was too young to understand in 1968 how the country felt after the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy. Due to Charlie Kirk’s outsized contribution to the public discussion of the important issues of the day, I would assume that his murder is similar in magnitude to the murder of two great civil rights icons of the late 1960s.
While most people who either knew Charlie Kirk personally or were influenced by him have used the past few days to honor and celebrate a life cut short, there are those whose actions and intentions seem somewhat more nefarious. “Charlie told me a few weeks ago.” “Charlie said that he really feels…” “Charlie didn’t like or trust…” Maybe it’s all true. Maybe every word of it reflects Charlie Kirk’s views in the days and weeks before his passing. In one case, such claims have been debunked. Individuals from the kooky right claimed that a meeting in the Hamptons with Bill Ackman was an “intervention” to get Mr. Kirk back on the right page regarding support for Israel. Now, here is a funny fact. Bill Ackman was in Israel last week and had a very personal and insightful meeting with the local Harvard Club. The discussion was not to leave the room, but in light of recent developments, there is nothing below that could be considered privileged or secret.
Bill Ackman spoke after Charlie Kirk was murdered but before the claims of pressure on the Turning Point USA leader were made public. The billionaire stated that Kirk had called him with a pressing concern. Young conservatives felt that Israel was less important as an issue for their support or consideration. Charlie Kirk was worried by this development. Ackman described the Hamptons get-together as an opportunity to interview potential ambassadors who would keep the issue of Israel a part of conservative ideology. After several people made their outlandish claims regarding the confab, individuals present described the event exactly as Bill Ackman had explained it. Whether it was TPUSA staff or influencers invited to the event, they all said that there was no pressure brought to bear on Charlie and that there was no attempt to push some pro-Israel narrative. It reminds me of the Woody Allen scene where two guys are trying to explain an author’s intention. Allen brings the author who says that they are completely wrong.
People like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson have made claims regarding the Hamptons event and Bill Ackman that are the opposite of the truth. Carlson said that Ackman is not smart. From his receiving a diploma magna cum laude from Harvard to the thoughtfulness of his remarks in Tel Aviv, I would beg to disagree. Those on the kooky right hate Israel, Bibi Netanyahu and to some extent Jews in general. If they have specific messages or recorded conversations that back up their claims that Charlie Kirk was cooling on Israel, then they should make them public with their accusations. Everything publicly available shows the opposite: a happy Kirk in Israel; a combative Kirk fighting the lies against Israel. A religiously-focused Kirk telling Jews to keep the Sabbath. If they have something to support that Kirk was no longer a great friend of Israel or supporter of Netanyahu, let them put their cards on the table.
Charlie Kirk was not divisive. Sure, many disagreed with his views. But his goal in hosting debates and respectfully discussing issues with a wide range of people was to bring people together. It is a calumny that certain people who knew Kirk are using his death in order to sow discord—the exact opposite of his approach to his work and life. The dog who now runs the Oxford Union and praised Kirk’s murder did not mention that after they debated, they went out for drinks and spoke at a very personal level. Charlie Kirk was not an Israel hater, and if he had any problem with the country, its leadership, or Jews in general, he was open and honest enough to put forth his views. I have yet to see any clip that would suggest support for such a position.
Charlie Kirk was murdered. It is a shame that some are making the tragedy worse by lying in his name to further their world views. Charlie Kirk was a great patriot and probably the most influential person on campuses in decades. His memory deserves better. If you can’t back up your claims in writing or recording, keep quiet. If not for the nation, then do it for Charlie and the unity he worked so hard to create.