By Amy Zewe—
Today’s Red Alert features returning guest, scholar, researcher, and writer Barry Shaw of the Israel Institute of Strategic Studies and The View from Israel program. Barry’s research and publications are available on his Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Substack accounts.
Barry joins us today to discuss the senseless assassination of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old man dedicated to his faith in Jesus, his family, and his value system. Like many who try to share biblical truths and use those truths to build opinions and policy in response to cultural decline, Charlie is mislabeled, vilified, and even blamed for his own murder.
I see striking parallels between Charlie’s life and the experiences of Israel with this 31-year-old man whose life was anchored in his faith in Jesus, devotion to his family, and unwavering commitment to his values. Charlie was more than a public figure; he was a voice for biblical truth in a culture increasingly hostile to it. Like many who dare to speak boldly from a scriptural foundation, he was mischaracterized, vilified, and—shockingly—some even sought to justify his murder.
In Charlie’s journey, I see echoes of Israel’s own story: a people called to stand apart, often misunderstood, and repeatedly targeted for their convictions. His life, like theirs, was marked by resilience in the face of opposition and a deep longing to restore what is sacred in a world that has lost its way.
Witnessing firsthand the deception and ideological indoctrination that young people face—especially within universities and through the influence of mainstream and social media—Charlie Kirk made college campuses the heart of his mission. He saw them not merely as institutions of learning, but as modern-day mission fields where truth was under siege and souls were searching.
Above all else, Charlie was a devout follower of Christ. Grounded in Scripture and sharpened by a deep understanding of history and current affairs, he became a bold commentator on the moral and ethical crises confronting our nation and the world. Whether addressing issues in culture, politics, education, or faith, Charlie spoke with conviction rooted in biblical truth and a desire to awaken a generation to righteousness.
Charlie’s understanding of Israel—both through the lens of Scripture and the realities of modern geopolitics—made him a resolute ally of the Jewish people. His convictions weren’t born of convenience or political expediency, but of a sincere belief in the biblical covenant and a clear-eyed view of history’s lessons.
Guided by faith and fortified by reason, Charlie became a vocal advocate against the global surge in antisemitism. He consistently called out the corrosive narratives pushed by mainstream media, academia, and political elites—narratives that distort Israel’s role and downplay the existential threats it faces. In a time when truth is often sacrificed for ideology, Charlie stood firm, defending Israel’s right to exist, to protect its people, and to be recognized as a beacon of Judeo-Christian values in a hostile world.
Charlie Kirk’s visits to Israel weren’t just symbolic—they were transformative. He traveled there twice, and each time, he returned with insights that challenged the dominant cultural narratives often pushed by Western media and academia.
In his own words, Kirk described Israel as a place that “strengthened my faith, made the Bible pop into reality, and gave me the most precious memories with Erika.” He saw Israel not only as a geopolitical ally but as living proof of God’s covenant—a spiritual anchor in a world adrift.
Kirk’s revelations stood in stark contrast to the growing skepticism and hostility toward Israel in many circles and in classrooms. He openly confronted antisemitic rhetoric and media bias, asking pointed questions like: “Do you think Israel sits around and says, ‘How do we kill more kids in Gaza today?’”—a challenge to the simplistic and often inflammatory accusations leveled against the Jewish state.
His advocacy didn’t go unnoticed. Following his assassination, Israeli leaders and citizens honored him with murals, street dedications, and public tributes, calling him a “lion-hearted friend of Israel” who “fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization”.
Though Jews and Israelis may not have aligned with Charlie Kirk on every philosophical or theological point, they have been unequivocal and heartfelt in mourning the loss of a genuine ally—one who stood boldly in defense of truth. His life was taken not for any act of violence, but for the ideas he championed—ideas that pierced through deception and cast light into cultural darkness.
In this episode, Barry Shaw conveys the heartfelt response from Israelis in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s tragic death—a loss that reverberates far beyond the Christian community. What stands out is not uniformity of belief, but a shared recognition of Charlie’s humanity and courage. Despite differing views on theology or philosophy, Israelis from across the spectrum have united in mourning a man they saw as a true friend—someone who stood for truth, even when it was unpopular.
Their response is a powerful reminder that even in a world fractured by ideology, there remains common ground: the ability to honor life, respect conviction, and uphold dignity across disagreement. It also underscores a deeper truth—that our public discourse must be rooted in the ethical foundations of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Charlie embodied that ethic. He invited dialogue, not division. He fought cultural decay not with violence, but with reasoned argument, moral clarity, and an unshakable commitment to truth.
Charlie sought peace—not just in theory, but in practice—bringing it to the campus quad with conviction and compassion, much like Israel’s enduring pursuit of peace in the Middle East. Yet both have paid a heavy price for that pursuit. Their efforts, rooted in dialogue and truth, have too often been met not with understanding, but with hostility—each bearing the wounds of bullets fired in response to their courage.