Memorial service for Charlie Kirk draws large crowd as rabbi honors Israel defense
Rabbi Pinchas Taylor says Kirk lived by faith and defended Israel with clarity and courage
GLENDALE, Ariz. — A memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on Sunday drew a crowd officials estimated could exceed 100,000, as supporters gathered to honor the conservative activist who died at age 31.
Rabbi Pinchas Taylor of the American Faith Coalition, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, told Fox News Digital that Kirk was far more than a political commentator: a man of deep and unapologetic faith who lived every day guided by conviction and compassion. Taylor said Kirk defended Israel with clarity and courage and loved his family fiercely while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish people. He added that Kirk did not run from disagreement; he welcomed it, knowing that real growth comes when people listen, debate and engage with dignity.
Taylor further described Kirk as someone who understood something at the very heart of the nation: that America’s greatness rests on the values of the Hebrew Bible and the shared Judeo-Christian tradition that teaches justice, freedom and the divine image in every human being. The rabbi said Kirk’s life was a testimony to the power of living by faith and building bridges across communities.
Among the speakers scheduled for the Glendale ceremony were former President Donald J. Trump and Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow. The program drew heavy traffic in the area, with attendees gathering in the stands ahead of the service and authorities working to manage the crowd and safety protocols.
As part of the service, organizers and family members underscored themes of unity, religious liberty and resilience in the face of antisemitism. Taylor noted that Charlie’s loyalty and friendship reminded Jews everywhere that they were not alone, even as antisemitic rhetoric and acts have persisted in parts of the country. He emphasized that Kirk’s legacy goes beyond political debate and into the realm of shared values and community outreach.
The event represents a significant moment for Kirk’s supporters and for those who viewed him as a prominent advocate for Israel and religious freedom. In the crowded arena and along surrounding roads, attendees reflected on the activist’s rapid rise in political and cultural discourse and on how his message resonated across different communities interested in faith-based public life. The service was covered with live updates by Fox News Digital, which highlighted interviews, perspectives from local communities and moments from the program as they emerged.
