Republican rabbi uses Charlie Kirk's shooting death to raise money for his personal security

OREM, UTAH: Shmuley Boteach, a Republican-aligned rabbi and longtime conservative commentator, drew heavy criticism on Wednesday, September 10, after leveraging the tragic death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk to request donations for his own personal security fund.

Hours after news broke that Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University, Boteach posted on social media, urging followers to contribute to his GoFundMe.

He claimed that Kirk’s assassination was part of a broader effort to silence outspoken pro-Israel voices and suggested his own life was similarly at risk.

Shmuley Boteach cites Charlie Kirk’s death to solicit donations

“Today, as we witnessed yet another attempt to silence pro-Israel voices, we are reminded of the constant threats facing Rabbi Shmuley,” the post read. “For years, he has stood boldly for Israel and the Jewish people—yet he has been physically assaulted in Vienna, Miami, Sydney, and even in Times Square.”

Boteach argued that new funds were necessary to ensure both his and his family’s safety. “The dangers are real, and they only continue to grow. To ensure his safety and his ability to continue this vital work, we urgently need to raise funds for cameras, fencing, and professional security personnel,” he wrote, adding that without such measures, he remained “exposed to unacceptable risks.”

The rabbi concluded his message by linking to a GoFundMe campaign titled "Help Us Protect Rabbi Shmuley and His Work." 

Boteach has long been a polarizing figure in political and cultural circles. 

Most recently, Boteach has been closely tied to political campaigns on the American right. During Robert F Kennedy Jr’s 2024 presidential run, he frequently appeared alongside the candidate as a prominent ally. Earlier this year, he also addressed conservative activists at CPAC’s gathering in Poland.

Internet slams Shmuley Boteach for using Charlie Kirk’s death to raise money for himself

Shmuley Boteach is facing a wave of online backlash after he used the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk to promote his own GoFundMe page.

Critics blasted the move as insensitive and self-serving.

One user wrote, “Turning a political murder into your personal GoFundMe is beyond sick. And with this post, you managed to tick every single stereotype at once. Congratulations.”

Another added, “Exploiting his good name to ask for donations.”

Others didn’t hold back: “Not a good look Rabbi. Extremely insensitive and out of touch,” one wrote, while another stated, “Of course you took the chance to make this about yourself instead.”

Some called out the lack of respect for Kirk himself. “Damn couldn’t even say RIP, Charlie,” a user jabbed.

“Wow what a disgrace you are,” another wrote, while one summed it up bluntly: “You are truly gross.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.