Erika Kirk's push to host a traditional Jewish Sabbath event at the flagship conservative conference is framed as a stand against antisemitism—but critics see it as pandering amid ongoing internal tensions

December 15, 2025


Phoenix, AZ – Erika Kirk, the newly appointed CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), has announced that the organization's annual AmericaFest conference will feature a special Shabbat dinner, a traditional Jewish Sabbath observance, as part of efforts to combat rising antisemitism.

The event, scheduled during AmericaFest 2025—a sold-out gathering set for December 18–21 at the Phoenix Convention Center—comes as TPUSA honors the legacy of its late founder, Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September 2025. Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, assumed leadership shortly after his death and has positioned the dinner as a gesture of solidarity with Jewish communities, tying it to Charlie Kirk's forthcoming book emphasizing Sabbath observance and Christian Zionism.

In a recent interview clip widely circulated online, Erika Kirk stated that hosting the Shabbat dinner would directly address antisemitism, saying the initiative aligns with TPUSA's broader mission to defend Western civilization and shared Judeo-Christian values. The dinner is sponsored by pro-Israel groups including StandWithUs, Texans for Israel, and the Israel on Campus Coalition, with human rights advocate Brooke Goldstein scheduled to speak on defending Jewish civil rights.

Supporters praise the move as a bold stand against hate, especially in a year marked by heightened tensions. Pro-Israel voices on social media have highlighted it as an opportunity for Christians and Jews to unite, with one promotional post inviting attendees to "engage in values shared between Christians and Jews" while honoring Charlie Kirk's pro-Israel stance.

However, the announcement has drawn significant side-eye from segments of the conservative base, particularly America First nationalists and online critics who view TPUSA as increasingly aligned with pro-Israel interests at the expense of its core Christian conservative identity. Social media reactions have been sharply divided, with many accusing the organization of "pandering" or engaging in "performative rituals" that alienate grassroots supporters.

Critics point to past controversies, including TPUSA's history of platforming figures accused of antisemitic tropes, and argue that a Shabbat dinner at a predominantly Christian nationalist event feels out of place. One viral post contrasted Erika Kirk's announcement with older clips of Charlie Kirk warning that certain pro-Israel emphases could fuel antisemitism. Others labeled it "Shabbos goy" behavior— a derogatory term implying subservience to Jewish interests—and expressed distrust toward Erika Kirk's leadership, citing her rapid ascent and recent public emphasis on Sabbath themes.

Candace Owens, a former TPUSA affiliate turned critic, has fueled speculation by claiming the dinner ties into a "PR blitz" linked to Charlie Kirk's book, though she has paused public commentary pending a private meeting with Erika Kirk.

As AmericaFest approaches—featuring headliners like Vice President J.D. Vance, Tucker Carlson, and Megyn Kelly—the Shabbat dinner has become a flashpoint, underscoring fractures within the MAGA movement over Israel, antisemitism, and cultural priorities. TPUSA insists the event reinforces its commitment to faith and freedom, but skeptics warn it risks further dividing the youth conservative coalition Charlie Kirk helped build.