The Remarkable Survival of Dennis Prager

The tragic assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in September produced a cultural earthquake — a historic rediscovery of traditional values, spirituality, and civil debate. Another lesser-known event occurred just days later that should add to this movement’s growing momentum. That is the miraculous re-emergence of free speech hero Dennis Prager, the highly influential commentator and co-founder of the educational platform PragerU, who suffered a catastrophic injury last year.

In many respects, the evangelical Kirk and the Jewish Prager swam in the same pond. Both have been powerful advocates for Judeo-Christian morality and free speech. Both focused on overcoming indoctrination on the nation’s campuses — Kirk with his Turning Point USA events and podcasts, and Prager with his syndicated radio commentary, columns, and PragerU videos that have audiences in the many millions. (RELATED: We Must Have Diversity and Unity)

In November 2024, Prager slipped on a wet bathroom floor. The resulting brain injury nearly ended his life. It left him a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down without the use of even his fingers. Prager’s wife was advised to place him in end-of-life palliative care (advice she wisely ignored). For several months, Prager was on a ventilator, unable to speak.

It was widely feared that his voice would be forever silenced. But late last month, he resurfaced in a wide-ranging, 90-minute discussion with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit. Though unable to sit totally erect, he spoke with strength and clarity about his accident, his belief in God, Charlie Kirk, free speech, and a range of other subjects with optimism and good cheer that anyone, regardless of faith or political persuasion, will find powerful and inspiring.

How is he feeling these days? His answer: “I’m thrilled to be alive.” He recently asked a psychiatrist friend, “Is there something wrong with me? I’m not depressed.”

He explained, “I have my loved ones, and I have the public. I think I could still make a difference. Would I rather be dead? It’s inconceivable.”

Prager explained that, years ago, he had written a book called Happiness Is A Serious Problem. The book argued that happiness does not come from external circumstances. It is a goal to be achieved through living a purposeful life and finding gratitude. As Prager put it with characteristic humor: “If nothing’s horrific, life is terrific.”

Prager admits that he never expected the “horrific” to happen to him. But thanks to his work on the Happiness book, “I was philosophically prepared for a catastrophe.” The concept of “luck” — good or bad — is found in the Torah. “I don’t expect God to intervene in everyone’s life … What was God supposed to do? Suspend the laws of gravity?”

And there is still plenty to be grateful for. “I love life and I love so many people … I love my wife and my kids and my grandkids.”

Prager spent much of his time over the past year dictating a new book about the need for objective moral values — If There Is No God: The Battle Over Who Defines Good and Evil, to be pushed in 2026. (RELATED: After Auschwitz, After Charlie Kirk)

He also kept up with the news, watching podcasts from conservatives, including Charlie Kirk. He told Streit: “I was so impressed with how he dealt at length with students… who differed with him and how respectful he was of them. The charge that he promoted hate is among the most vile … lies of the left.” (RELATED: Charlie Kirk’s Assassination Exposes the Depth of America’s Moral Crisis)

A significant portion of the conversation with Streit was devoted to the Turning Point USA founder, a close friend who visited Prager frequently as he struggled to recover.

A little-known side of Kirk, he revealed, was his devotion to practicing Shabbat — the Jewish Sabbath — a result of Prager’s influence. “You could not call Charlie from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. He was not tuned into the world. He was only tuned in to his wife and family and friends.”

Kirk’s final, forthcoming book is dedicated to Prager — Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life.

Prager dismissed the antisemitism accusations that have swirled around Kirk and also Megyn Kelly in recent days. “These have been two of the most outspoken pro-Israel voices. They are allowed to differ with the Israeli government.” (RELATED: After Auschwitz, After Charlie Kirk)

For Prager, what clearly matters most is preserving the Judeo-Christian principles that are the bedrock of a free society. It was a struggle for which Kirk gave his life. And it is one that Prager, despite his injury, plans to continue.

The 90-minute conversation was recorded on the day of Kirk’s memorial. Before wrapping up, Streit asked Prager for some final words.

“Without courage,” he replied, “we have no chance of having the West survive.” Prager was speaking of Kirk’s courage. We should thank him for his.

Elizabeth Ames is an author and producer. 

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