79 Comments

I left this comment on Tony Ortega’s Substack, and will copy it here: May his memory be a blessing to his family. I hope someday Taryn and Benjamin will be able to understand who their father really was and that they have the space to grieve properly. Best to Christie and Shane and Jack, in what is a difficult time. Cancer is a foul scourge that takes far too many.

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What an amazing tribute…carrying on his work will honor his memory forever. Happy New Year to the very special Yashar Ali!

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Mike was so brave and determined. I have no doubt his work will continue through the rest of you. I didn’t know him personally, but I feel a terrible loss as someone who watched all of the documentaries, listen to all of the podcasts and read his book. May he rest in peace.

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I feel the same! A terrible loss, although I did not know him personally. Only through the documentaries, podcasts, his book and YouTube. So very sad.

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Beautifully written as usual, made me cry. Give Leah a great big hug too.

Keep doing what you do to expose this evil cult.

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This is absolutely heartbreaking 😩 Such a good soul. Gone far too soon.

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Mike Rinder was an exceptional man who gave the example of what great men do despite their fear, hurt because he saw some actions matter more in this world the his frailties. Through A&E special that focused on Scientology I found the Underground Bunker and followed for years. May he finally be able to rest in peace and joy knowing he did so much to help others. A true hero amongst us common, hidden people, he will always shine in my heart as long as I am able to hold memory of him. How a single person can touch another who never knew him in person matters.

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Hearfelt thank you to Mike for sharing all of his knowledge and life experiences with us over the years. I've learned so much from him. My heart goes out to his beautiful family and everyone who loved Mike. I hope, one day, that his older children do escape Scientology and get to live life the way Mike hoped they could.

Yashar, I appreciate the work you do. Please don't ever stop working to expose Scientology. It's such important work - Thank you!

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What a wonderful tribute, Yashar. I am a never-in but became fascinated and outraged about Scientology after seeing Mike and Leah's Scientology and The Aftermath series, and a huge fan of them both. I feel a deep sadness about the passing of an amazing man who well and truly made amends for any harm he did as the head of OSA. As a fellow Australian, I appreciated his dry sense of humour and loved seeing the loving and kind side come out over the years since he'd left, especially when his book came out and he admitted that the writing was greatly cathartic and therapeutic. I'm so sad he's gone, and I'm simply a fan. I can only imagine the sadness of those who knew him well and had him in their life. What a sad day. My heart goes out to you Yashar, it seems he was quite a mentor and almost father figure for you.

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What an amazing tribute to an amazing man. I always watched him and Leah on their show, being from Clearwater I grew up with it being a "thing" and watching it spread like a disease in our beautiful downtown. I was so intrigued and so in awe of the two of them for being so outspoken and unstoppable in exposing the evil. Thank you Mike, you truly were a hero and what a legacy you have created! May you RIP as you so deserve to!

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What a beautiful tribute 💛 May his memory be a blessing

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Wow Yashar. What a living tribute. Amazing person

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Beautifully written. Mike would be so proud of your continued dedication to this cause. Thank you for this article. I learned something new.

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Excellent writing.

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Such a lovely tribute. Thank you for sharing such loving stories about him. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.

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Thank you for the beautiful tribute to such a wonderful person. His character and strength were superb.

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My deepest and most heartfelt condolences. My prayers go out to his friends and family. I especially pray that his family that's still trapped will be set free.... Mind, body & spirit. I pray that Mike is doing anything and everything but Resting in Paradise. May his legacy help those who choose to leave the evilness that is Scientology.

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This was such a beautiful tribute, Yashar. It brought tears to my eyes. Sending comfort to you, those who were friends with Mike, and of course to his dear family: Christie, Jack, and Shane. I do hope Benjamin and Taryn get the opportunity to read this and hear/see their father's work.

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