Hasan Piker's Cornell Appearance Sparks Concerns Over Antisemitism

Twitch streamer Hasan Piker is scheduled to speak at Cornell University on September 24, an event organized by student groups including Justice for Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Cornell’s Young Democratic Socialist Association. The appearance has drawn criticism from some students and experts who point to Piker's past controversial statements and the university's designation as a potential 'hotbed of antisemitism.'

The event, hosted at Sage Chapel and organized by the Students Not Bombs Campaign, is free and open to Cornell students, staff, and faculty. Over 450 people have already registered, and Piker's presentation will also be streamed.

Critics have raised concerns about Piker's rhetoric. He has previously justified the October 7 Hamas attacks, stating they were a consequence of Israeli actions, and has made disparaging remarks about Jewish people. In past livestreams, Piker has also expressed anti-American sentiments, including saying "America deserved 9/11" and "F--k the Constitution. F--k this country."

"Inviting someone like Hasan Piker to our community is not conducive to generative philosophical dialogue," said Sofia Eliasi, a sophomore at Cornellians for Israel. "It is simply an invitation for students to emulate his behavior by finding their own antisemitic stages to preach from."

The campus's Hillel chapter issued a statement: "The University is a place to learn, to debate, to explore, and to debate. Mr. Piker’s views, however, go against our values as Americans and Jews, and this hateful rhetoric is repulsive."

A petition by SAFE Campus, a Jewish advocacy group, has called for the event to be canceled.

However, some students believe that preventing Piker from speaking is not the solution. Senior Davian Gekman stated, "We should not be, as a community, welcoming Hassan Piker – in any sense of the word. But also, I do believe that debate should not be shut down. Kicking or trying to stop Piker from coming onto this campus does not serve the good of the Jewish community or the good of supporting Israel in my eyes."

Mardi Singleton, another student, plans to attend the event to "hear his views firsthand and better understand the perspectives of those who support him," while emphasizing the importance of remaining respectful of his right to speak and of peers who attend.

Piker has previously spoken at events at the University of Texas, the University of Southern California, and Dartmouth University.

Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist, noted Piker's invitation at a time when Cornell has faced scrutiny for its tolerance of antisemitism. She cited a previous incident involving a student who allegedly refused a job interview with a Jewish person and the earlier controversy surrounding law professor Russell Rickford, who was filmed cheering Hamas after the October 7 attacks.

A Cornell spokesperson stated the university is committed to "free and open" expression and will address any reports of discrimination or disruption at the event.