Russell Rickford, a Cornell University history professor, has caused further controversy by participating in an anti-Israel campus march where protesters chanted “long live the intifada.” Rickford, who last year described Hamas’ October 7 attack as “exhilarating,” walked alongside demonstrators, drawing criticism from Jewish students. One student labelled his involvement as “insane,” while another accused him of “emboldening hate.”
Photos and videos show Rickford clapping along with the chants, dressed in a keffiyeh and a newsboy hat. The term “intifada,” meaning “uprising” or “shaking off” in Arabic, refers to violent Palestinian protests against Israel. The White House has previously condemned its use.
During the protest, demonstrators disrupted a campus career fair, pushing past school police officers, although there is no evidence Rickford participated in this disruption based on available footage. Rickford gained notoriety for his comments celebrating Hamas’ attack, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and ignited the Gaza conflict. He later apologised for his remarks, which Cornell condemned as “reprehensible” but protected under the First Amendment. Rickford was on voluntary leave for a year but has since returned to teaching.
To the surprise of no one, Cornell university just welcomed back to its ranks professor Russell Rickford, who spoke of how the October 7th massacre “exhilarated” and “energized” him
pic.twitter.com/5tB72E4lek— Hamas Atrocities (@HamasAtrocities) September 17, 2024
Jewish student Davian Gekman, 19, expressed disbelief that Rickford is still allowed to teach and participate in protests. Amanda Silberstain, vice president of Chabad and Cornellians for Israel, noted that Rickford marched to the Statler Hotel, where the career fair took place, but it is unclear if he entered the building. Silberstain accused him of promoting antisemitic narratives and inciting hate.
Footage from the protest, posted by the Coalition for Mutual Liberation, shows demonstrators causing disturbances inside the career fair, including crashing cymbals and banging pots. Another video by an Ithaca Times journalist depicted students urging the university to divest from weapon manufacturers.
Joel Malina, Cornell Vice President for University Relations, stated that university police were pushed, guests felt threatened, and students were denied access to the career fair. Malina described the behaviour as unacceptable, violating university policy, and illegal. He added that Cornell Police are working to identify policy violators, who will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for potential suspension, and that faculty and staff involved would be referred to Human Resources and could face criminal charges. The university did not comment on Rickford’s participation in the march, and Rickford himself did not respond to requests for comment.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NYPost reports Cornell professor Russell Rickford, who cheered Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, participated in an anti-Israel protest, sparking controversy over academic freedom and political activism. (Read more)
- NYPost: Cornell professor Russell Rickford, who praised a Hamas attack as “exhilarating,” has returned to school after avoiding punishment, sparking controversy over academic freedom and condemning terrorism. (Read more)
- Inside Higher Ed reports on Cornell Professor Russell Rickford’s return to teaching after controversial comments about Hamas’s attack, despite university condemnation and public outcry. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Russell Rickford?
Russell Rickford is an associate history professor at Cornell University.
Why did Russell Rickford spark outrage recently?
He participated in an anti-Israel march on campus where protesters chanted “long live the intifada.”
What did Rickford say about Hamas’ attack last year?
Rickford called Hamas’ attack “exhilarating” and “energizing,” though he later apologized.
How did Cornell University respond to Rickford’s comments?
Cornell called his comments “reprehensible” but noted they were protected under the First Amendment.
What are the consequences for students who disrupted the career fair?
Students will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for potential suspension.
