Cornell Student Groups Host Controversial Streamer Hasan Piker, Drawing Condemnation
Controversial streamer Hasan Piker is scheduled to speak at Cornell University, invited by student groups including Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. Jewish and pro-Israel campus organizations condemned the invitation as a deliberate provocation, noting Piker's history of anti-Israel and antisemitic remarks. The event comes shortly after Yom Kippur.
The event, scheduled for September 24, 2026, is organized by a coalition called Students Not Bombs, comprising Cornell's chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Young Democratic Socialists of America. Tickets for the free speech, held in a 600-seat venue, sold out within hours of release.
Cornell Hillel and Cornellians for Israel issued statements condemning the invitation as a deliberate provocation, citing Piker's past remarks including calling Jews "inbred," suggesting Senator Rick Scott be assassinated, and dismissing sexual violence from October 7. The timing, just after Yom Kippur, drew particular criticism. A Cornell professor noted a sharp increase in intimidation tactics on campus since October 7.
The invitation may deepen existing fractures on campus, particularly affecting Jewish students who could feel targeted by rhetoric that some perceive as antisemitic. It also raises questions about the boundaries of free speech versus incitement, as the event's popularity suggests strong student interest. The backlash could influence how universities balance hosting controversial figures with maintaining a safe environment for all groups, potentially shaping future campus programming and discourse.