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Cornell Cancels Hasan Piker Event After Antisemitism Backlash

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 11:57 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Cornell Hosts Hasan

Cornell University will host Twitch streamer Hasan Piker on Sept. 24 as part of the Students Not Bombs campaign.
Students for Justice in Palestine, Young Democratic Socialists of America and Jewish Voice for Peace organized the event.
Free tickets sold out within hours.
Cornell Hillel called Piker’s rhetoric hateful and antisemitic, labeling the appearance incitement.
Jewish Voice for Peace rejected the antisemitic label, saying criticism of Israel is not prejudice.

Summary

Ken Martin Condemns

Hasan Piker announced he has “dialed down” his commentary after facing backlash.
He debated the controversy with Jon Lovett on “Pod Save America,” citing his Axios claim America is worse than al-Qaeda.
DNC Chair Ken Martin called Piker’s remarks “disgusting and deplorable” and said he does not represent the Democratic Party.
Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed has repeatedly refused to fully denounce Piker despite mounting pressure.

History

Historical Context

On May 4 1970, the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a Kent State protest, killing four students and wounding nine, an event that sparked a nationwide student strike and prompted changes in crowd-control tactics. Decades later, Cornell’s dispute involving streamer Hasan Piker, Students for Justice in Palestine and DNC Chair Ken Martin revives the same clash over political speech on university grounds.

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Cornell Hosts Hasan

Cornell University will host Twitch streamer Hasan Piker on Sept. 24 as part of the Students Not Bombs campaign.
Students for Justice in Palestine, Young Democratic Socialists of America and Jewish Voice for Peace organized the event.
Free tickets sold out within hours.
Cornell Hillel called Piker’s rhetoric hateful and antisemitic, labeling the appearance incitement.
Jewish Voice for Peace rejected the antisemitic label, saying criticism of Israel is not prejudice.

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