Cornell and Columbia: The Impact of Pro-Hamas Educators
This past Friday, March 15th, several anti-Israel student groups at Cornell hosted an event on campus featuring two professors, both of whom have a history of justifying terrorism and demonizing Israel.
The event, titled "Turtle Island & Palestine: Indigeneity, Settler Colonialism & Genocide," was labeled as "Part One" in a new educational initiative called "Debunking Zionist Hasbara." It featured a conversation between visiting Columbia University Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdou and Cornell University Professor Dr. Eric Cheyfitz.
‘A Conversation with Dr. Mohamed Abdou & Dr. Eric Cheyfitz’
Professors Eric Cheyfitz of Cornell University and Mohamed Abdou of Columbia University are not merely academic figures with controversial opinions.
They are two profoundly anti-Israel professors who have not only expressed sympathy or support for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, but have also exhibited extreme hostility towards Israel.
Their influence extends beyond the classroom, as they have significantly shaped student activism on their respective campuses.
Antisemitism at Cornell and Columbia Universities has escalated following the October 7th Hamas massacre. This has led to increased antisemitic incidents on both campuses, prompting federal investigations and lawsuits by Jewish students.
The influence of professors on the rise of antisemitism and the organization of anti-Israel activities at Cornell, Columbia, and universities in general cannot be understated. Professors who openly express anti-Israel sentiments or support extremist groups like Hamas play a significant role in shaping student perceptions and actions.
Their academic positions lend credibility to their views, which can lead to the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric and the mobilization of students in anti-Israel protests and campaigns. This dynamic contributes to a campus atmosphere where hostility towards Israel and Jewish students becomes increasingly accepted and even encouraged.
Dr. Eric Cheyfitz (Cornell University)
Dr. Eric Cheyfitz, the Ernest I. White Professor of American Studies and Humane Letters at Cornell University and a faculty member of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP), has been associated with promoting antisemitic views and defending Hamas terrorists, particularly during the Israel-Hamas war in late 2023 and early 2024.
He has expressed support for violent protests, dismissed anti-Semitism and demonized Israel, while also spreading hatred of America and engaging in anti-Israel activism.
Promotion of Anti-Semitic Views and Support for Hamas
- On October 10, 2023, Cheyfitz tweeted: “Hamas and the Israeli govt. are mirror images of each other. Hamas represents Islamic fundamentalism; Israel, Zionist fundamentalism. And both target non-combatants: Israel in its continual aggression against the Palestinian people and Hamas in its resistance to that aggression.”
Among Palestinians and anti-Israel activists, the term “resistance” can be a euphemism for nationalistic terror. It is often used to excuse or even glorify anti-Israel and anti-Semitic violence.
Among Palestinians and anti-Israel activists, the term “resistance” can be a euphemism for nationalistic terror. It is often used to excuse or even glorify anti-Israel and anti-Semitic violence.
- On November 4, 2023, four weeks after Hamas murdered 1,200 Israeli Jews, Cheyfitz tweeted: “Unlike Al Qaeda or ISIS, Hamas does not advocate universal jihad. It is an Islamic fundamentalist organization, governing Gaza, focused solely on the liberation of Palestine from Zionist fundamentalism (apartheid) andthe end of the state of Israel.”
- Cheyfitz signed a November 2023 letter defending a professor at Cornell who showed support for the Hamas terror group the previous month.
The November 21, 2023 letter was authored by “Members of Cornell University’s Faculty” and it called on Cornell to take action following “attacks on a faculty member over comments about Israel’s war on Gaza.”
The letter referred to Professor Russell Rickford, who gave a speech on October 15, 2023, praising [00:00:04] Hamas terror attacks and war crimes against Israeli civilians. Rickford said [00:01:39]: “It was exhilarating! It was exhilarating! It was energizing!” He then said [00:01:47] that if Palestinians “weren’t exhilarated by this challenge to the monopoly of violence, by this shifting of the balance of power, then they would not be human. I was exhilarated!”
- On July 31, 2014, Cheyfitz tweeted: “The terrible ironies of history: Gaza has become an extermination camp, run by Jews.”
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) highlights as one possible contemporary example of anti-Semitism: “Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.” The U.S. State Department adopted the IHRA’s working definition of anti-Semitism in 2016. Over 40 countries have adopted the definition as well.
Involvement with SJP and JVP
- Cheyfitz has been involved with the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) at Cornell since 2012. These organizations are known for their anti-Israel stances, and Cheyfitz's association with them highlights his active participation in the promotion of narratives that demonize Israel.
Support for the BDS Movement
- Cheyfitz is a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
- On December 16, 2019, Cheyfitz tweeted: “I am on the Canary Mission ‘hit list’ of professors who support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement (BDS) against Israeli apartheid. I have to say their information is correct: I proudly support BDS, Palestinian Rights, and oppose Israeli settler colonialism.”
- He has actively promoted various BDS initiatives both at Cornell and in the broader community.
The November 21, 2023 letter was authored by “Members of Cornell University’s Faculty” and it called on Cornell to take action following “attacks on a faculty member over comments about Israel’s war on Gaza.”
The letter referred to Professor Russell Rickford, who gave a speech on October 15, 2023, praising [00:00:04] Hamas terror attacks and war crimes against Israeli civilians. Rickford said [00:01:39]: “It was exhilarating! It was exhilarating! It was energizing!” He then said [00:01:47] that if Palestinians “weren’t exhilarated by this challenge to the monopoly of violence, by this shifting of the balance of power, then they would not be human. I was exhilarated!”
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) highlights as one possible contemporary example of anti-Semitism: “Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.” The U.S. State Department adopted the IHRA’s working definition of anti-Semitism in 2016. Over 40 countries have adopted the definition as well.
Dr. Mohamed Abdou (Columbia University)
Dr. Mohamed Abdou, who was just hired as a visiting professor at Columbia University, has openly declared his support for Hamas and its methods of resistance.
Before his role at Columbia, Abdou completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell University, where he was also active in discussions on decolonial and anti-imperialist themes. At both universities, he has been involved in organizing protests against Israel. He has encouraged others to adopt similar tactics, reflecting his support for what he sees as legitimate resistance against Israeli actions.
Abdou's tenure at Columbia is set to continue through the spring 2024 semester.
Support for Hamas and Violence
- On October 8th, one day after the brutal Hamas massacre, Abdou tweeted a criticism of certain BIPOC members, highlighting specifically tweets from Mehdi Hassan, Ilhan Omar and Wab Kinew (Canadian Politician). The highlighted tweets condemned Hamas for its attacks on civilians, the taking of hostages, and generally called for a de-escalation of violence.
Abdou tweeted: “BIPOC folx w/white masks. No surprise but what’s odd is how most elide this as symptomatic of a crusading settlecolonialiam that is THE blueprint for Zionism. What’s yr role tho 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 diasporic settlers on stolen land besides X-ing/protesting not that these aren’t important?"
Abdou’s choice of screenshots, which include public figures calling out barbarism and demanding de-escalation, along with his commentary on "crusading settler colonialism," indicate that he does not accept an admission of guilt on behalf of Hamas or Palestinian resistance, aligning with a viewpoint that sees their actions as part of a legitimate struggle rather than terrorism.
Abdou tweeted: “BIPOC folx w/white masks. No surprise but what’s odd is how most elide this as symptomatic of a crusading settlecolonialiam that is THE blueprint for Zionism. What’s yr role tho 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 diasporic settlers on stolen land besides X-ing/protesting not that these aren’t important?"
Abdou’s choice of screenshots, which include public figures calling out barbarism and demanding de-escalation, along with his commentary on "crusading settler colonialism," indicate that he does not accept an admission of guilt on behalf of Hamas or Palestinian resistance, aligning with a viewpoint that sees their actions as part of a legitimate struggle rather than terrorism.
- In a November 2023 interview on "Islam and Anarchism," Abdou praised the organization and tactics of Hamas terrorists on October 7, “The warriors, the resistance fighters that were in Hamas, numbered less than 1,500 and look how they flipped the table—not only on an entire settler colonial state with no definable borders, but rather on the whole world.”
Abdou further urged anti-Israel activists globally to adopt similar strategies. He emphasized the impact of a dedicated few in changing the world, highlighting the organized efforts of Hamas fighters, “You don't need mass movements to change the world. You need a dedicated thousand, 1,500, a few thousand, that really are organized and know what it is that they're doing, what they're fighting for.”
- In a January 2024 interview with Revolutionary Left Radio, Abdou stated, "I might be with Hamas and support the resistance, absolutely.”
Abdou further urged anti-Israel activists globally to adopt similar strategies. He emphasized the impact of a dedicated few in changing the world, highlighting the organized efforts of Hamas fighters, “You don't need mass movements to change the world. You need a dedicated thousand, 1,500, a few thousand, that really are organized and know what it is that they're doing, what they're fighting for.”
- In the first episode of The Muslim Collective Podcast, Abdou articulated his appreciation for Hamas and Islamic Jihad as movements of resistance, “Now of course I appreciate Hamas and the Islamic Jihad as movements of resistance.”
- During a round table conversation titled "Palestine 1492: Settler-Colonialism, Solidarity, & Resistance," Abdou emphasized his support for Palestinian violent resistance, irrespective of opinions on Hamas. He stated, "It doesn't take mass mobilizations to change the world. Look what 1,500 warriors were able to do. Regardless of our views on Hamas, I ultimately support the resistance."
- Abdou's views on violence and resistance are further clarified in his discussions on Islam and Anarchism. He expressed skepticism about the practicality of non-violent resistance, stating, "I don't think violence is avoidable, and I think it's pretty much a fantasy... I'm not interested in abiding by [colonial] standards... I don't think it's practical at all to think in the scope of non-violent terms."
Anti-Israel Activities and Influence on Student Activism
Since joining Columbia University, Abdou has swiftly immersed himself in the anti-Israel movement. He consistently engages in protests against Israel on campus and beyond, while also taking a leading role in coordinating events.
- On February 11, 2024, during a panel discussion featuring former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at Columbia University, a group of students organized a protest.
One demonstrator labeled Clinton a "war criminal" and predicted her downfall while chanting for the freedom of Palestine.
Abdou proudly acknowledged his role in organizing this protest, stating, "Really proud of these students & deeply honoured to have been a part of organizing this. They deserve all the applause & our collective courage as faculty in support. Equally SJP @ Zionist land grab Cornell who’ve been relentless in struggle. May Allah safeguard & protect them."
Despite no longer being physically present on campus, Abdou continues to exert influence on Cornell students.
In addition to campus protests, Abdou frequents protests in NYC organized by the extremist group Within Our Lifetime, calling them “young warriors” and encouraging others to join.
Cornell Coalition for Mutual Liberation
This event was hosted by the Coalition for Mutual Liberation (CML), which serves as a significant organizer of anti-Israel events on campus. As an emerging campus group, having formed in late October 2023, CML operates alongside the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at Cornell.
CML's activities have become a focal point of concern, as they organized numerous anti-Israel events and protests aligned with a broader pattern of rising antisemitism on campus.
CML’s leadership is reportedly almost identical to that of SJP. Unlike SJP, CML is not a registered student organization, making its officer and membership information non-public.
The involvement of CML in organizing disruptive protests, such as the November 2023 "die-in" at Cornell's Klarman Hall and the December 2023 takeover of Duffield Atrium, underscores its commitment to disrupting campus life and employing bully tactics to advance its BDS initiatives.
The mock trial of Cornell President Martha Pollack for "complicity in genocide" and the February 2024 protests calling for Cornell's divestment from Israel highlight CML's aggressive approach to activism and its influence on the environment of antisemitism on Cornell’s campus.
A Call to Action for Columbia and Cornell
Columbia and Cornell Universities must take the allegations of antisemitism seriously and recognize the profound influence their faculty members have on shaping campus culture.
The issue of antisemitism in academia is deeply rooted in the attitudes and actions of the professors these institutions employ. It is essential for these prestigious universities to address this problem head-on, ensuring that their commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity is not compromised by the spread of hate and bias.
Only by acknowledging and confronting the role of faculty in perpetuating antisemitism can Columbia and Cornell hope to create a safer and more respectful environment for all students.
Canary Mission Reports on Antisemitism at Cornell University
Release Date: March 2024
Release Date: April 2021
Cornell & Columbia Professors Profiled on Canary Mission
Russell Rickford praised Hamas war crimes, glorified terrorists, demonized Israel, defended violent protesters and endorsed anti-Israel agitators. He is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Kate McCullough has defended a pro-Hamas professor, expressed support for violent protesters and is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Paul Sawyer has expressed support for violent protesters and defended a pro-Hamas professor. Sawyer is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Neil Hertz is a supporter of the BDS movement, defended violent protests, demonized Israel and endorsed anti-Israel campus activism.
Natalie Melas defended a pro-Hamas professor, showed support for violent protesters and is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Joseph Massad expressed support for terrorists, blamed Jews for anti-Semitism and denied the Jewish connection to Israel. Massad also compared Israel to Nazi Germany, and has extensively demonized Israel and Zionists.
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Hamid Dabashi has spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and equated Israeli policies with ISIS and Nazi Germany. He has also expressed support for violent anti-Israel protests and demonized Israel
Rashid Khalidi expressed support for terrorism, justified the Hamas terror, spread anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel. He was the spokesperson of the PLO under Yasir Arafat.
Lila Abu-Lughod is a leader within the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. In 2015, she co-authored a BDS resolution at the American Anthropological Association (AAA) calling on the AAA to
Farah Griffin is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and has defended disgraced anti-Israel Professor Steven Salaita. She is the William B. Ransford Professor of English
Ann Douglas is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and is the Parr Professor Emerita of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University (Columbia).Supporting BDS
Frederick Neuhouser has defended anti-Israel activism on campus, is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and has expressed support for disgraced anti-Israel Professor Steve
Gauri Viswanathan is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and has defended disgraced anti-Israel Professor Steven Salaita. Viswanathan is a professor in the Department of
Gregory Mann participated in the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia in April 2024. Mann spread hatred of Israel.
Gregory Pflugfelder is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and is an associate professor of Japanese History in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and in
Jean Howard is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and is the George Delacorte Professor in the Humanities at Columbia University (Columbia), teaching in the Department of
Patricia Dailey is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and is an associate professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University (Columbia).Supporting BDS
Wayne L. Proudfoot participated in the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia in April 2024. Proudfoot also justified Hamas terrorism in October 2023.
Saskia Sassen has demonized Israel and is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. She is a Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology at Columbia University.
Pablo Piccato petitioned Columbia University President Lee Bollinger to take a position against Israel, demonized Israel and is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Audra Simpson participated in the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia in April 2024. The encampment was also in support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
John Collins is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement at Columbia University (Columbia), where he is an associate professor of Philosophy.
John Collins has written multiple articles attacking Israel and has described the life of Palestinians as the “micro-economy of apartheid." He is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Blake Turner [J. Blake Turner] is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement at Columbia University (Columbia), where he is an assistant professor of Psychiatry at the Columbia U
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Nathalie Handal is a poet who has used her work to demonize Israel. She has performed her poetry for Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) events and is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanct
Elizabeth Bernstein participated in the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia in April 2024. The encampment was also in support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Valentine Daniel [E. Valentine Daniel] is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement at Columbia University (Columbia), where he is a professor of Anthropology and director of th
Stathis Gourgouris has accused Israel of “systematically” killing Palestinians who, he states, have been “dispossessed, expelled, and exterminated” by Israel. Gourgouris has written a personal statement encouraging the Modern Language Association (MLA) to adopt the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Paige West is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement at Columbia University and Barnard College.
Brinkley Morris Messick is a vocal supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement at Columbia University (Columbia), where he is professor of Anthropology and co-founder of the Center
Steven Gregory is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement at Columbia University, where he is a professor of Anthropology.
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Dirk Salomons promotes the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement at Columbia University.
Michael Harris participated in the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia in April 2024. The encampment was also in support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Nadia Abu El-Haj is a leader within the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. In 2015, she led a BDS campaign at the American Anthropological Association (AAA) to pass a resolution that would boycott Israeli academic institutions.
Mahmood Mamdani is a Columbia University professor that called for the “dismantlement” of the state of Israel, compared Israelis to Nazi and spread hatred of Israel and Zionism.
Rhoda Kanaaneh [Rhoda Ann Kanaaneh] was a leader in the effort to push the American Anthropological Association (AAA) to boycott Israeli academic institutions. She is also a supporter of the Boycott,
Zainab Bahrani participated in the pro-Hamas encampment at Columbia in April 2024. The encampment was also in support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Thea Abu El-Haj [Thea Renda Abu El-Haj] was a professor in the Graduate School of Education (GSE) at Rutgers University (Rutgers). She is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) moveme
Muhsin Al-Musawi is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement at Columbia University (Columbia), where he is a professor of Arabic Literature.In December of 2012, Al-Musawi sign
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