A Cornell University history professor who ignited controversy by describing the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, as "exhilarating" has resumed teaching after a year-long voluntary leave. The decision to allow Russell Rickford to return to his duties without facing disciplinary action has reignited debates about the boundaries of academic freedom and educators' moral responsibilities, particularly in the context of international conflicts.

Cornell prof who lauded Hamas attack as 'exhilarating' is back at school after dodging punishment https://t.co/QTKpYuRGcd pic.twitter.com/Cu4QdMoONF

— New York Post (@nypost) September 15, 2024

Rickford sparked public outrage when he was recorded at an anti-Israel demonstration near the campus, describing the Hamas attack that resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths. "It was exhilarating, it was energizing," Rickford stated at the time, later apologizing for celebrating the mass killing of civilians.

In a statement to The New York Post, Cornell University confirmed that no disciplinary measures were taken against Rickford for his contentious remarks. Joel Malina, the university's vice president for public relations, explained that while the university denounced Rickford's words as "reprehensible" for showing a "complete disregard for humanity," they remain protected under his right to free speech.

"Given that Professor Rickford's comments were made as a private citizen in his free time, the university's academic leadership has concluded that Professor Rickford's conduct in relation to this incident did not meet that high bar" warranting punishment, Malina stated.

The university's stance has provoked anger among students and politicians. Amanda Silberstein, a 21-year-old student and vice president of Chabad and Cornellians for Israel, responded: "It's ridiculous. Letting his actions go unpunished will allow other professors to follow suit without repercussions."

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced she is sending a letter to the university's interim president, Michael Kotlikoff, protesting Rickford's return. "I am deeply disgusted by Cornell's decision to continue employing Mr. Rickford after his horrific statements that celebrated the murder of innocent people and incited violence," Tenney wrote in her letter.

Antisemitism has been so pervasive on New York campuses since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East that state Governor Kathy Hochul directed former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman to conduct an independent review of the situation. His findings are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

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The annual solidarity and recognition event of Birthright Israel was held yesterday at Mini Israel, symbolizing Jewish unity during wartime. Over 2,000 participants, alumni, and volunteers of Birthright, who serve as "ambassadors" for Israel in their home countries, attended the event, highlighting the organization's contribution to strengthening Israel and its connection with diaspora Jews.

Video: The annual solidarity and recognition event of Birthright Israel was held yesterday at Mini Israel Credit: Moshe Ben Simchon

Birthright Israel, the primary organization connecting young Jews worldwide to Israel with the aim of building a strategic Zionist "Iron Dome," has brought approximately 850,000 young people to the country to date.

The celebratory event drew many prominent figures from Israeli society, including Israel Hayom publisher Dr. Miriam Adelson, who the main donor to Birthright Israel; Meir Shamir, controlling shareholder of Mivtach Shamir and chairman of Birthright Israel's Israeli Steering Committee; Brigadier General Ophir Levios, IDF chief education officer; Eylon Levy, former spokesperson for the National Public Diplomacy Directorate; Lt. Col. Or Livni-Ben Yehuda, commander of the Caracal Battalion; Yuval Sharabi, daughter of the murdered hostage Yossi Sharabi, who also performed at the event; Eden Golan, Israel's Eurovision representative; the band Hatikva 6; Hagit Yaso; and others.

Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel, opened his remarks by asking attendees to observe a moment of silence in memory of 13 young Birthright alumni who were killed at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7.

"Almost every young Jew who has come to Israel since October has come through Birthright," he said. "Some 15,000 young Jews will come here this summer, and that's not to be taken for granted. Being surrounded by Jewish friends, taking pride in Judaism, learning more about Israel and yourselves, and creating lifelong connections – this is Birthright's vision. We will never give up on our unity and mutual support."

Dr. Miriam Adelson began her speech by saying, "I prepared a speech – but decided to speak from the heart. Seventeen years ago, my husband Sheldon said to me, 'Birthright has a long waiting list, how can this be? I remember my parents wanted to come to Israel but didn't have the money.' He came from a poor family, and later, when he had money, he offered to bring them to Israel, but they said they were too old. 'I don't want Jewish children to be old and miss coming to Israel, so we will help bring all those waiting.'

"I always told Birthright participants: You will be our soldiers in the world when something happens to Israel. We need people who know our history, who know what happened to us for thousands of years, who know the truth about Israel. We need these people all over the world. To be in the White House, to vote, to influence. Today, our soldiers are Birthright participants. You fight antisemitism, fight on college campuses, wave Israeli flags on every corner.

"I want to pray for the return of the hostages, for the safe return of our soldiers, for our people around the world. I thank all Israeli soldiers of all religions. I will continue to say: You are our soldiers in the world. You came here with great courage during a war for Israel's existence, and I salute you for that.

"Soon you will need to be called upon bravely to fight for world public opinion, where antisemitic lies and libels have taken root. And like the soldiers, you too are welcomed here as heroes because of your battle on this front."

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In a deeply concerning development, multiple rockets have been fired toward the heavily populated Gush Dan metropolitan area in central Israel on Sunday for the first time in four months. At least 12 rocket launches were detected, Israel Hayom has learned.

Sunday afternoon in the shelters. After months Hamas rockets target the centre again. A rarity for us, an almost daily threat for the people in the South. I hope everybody is safe. pic.twitter.com/eSQ3wtdnDT

— Steffen Seibert (@GerAmbTLV) May 26, 2024

Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack just minutes after it happened. The rocket fire, which according to pictures seen by Israel Hayom originated in southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah, reached as far north as the Sharon region, with Kfar Saba – one of the largest cities in Israel – having a siren for the first time since the war started. Rafah is the only large stronghold still held by Hamas.

According to the Israeli first-responder organization Magen David Adom, at least one person was injured in the barrage – a man in Herzliya who suffered shrapnel wounds. There were also apparent reports of a rocket falling in the Bnei Barak area. Another woman was hurt as she ran toward the shelter.

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