Cornell Kehlani antisemitism controversy erupts as Cornell University faces growing backlash for selecting singer Kehlani to headline its May 7 Slope Day concert, despite her well-documented history of antisemitic rhetoric and public support for anti-Israel extremism. Critics argue that the university is ignoring its Jewish students’ safety and values by platforming an artist known for glorifying violence against Jews and refusing to condemn terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians.
Kehlani, whose social media reach exceeds 20 million followers, has used her platform to call for “Intifada,” a term widely associated with violent uprisings targeting Jews in Israel. In a recent music video titled Next 2 U, the phrase “Long live the Intifada” is displayed prominently at the beginning. She has also shared images of maps erasing the state of Israel and has declined to denounce Hamas following the October 7, 2023 terrorist massacre that left over 1,200 Israelis dead.
Jewish student leaders at Cornell are voicing outrage. Amanda Silberstein, president of the school’s Chabad Center and vice president of Cornell for Israel, criticized the administration’s decision. Silberstein said the invitation “isn’t just tone-deaf — it’s profoundly alienating,” and accused the university of signaling that Jewish safety is “negotiable.”
Watchdog group StopAntisemitism named Kehlani its “Antisemite of the Week” in 2023, citing her public defense of Hamas, her praise of violent uprisings, and her consistent vilification of Zionists — a term that applies to the overwhelming majority of the world’s Jewish population. Founder Liora Rez stated that “Kehlani openly calls for intifada, the violent targeting of Jews,” and blasted Cornell for giving her a platform.
Cornell defended the selection by noting that the artist was chosen by a student-run board based on a popularity poll. A university spokesperson insisted Kehlani’s views do not represent the institution, and added that political expression during the concert would breach the school’s anti-discrimination policies.
However, Jewish advocacy groups and students argue that providing a stage for someone who has glorified violence and denied Israel’s right to exist goes beyond simple disagreement. They see it as an institutional failure to uphold the same standards of respect and inclusion offered to other minority groups on campus.
