Cornell student’s antisemitic message for Jewish-owned startup sparks outrage
Cornell University student Austin Franco is under investigation after he turned down an internship from the Jewish-owned company VryfID, allegedly saying he ‘didn’t want to work for a Jew.’ ‘Beyond Values’ panel discusses ‘shocking’ anti-Semitism. They emphasized the need for parents and institutions to address the growing issue of hate and racism in colleges, questioning the root of racism that is rooted in today’s youth.
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Cornell University has opened an investigation after one of its students reportedly turned down an internship at a Jewish-owned company, saying he was “not interested in working for a Jew.”
Austin Franco, a student at Cornell University, turned down an internship interview with New York City’s VryfID because its founders are Jewish, according to owners Gabe and Aiden Einhorn. VryfID says it connects tenants and landlords while also verifying their identity, which the company says will prevent fraud.
“Hi Austin, I don’t think I saw you on the phone today. I know Sundays aren’t the best times for meetings. I’d like to give you a quick call and give you more information about the company, and what we’re building. College students are an important part of helping VryfID grow. As a rising senior at NYU Stern, I believe my fellow students are essential to the growth and success of what we’re building,” Aidenn wrote.
“I don’t like working for a Jew. Thank you,” said Franco.
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Aiden Einhorn and Gabe Einhorn founded VryfID. (Gabe Einhorn)
“This kid applied for our handshake job, we accepted him, and he responded,” Gabe Einhorn said.
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Franco reportedly sent the message through Handshake, a job posting board, after applying for a summer internship at the company.
After Gabe Einhorn posted a screenshot of the exchange, Franco said, “I was saying why I wasn’t interested after you asked to interview 3 times. I found out you’re Jewish after the fact.”
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A woman walks past the Cornell University sign in Ithaca, NY, on Jan. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
“My experience with Jews has not been pleasant, both in person and on the Internet. This does not mean that I have not had good experiences, but when combined that is not the case,” said Franco. “Obviously, the reaction of your community proves me right and shows that your post on X was not done in good faith. I’m sure if you showed that you didn’t want to work for a white man or a Christian, this wouldn’t have blown up to the level it has here today and you wouldn’t have told me like I was told.”
Cornell University said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital that it condemns anti-Semitism, adding that its Office of Human Rights has opened an investigation.
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“Cornell University has become aware of a highly disturbing comment from a student on the Handshake forum that violates the online job board’s terms of service. This incident has been referred to Cornell’s Office of Human Rights for investigation under university policy,” said a university spokesperson. “Cornell condemns racism and all forms of hate and discrimination in the strongest possible terms. The university is strongly committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of our community.”
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Gabe Einhorn told Fox News that Franco is just another example of an extremist.
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“There is a lot of hatred in the world right now and extremism of one religion or race is never a good idea because you see people from different walks of life, who can be friends, do business together, who can build a family together,” said Gabe Einhorn. “So I never thought it was a good idea to go to extremes in that sense.”
Gabe added that he only shared the first screenshot on X to expose antisemitism.
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“My purpose in that first document was to show that there is clear antisemitism in the world after seeing people try to deny it and tell me it doesn’t exist, I was trying to show an example of, ‘look, this is clearly antisemitism, you can’t argue with it,'” he said.
Franco was supposed to be at X Space on Sunday night, but he backed out.
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A man walks through the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York, on Nov. 3, 2023. The university canceled classes after a student was accused of making violent threats against Jews. (Matt Burkhart/Getty Images)
“I know everyone was looking forward to the podcast tonight at 10 PM, but I think it would be better to stop this. I would like to see how things develop with Cornell and whether I will have the opportunity to go in the fall or not,” said Franco. “No matter what decisions are made here today or in the future, know that even if you don’t agree with me, I will fight for what I believe is right – not for money, power, or anything, but for the cause itself.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Franco for comment.
