ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — A Cornell professor, who sparked controversy and condemnation by calling Hamas’ attacks on Israel “exhilarating,” is apologizing.

Professor Russell Rickford calls his choice of words “horrible,” telling the Cornell Daily Sun the language he used was “reprehensible” and doesn’t reflect his values. Rickford, who teaches history, also says he denounces antisemitism.

Rickford’s comments at a rally on the Commons were condemned by Cornell President Martha Pollack.