Microsoft has fired two employees, Abdo Mohamed and Hossam Nasr, after they organized an unauthorized vigil at the company’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, to honor Palestinians who have died in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Israel. The company stated it terminated the employees in accordance with its internal policies but did not provide specific details regarding the decision.
Both Mohamed and Nasr were part of the “No Azure for Apartheid” coalition, which opposes Microsoft’s sale of cloud technology to the Israeli government. They described their gathering as a peaceful event, akin to other Microsoft-sanctioned initiatives aimed at helping those in need.
“We have many community members at Microsoft who have lost loved ones,” Mohamed said. “Microsoft did not provide a space for us to grieve and honor the memories of those affected.”
Swift Response from Microsoft
The dismissals occurred just hours after the vigil, with the employees receiving phone calls notifying them of their termination on Thursday night. Both Mohamed and Nasr were caught off guard, stating they had no prior indication that their actions would lead to disciplinary measures. Nasr, who was born in Egypt and is a Harvard graduate, emphasized that the vigil aimed to highlight the impact of the conflict and Microsoft’s involvement through its technology.
Microsoft reiterated its commitment to maintaining a “professional and respectful work environment” but declined to elaborate on the specific reasons behind the terminations. The situation is particularly dire for Mohamed, who is on a work visa and must find a new job within 60 days to avoid deportation.
Opposition to Microsoft’s Technology Contracts
The coalition “No Azure for Apartheid” has actively protested against Microsoft’s contracts with the Israeli government, which they claim indirectly support military actions. Nasr noted that the vigil served to not only commemorate those lost but also to address Microsoft’s responsibility in the ongoing violence.
He stated, “Employees have the right to question how their work might be used in ways that conflict with their values.” The dismissals were first reported by the group Stop Antisemitism, which has previously targeted Nasr for his outspoken views on Israel.
Rising Activism Within the Tech Sector
The firings at Microsoft reflect a broader trend of employee activism within the technology sector. Earlier this year, Google terminated over 50 employees following protests against its Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion contract with Israel. Workers voiced concerns about the ethical implications of using tech products in military operations, arguing that tech companies must take responsibility for their products’ uses.
Microsoft’s engagement with the Israeli government has similarly faced backlash, with various employee groups calling for a preevaluation of such contracts. Although the company has not directly addressed these demands, it has emphasized the importance of professionalism in its workplace.
Confidentiality and Employee Concerns
Microsoft’s recent statement underscored its commitment to confidentiality in employee matters, stating, “We are committed to fostering a professional and respectful work environment.” However, the lack of transparency raises concerns about how corporate policies align with the values of their employees, especially regarding humanitarian issues.
For Mohamed and Nasr, the vigil was not merely an act of remembrance but a moment for solidarity among colleagues affected by the conflict. “We believed we were creating a space for grief,” Mohamed said, “but it seems Microsoft did not view it that way.”
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