Microsoft fires two employees after vigil for Palestinians
Washington: Microsoft has terminated two employees following their participation in an unauthorized vigil held outside the company’s headquarters to honor Palestinian lives lost in Gaza. The vigil, organized independently by employees during lunch hours on Thursday, was held in memory of the Palestinians killed in what critics have called Israel’s “genocidal assault” on Gaza. Microsoft confirmed the terminations on Friday, stating that the employees were dismissed "in accordance with internal policy."
The fired employees, Abdo Mohamed and Hossam Nasr, were outspoken about their support for Palestinian rights. Mohamed, an Egyptian-born data scientist on a work visa, now faces a two-month window to secure employment and maintain his U.S. residency. Nasr, an organizer for Harvard Alumni for Palestine, had previously been disciplined for pro-Palestinian statements on Microsoft’s internal platform.
Microsoft’s decision has attracted significant backlash from anti-war organizations and Palestinian solidarity groups. CODEPINK, a prominent anti-war organization, criticized the move on social media, accusing Microsoft of "facilitating genocide" and "punishing those who stand for humanity." Huwaida Arraf, co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement, echoed the condemnation, arguing that the tech giant’s policies support “genocide and apartheid.”
The terminations align with a broader debate within Microsoft over its ties to Israel. Both fired employees are part of No Azure for Apartheid, a group born from the larger No Tech for Apartheid campaign, which opposes the use of Microsoft’s Azure cloud technology in support of Israeli government operations. Microsoft has a history of collaboration with Israel, including Azure's support of Elbit Systems’ military simulation software and services provided to the Israeli Prison Service. The company's technology has continued to aid Israeli military departments as Project Nimbus transitions cloud services to Amazon and Google.
In addition to industry criticism, advocacy groups have also called for Microsoft to take accountability. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has demanded that Microsoft reinstate the two employees, arguing that the company is silencing “employees of conscience” who stand for human rights. CAIR-WA’s Executive Director Imraan Siddiqi said in a statement that these terminations demonstrate a double standard when it comes to support for Palestinian human rights. CAIR National’s Nihad Awad echoed this sentiment, urging Microsoft to rehire the employees and condemn what he called the “except for Palestine” rule, where corporations avoid supporting Palestinian rights advocacy.
Microsoft’s actions mirror recent instances of alleged retaliation across industries. Reports of Harvard Library suspending faculty for peaceful demonstrations and other terminations related to Palestinian advocacy have circulated, with similar criticisms directed at Google following its dismissal of employees who protested Project Nimbus earlier this year.
Despite the escalating response, Microsoft has not issued a public comment beyond confirming the terminations.
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Maharashtra student drowns off Chennai coast; another missing
Nagpur (PTI): A student from Maharashtra drowned and another went missing after venturing into the sea in Chennai, officials said on Sunday.
It was not yet known which institution the students were from and where exactly the incident occurred.
The Maharashtra government has appealed to the Tamil Nadu authorities to expedite the search and rescue operation.
The incident occurred on Saturday when a group of 26 students went to the seashore.
Three of them entered the waters where Mayuri Chaudhari from Nagpur drowned, while Jay Patil went missing and a search was underway for him, a statement from the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office said.
Another student, Raj Kedari, was rescued safely, it said.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has contacted the Tamil Nadu government and is overseeing relief efforts. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide immediate aid and launch a rescue operation.
The family members of Chaudhari and Patil have been informed.
