Microsoft Accused of Silencing Palestinian Support after Employee Firings

Abdo Mohamed, a researcher and data scientist, and Hossam Nasr, a software engineer, say Microsoft terminated their employment on October 24 following their organization of a vigil at the company’s Redmond, Washington, headquarters.

“Microsoft really crumbled under pressure, internally and externally, to fire me and to shut down and retaliate against our event,” said Nasr, who stated their actions were aimed at humanizing Palestinians. He contends the company fired them not over policy violations but due to discomfort with their political stance.

Both employees are affiliated with No Azure for Apartheid, a group of Microsoft employees opposed to the company’s sale of cloud services to Israel. The group demands that Microsoft halt Azure contracts with the Israeli military, disclose all ties to Israel, advocate for a ceasefire, and uphold employee free speech.

Microsoft, however, denies the allegations, asserting the firings were not related to activism. A spokesperson said, “We remain dedicated to maintaining a professional and respectful work environment...this must be done without disrupting business operations.” They added that event organizers disregarded guidelines on using public property and avoided equipment like bullhorns to minimize disruption.

Mohamed and Nasr refute claims of disruption, asserting their vigil adhered to company policies and followed the same format as other employee-led charity events. They note the outdoor event took place during lunch, included a microphone, and drew over 200 attendees.

Nasr alleges Microsoft exhibited a double standard in handling internal complaints, saying his statements about Gaza were repeatedly investigated, while comments he reported as racist or harassing received no disciplinary action. Nasr provided a call log indicating he learned of his termination only after Stop Antisemitism posted about it on social media.

No Azure for Apartheid describes the firings as retaliatory and is pressing for reinstatement and an explanation regarding the early notification leak. Another Microsoft employee, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration over the firings, describing them as a warning to silence Palestinian voices at the company.

Microsoft stated it is investigating claims that Stop Antisemitism shared information on the terminations before notifying the employees. A report by +972 Magazine notes Microsoft’s role as a major cloud provider for Israel, with recent increases in services to the Israeli military.

“Microsoft is refusing to hear its workers’ demands,” said Mohamed, calling for the company to address concerns about its technology's usage.

The firings are part of a larger trend, with rising discontent among employees in tech firms over ties with Israel’s military.