In mid-October a California-based Google engineer posted a LinkedIn video that paid tribute to fellow citizens, expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Shortly after, his full name appeared on a Tel Aviv–based site alongside hundreds of employees described as anti-Israel from companies such as Amazon, Mastercard, Deloitte and Microsoft. A user warned that he was being watched and recorded, as reported by The Washington Post.
Showing support for the Palestinian cause has become costly for some. After Hamas launched a deadly attack on October 7, authorities arrested scores of Israeli Arabs and many lost their jobs in the Jewish state. One person was arrested on alleged incitement to terrorism. The situation has drawn scrutiny beyond its borders, shaping a broader conversation about loyalty, politics, and public pressure.
The United States, with long political and commercial ties to Israel, has seen a climate where expressing support for Palestine can carry significant risk. People across academia and industry have faced job losses and professional backlash for taking a public stance. This pressure has intensified in recent weeks.
Criticism of silence
Many American companies have aligned with Israel, yet the backlash against statements perceived as pro-Israel has grown too. anger and controversy associated with the conflict have pushed more workers to speak up. High-profile figures such as models Gigi Hadid and Bella Hadid, actors Joaquin Phoenix and Cate Blanchett, and musicians Dua Lipa and Dragon have used their platforms to advocate for a ceasefire.
For many, speaking out can carry heavier consequences. A recent incident at Harvard University involved a truck displaying the faces and names of students who signed a letter criticizing the Israeli government. Starbucks faced criticism after opposing a union move on the Palestine issue.
Last week, David Velasco, editor-in-chief of the Artforum magazine, was dismissed after publishing an open letter supporting Palestinian liberation and criticizing governmental human rights violations and war crimes. The letter gathered about 8,000 signatures, but many withdrew under pressure from collectors. Photographer and activist Nan Goldin told The New York Times that she had never experienced such a chilling time and began boycotting the publication.
Michael Eisen, editor-in-chief of the scientific journal eLife, also lost his position after sharing a satirical cartoon about Gaza and the conflict on social media. A genetics professor at a major university urged for greater courage in discussing these issues across the country.
International edition
The Cut reported that both Islamic organizations and employment law firms have seen an unprecedented number of inquiries from people who faced retaliation, threats, or vilification for supporting the Palestinian cause. There are also concerns among Jewish workers about potential anti-Semitic incidents in the workplace.
Reprisals extend beyond the United States. The founder of Europe’s largest tech conference faced pressure to resign amid boycotts tied to pro-Israel positions, with support from major firms that criticized what they described as war crimes by Israel. In Germany, a media company fired an intern who questioned its pro-Israel editorial line in an internal chat. In Ireland, an employee of an Israeli tech firm was dismissed after criticizing the bombing of Gaza and labeling the Israeli state as terrorist. Reports indicate that some companies encourage content that supports Israel’s narrative and aims to influence global perception of the conflict.