Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella issued a statement on the war in Israel and the company shared a memo it sent to employees.
“Heartbroken by the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel and the escalating conflict,” Nadella said on Tuesday evening. “My deepest condolences are with all those killed and impacted. Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of our employees and their families.”
The company has nearly 3,000 employees in Israel, according to the memo from Microsoft HR chief Kathleen Hogan, shared publicly on Microsoft’s blog.
“Since the attacks unfolded on Saturday, we have been focused on the safety of our employees and their families in Israel and their overall wellbeing,” Hogan wrote.
Hogan said the company created a way for employees to support relief efforts, and Microsoft is connecting with local organizations to support first responders with tech and other services.
Nadella is one of several tech execs who have expressed sadness and outrage at the surprise offensive by Hamas militants, which began Saturday near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip and has escalated into full-scale war.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy called the attacks against civilians in Israel “shocking and painful to watch” in a post on X on Monday night.
The Information reported Monday on how the conflict could affect tech companies in Israel, whether because Israeli tech workers will be headed to the front lines or because U.S. firms have large offices there.
Most of the Microsoft employees in Israel work on cybersecurity research and development, according to The Information. The Redmond, Wash.-based tech giant’s careers page for Israel also lists offices in Herzliya, Haifa, and Nazareth. A 2-year-old video on the site, below, provides a tour of an R&D center.
