Why I'm writing on LinkedIn now

I’ve received many queries about the welfare of me and my family in Israel. That’s a hard question to answer. I generally say that we’re not ok, but we’re “ok.” ?Family members and friends have been called up to the reserves to defend the country, which is stressful. But of course, nothing compares to the pain of the families whose loved ones were murdered or abducted, and sadly we know too many of those.

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If anyone would like to know more about my personal thoughts about the situation, it’s easy enough to find me on Facebook or Instagram.

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But why am I writing on LinkedIn, a network focused on professional connections and advancement?

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Well, first of all, I have never been prouder to be an employee of Microsoft. From my direct manager, all the way up to the CEO, we’ve received unwavering messages of support and empathy. From colleagues in other companies, I know that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Ever since I started working at Microsoft, I've been impressed with the repeated emphasis on core values - respect, empathy, dignity, etc. To be honest, sometimes they seem cliche, even a little corny. But at times of crisis like this, I've come to realize that they represent more than just words - they embody sincere convictions. It's hard to say whether Microsoft hires people dedicated to such values, or if those repeated messages foster a culture that reinforce them. It's probably a combination of both.

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But beyond expressing gratitude to Microsoft, I think the core value of a network like LinkedIn is exactly what this fight is all about. I have over 1000 connections here, and there are millions more on the network. Bottom line, we’re all trying to help each other and make each other’s lives better: helping people get jobs, learn new skills, or get answers to questions in our professional fields. This isn’t a zero-sum game ?- we help each other without worrying that we’re losing something in the process.

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That’s really the embodiment of the value of empathy. You can have empathy for someone suffering, and that doesn’t mean you need to have less empathy for someone else. ?Being a helpful person is the most important thing we can do as humans.

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So with that said, and with awareness that many of you might have different positions on the ideal political solution for the conflict here, please express that value of empathy that this network is all about.

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First of all, if at all possible, demand the release of the nearly 200 hostages, including many children and elderly. Nothing is of higher value than that.

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And secondly, please take a deep look at how Hamas has not only brutalized the citizens of Israel, but how they oppressed their own citizens in Gaza. Even now, when Israel encouraged Gazans to evacuate the areas likely to be involved in combat, Hamas prevented them from leaving. The UN has just accused Hamas of stealing supplies meant for refugees. And of course, by placing their citizens as human shields when they knew that an Israeli response was inevitable is unforgivable. So understand that the defeat of Hamas, like the defeat of other evil regimes (like the Confederacy, Imperial Japan, or Nazi Germany) is essential for the benefit of not just Israel, but Gazans, other Palestinians, the rest of the region, and in fact the entire world.

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If you have further questions about what’s happening from the perspective of someone living here, or would like to know other ways to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Thank you.