Tim Cook-led Apple Halts Muslim, Jewish Slack Channels After Deleting Israel-Hamas Conflict Posts: Report

Apple Inc. AAPL has reportedly paused its internal Slack channels for Muslim and Jewish employees after removing posts related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. 

What Happened: The decision was communicated through a message by a leader of Apple’s Muslim employee resource group, stating, “We’ve collectively decided that the only sustainable path forward is to briefly pause the Apple Muslim Slack channel. The Apple Jewish Slack channel will do the same,” reported Business Insider, citing internal messages. 

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The specific content of the deleted messages remains unconfirmed, but one Slack message suggested that off-limits topics included organizing efforts, protests, verses from the Quran, frustration about the situation in Gaza, and specific words said by international organizations.

According to the message sent by the employee, Apple’s move aims to ensure a respectful environment during a “painful and tragic time,” although it acknowledges that not everyone may be pleased with this decision.

Apple did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments. 

It is worth noting that Apple CEO Tim Cook has remained relatively “tight-lipped” about the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, he did send an email to employees expressing his concern about the attacks in Israel and the suffering of innocent people.

On the other hand, other big tech leaders such as Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella have responded with unequivocal condemnation, expressing their concerns and condolences. 

Why It’s Important: This action by Apple mirrors a similar trend in the tech industry. 

Previously, Microsoft Corporation MSFT also faced internal discussions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, where an employee expressed disillusionment with the company’s perceived one-sided statements. 

This discussion was shut down by Microsoft after approximately 60 comments, the report noted. 

Photo via Shutterstock.

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