Microsoft engineer quits because Israeli military is client: report
A Microsoft engineer, Scott Sutfin-Glowski, has made the decision to resign due to allegations that the company is providing cloud computing services to the Israeli military. This move comes amidst ongoing tensions within the company regarding its involvement in the conflict in Gaza.
Sutfin-Glowski, a principal software engineer with 13 years at Microsoft, announced his resignation in a letter to colleagues, as reported by CNBC.
His decision was based on a February report revealing that Israel’s military had over 635 active Microsoft subscriptions, most of which are still in use.
Sutfin-Glowski expressed his inability to support what he believes are significant humanitarian violations, stating, “I can no longer accept enabling what may be the worst atrocities of our time.”
Internal discord within Microsoft has escalated as employees, particularly those leaning left politically, have voiced opposition to the company’s collaboration with Israel. The dissent has been led by a group known as “No Azure For Apartheid,” referencing Microsoft’s cloud division.
Sutfin-Glowski also mentioned that Microsoft restricted access to internal communication channels where concerns could have been raised.
His resignation coincides with a new cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas taking effect in Gaza.
Despite repeated attempts, Microsoft has not responded to requests for comment from The Post.
In a separate incident in August, Microsoft terminated two employees who disrupted a meeting with Microsoft president Brad Smith, demanding an end to services provided to Israel.
Earlier, a group of anti-Israel Microsoft employees occupied a section of the company’s campus, renaming it “Martyred Palestinian Children’s Plaza” before being asked to leave by law enforcement.
As of now, at least five employees who participated in anti-Israel demonstrations have been dismissed by Microsoft.
Reports also indicate that Microsoft sought assistance from the FBI to monitor employee protests targeting top executives, including Brad Smith and CEO Satya Nadella.
