Companies Respond to Israel/Hamas War

Oct 11, 2023
Katherine V. Smith

Corporate Responses to the Israel/Hamas War: Check Back as We Update This List

Company/Leadership Statements on Israel | Companies Issuing Internal Memos | Companies Sending Aid to Israel & Gaza

Over the past several days, many companies have reached out to ask what their peers are doing to aid humanitarian efforts as related to the war between Israel and Hamas. As the situation continues to evolve, thousands in the region have been killed or injured, including civilians. The following roundup represents a variety of corporate responses, as well as information we are receiving from our members regarding partners for humanitarian aid donations. We will continue to update this list daily over the coming weeks. Please also note: many of our company members are discussing their humanitarian support efforts privately, in our Online Member Community.

If your company has made a statement or is working on a CSR initiative related to the Israel/Hamas war, please take a moment to share it here.

companies respond to israel hamas war - 1

Companies and Business Leaders Making Public Statements on Israel

EDELMAN CEO, RICHARD EDELMAN

Edelman posted a statement on the company website, which concluded with the following:

"Our advice to clients is to communicate to employees your revulsion over the terrorist actions this past weekend and tell them what you are going to do. It’s imperative that you speak to your employees, don’t be silent. Businesses should either make donations or contributions in kind, for example pharmaceutical companies sending medical supplies. Additionally, you must create safe spaces for discussions with various audiences about how we must all campaign and work for peace and diplomacy around the globe."

ACCENTURE CHAIR & CEO, JULIE SWEET

Sweet shared in a post on LinkedIn from a letter to employees, which read, in part:

"We are writing to you as a united Global Management Committee, which is made up of people of many faiths and nationalities. We have been speaking with our people across Accenture, and the pain, grief, fear, anxiety, and trauma across our communities and faiths is deep and raw—and we know those feelings do not stop at the door of Accenture.

Since the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, we are all witnessing the tragic loss of life and suffering for the people in Israel and for the Palestinian people in Gaza, and the ensuing humanitarian crises. Many of our people have shared that they have loved ones directly impacted in either Israel or Gaza. We are deeply saddened by all the suffering and loss, and the prospect of more, and by the rise in hate crimes against Jews and Muslims we are now seeing around the world.

We have zero tolerance for antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and hate speech of any kind, including the defense of terrorism or the equating of terrorism with any religion or people.

We all have the responsibility to strive each day to ensure that here at Accenture we live our values of equity, respect, inclusion, psychological and physical safety and belonging for all people. [CONT]

JCPENNEY CEO, MARC ROSEN

Rosen shared on LinkedIn, "Like so many of you, my heart aches everyday as I watch what is unfolding in the Middle East. The horrific killing and kidnapping of civilian women, children and men in Israel are a pure act of terrorism. I remember only three years ago when I last visited Israel and the feeling of safety I had throughout the country. That is now gone and forever changed for all who live there. And, the humanitarian refugee crisis that is unfolding for the many innocent Palestinians in Gaza is a tragic outcome. Worse yet, I fear that there is no end or graceful exit from the escalation in sight. I’m also incredibly pained by the acts of hate that are now spreading across the U.S. and around the world. The anti-Semitic and anti-Arab acts of racism and xenophobia are intolerable. We are so much better than this and have to hold the world we live in to higher standards. Let’s respect equity, inclusion, fair treatment and respect for our differences and agree that violence and terrorism are not the answer. I know that I’m praying that the loss of innocent lives comes to an end and that the spread of hatred and violence simply because of religion or nationality is not tolerated by anyone anywhere and, that, although sadly it seems to be way off in the distance now, peace will come."

GRAMMARLY CEO, RAHUL ROY-CHOWDHURY

Roy-Chowdhury shared a post on LinkedIn, which read in part:

"My heart aches when I talk to my many Israeli and Jewish friends and hear their anguish. It’s been hard to process the loss of so many innocent lives in a brutal terrorist attack, the worst in the entire history of Israel. There can be no justification or excuse, only condemnation... I’m the CEO of a company that has deep roots in Ukraine, and over the last few years, I’ve seen the terrible toll of war among my Ukrainian colleagues. What gets lost in the headlines and the rhetoric is the real human toll that this violence takes on innocent people. But what I have also seen is the incredible grit and resilience of people in the face of adversity and hardship – I have been so humbled and inspired by it. In the current crisis in the Middle East, I hear humane voices, both Israeli and Palestinian, Jewish and Muslim, emerge from the cacophony of hate. I hope those voices are lifted up and amplified. Let’s reject hatred and reconnect with our common humanity."[FULL POST]

PARAMOUNT

The company shared on Instagram, "Paramount Global condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas. We stand with the people of Israel and the global Jewish community. We stand with all the innocent lives impacted. We stand with the children who deserve to be children. We stand united against all acts of terror and hate. To help, join us in supporting the following organizations: Magen David Adom, NATAL, UJA-Federation of New York, Save the Children."

VERIZON EVP, CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER, SAMANTHA HAMMOCK

Hammock shared a post on LinkedIn which read, in part, "Please know you are not alone. We grieve with our Jewish colleagues and the people of Israel. And our hearts are also with our employees who have friends and family in Gaza. There is space to care for all victims and anyone affected by these events without diminishing our concern for one group or the other. We just need to lead with kindness and compassion. The strength of Verizon has always been our community. By its very nature, the word network conveys unity, that we are stronger as a connected whole. With everything going on, let’s continue to be there for each other and lean in if someone needs to be lifted up. It’s also human to need a moment to process everything and grieve. Please take whatever time you need and - for our V Teamers - please use resources like our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for any additional help. I also want to reinforce the importance of leadership right now. Please check on your team members and make sure they have the space and support they need to care for themselves and their loved ones. Acknowledge their pain and make room for them to share their concerns and experiences." [CONT.]

IBM CHAIRMAN & CEO, ARVIND KRISHNA

Krishna updated an initial statement to say, "I would like to follow my prior message on the terrorist attacks in Israel with the important update that we are relieved that we have now been able to account for all of our IBM Israel colleagues. We continue to mourn the loss of an IBMer who was killed while bravely defending his family and the death of an IBM retiree. We honor their memories and continue to offer our full assistance and support to their families and all IBMers who have been impacted. In addition to directly supporting our IBMers, we also are matching employee donations to humanitarian organizations that are supporting relief efforts. IBM unequivocally condemns these attacks and all acts of terrorism, and we hope for peace to come soon."

HP PRESIDENT & CEO, ENRIQUE LORES

Lores shared a post on LinkedIn, "With each passing day, the horrific attacks on Israel and the intensifying hostilities become more painful and difficult to watch. My heart breaks for all who are facing unimaginable loss and uncertainty right now. I want to share with you the message I communicated to our global team last Tuesday. We condemn violence in our communities – and our number one priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our employees and their families. I am in regular contact with our local team, and the HP Foundation is working with humanitarian partners throughout the region to understand how we can best support relief efforts. As a company, we will not waver in our support for our colleagues, partners and communities."

WINSTON & STRAWN

In a recent statement, the company shared, in part, "Winston stands in solidarity with Israel’s right to exist in peace and condemns Hamas and the violence and destruction it has ignited in the strongest terms possible. We look forward to continuing to work together to eradicate anti-Semitism in all forms and to the day when hatred, bigotry, and violence against all people have been eliminated. Our strength lies in our unity, empathy, and shared humanity."

DELTA AIR LINES CEO, ED BASTIAN

Bastian shared on LinkedIn, "I was horrified to see the shocking videos and images over the weekend following the attack on Israel. We have made the difficult decision to cancel Delta-operated TLV flights through Oct. 31, 2023, and are working to find safe alternatives for customers trying to depart. We’re also standing ready to assist the U.S. government on repatriation efforts for U.S. citizens who want to return home in the wake of the events. At an anti-hate Town Hall with Delta Air Lines employees earlier this year, we were joined by Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, the CEO of Hillels of Georgia and a longtime leader and advocate in the Jewish community. Rabbi Sernovitz reminded us of a beautiful saying, “Because I see you, I have an obligation to you.” We all have an obligation to one another during this difficult time and it’s crucial that we come together to deepen our understanding and care for each other. Our hearts are with everyone impacted by these tragic events."

INTUIT CEO, SASAN GOODARZI

Goodarzi shared on LinkedIn, "It’s been heartbreaking to see the events taking place in Israel and the loss of innocent life. I’ve been in touch with our team in Israel and my heart goes out to everyone who has been impacted and their families. At Intuit, our first priority has been to ensure the well-being and safety of our hundreds of employees and their families in Israel and around the world. We are taking action and doing everything we can to support our teams as they, like so many others right now, are experiencing fear and uncertainty about what the future holds. Intuit is making a contribution to humanitarian relief efforts to support those who need it most. None of us know what comes next, but I live in hope of an eventual path to peace and that better days lie ahead."

PFIZER CEO, ALBERT BOURLA

Bourla shared in a post on LinkedIn, "I’m heartbroken to hear the terrible news of war in Israel and grief-stricken by the loss of life, the threat to safety, and the fear and uncertainty that has invaded our shared community. At Pfizer, we are committed to protecting and saving lives, and dedicated to the health and well-being of people around the world. Actions that are geared towards inflicting bloodshed, harm and death are antithetical to our work and to our values..."

MANPOWERGROUP CEO, JONAS PRISING

Prising shared in a post on LinkedIn, "We’ve been watching the heartbreaking terror attacks unfold since the weekend with shock and great concern. We stand firmly behind Israel, where we have operated for more than 60 years, and its people. We are learning of the direct and tragic impact on our colleagues, and our leaders and teams on the ground are working tirelessly to provide support. The safety and well-being of our team and their families are our top concern, and we know the uncertainty of the coming days will be very challenging for all..."

ORACLE, SVP & COUNTRY LEADER ORACLE ISRAEL, ERAN FEIGENBAUM

Feigenbaum shared in a post on LinkedIn, "At Oracle, we stand firmly with Israel. Alongside other global tech companies, we are offering support to the country in its fight against terror. We have announced a $1 Million donation to Magen David Adom, a nonprofit that provides emergency medical services to Israeli citizens. In addition, we have launched an internal campaign among our Oracle employees worldwide to support the emergency operations of this vital organization in the country. We are also make our cutting-edge technology available to the security forces here to ensure that justice prevails. The atrocities are unimaginable, but so is the strength and determination of the people in this land. In hope for better times."

GOOGLE & ALPHABET CEO, SUNDAR PICHAI

Google issued the following statement, “Following my email last Saturday about Hamas’s horrific terrorist attack in Israel, I wanted to let you know that today we’re announcing $8 million in grants to nonprofits who are providing relief to civilians affected in Israel and Gaza.
First, I want to recognize the teams who have worked tirelessly to make sure our employees were accounted for and who helped evacuate visiting Googlers and provide support on the ground. What our 2,000+ colleagues in Israel are going through is heartbreaking as their families and friends continue to experience loss and horror, with hostages from Israel and around the world in Gaza. Googlers in Israel are still sheltering in safe rooms. Our Tel Aviv and Haifa offices have shelters and remain open to Googlers who need them. Please expect your colleagues in these offices to be focused on the safety of their families and themselves at this moment.

Second, on behalf of Google leaders, I want to share my condolences and support. Our Jewish Googlers around the world are reeling from these attacks — which bring painful reminders of the worst moments in history — and are experiencing a rise in antisemitic incidents that call for increased security at synagogues and schools. Our Palestinian, Arab and Muslim Googlers are deeply affected by a concerning rise in Islamophobia, and are watching with dread as Palestinian civilians in Gaza have suffered significant loss and fear for their lives amid the escalating war and humanitarian crisis.

No words can erase this pain.

Yet, we can create a culture of empathy to support our fellow Googlers through the coming weeks and months. I've always been proud of how Googlers come together in moments of crisis. I want to say a special thanks to our ERG communities — especially our Arab, Jewish and Muslim Googlers — for offering guidance and support over the past week..." [CONT.]

CITIGROUP CEO, JANE FRASER

Fraser shared, "My thoughts are with everyone affected by the senseless loss of life. I spoke with our colleagues in Israel earlier today. While they are rightfully hurting, their spirit is strong. Most importantly, they are all safe, and we all pray they remain so. I reassured them that we will continue to do what is necessary to support them."

VOLKSWAGEN PRESIDENT & CEO, PABLO DI SI

Di Si recently shared on LinkedIn, "The recent attacks on Israel were shocking and horrifying. Our thoughts are with the people of Israel who are facing terror and violence and our colleagues who have families impacted by this tragedy. While our production and operations in Israel have so far not been affected, we are continually checking in on our team members in Israel and monitoring the situation."

Companies and CEOs Issuing Internal Statements on Israel

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

Disney CEO Bob Iger reportedly sent a note to the company’s Shalom BERG group, which is comprised of Jewish employees across the company. “I’ve had the chance to speak with a number of our Jewish colleagues over the past few days about the horrific terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel, and I want to reach out to this group directly to express my shock and sadness...First, I know that many of you have loved ones in Israel, and I cannot imagine how terrifying the last few days have been seeing the brutality unfold. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and all of the innocent people whose lives have been torn apart by this unspeakable violence. I speak for myself and for the entire company in condemning these attacks, the hate that motivated them, and all acts of terrorism.”

UBS

Group CEO and President of the Executive Board of UBS AG, Sergio Ermotti shared in a post on LinkedIn this letter to employees, which read in part:

"Over the past days, we have witnessed the tragic impact of the brutal attack by Hamas on Israel. We unequivocally condemn this and all acts of terrorism. The heartbreaking murder of civilians, including children, has also triggered an escalation, resulting in yet more bloodshed in Israel and Gaza. This is now a full-scale humanitarian crisis, and we are working to support those who are suffering. I am pleased that our fundraising appeal launched last week through the UBS Optimus Foundation to support emergency humanitarian relief has resulted in USD 10m pledged in donations and matching so far, with a further USD 2.5m remaining for further matching..." [CONT]

JPMORGAN CHASE CEO, JAMIE DIMON

Dimon reportedly shared a memo with employees stating, "This past weekend’s attack on Israel and its people and the resulting war and bloodshed are a terrible tragedy... We stand with our employees, their families and the people of Israel during this time of great suffering and loss..."

GOLDMAN SACHS CEO, DAVID SOLOMON

Solomon shared in a memo, "All of us at Goldman Sachs are thinking of you and your families in the face of this shocking aggression directed at the people of Israel... The dynamics in the Middle East have always been difficult and complex. But, these attacks are terrorism and violate our most fundamental of values.”

MICROSOFT CEO, SATYA NADELLA

Nadella reportedly shared in an employee memo, “heartbroken by the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel and the escalating conflict... My deepest condolences are with all those killed and impacted. Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of our employees and their families.” Microsoft HR chief Kathleen 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.

MASTERCARD

Mastercard reportedly told staff on 10/11/23 that it would offer a 1:1 match for donations of $25 or more up to $15,000 per employee. The Mastercard internal giving site lists Magen David Adom and Leket Israel, which focuses on hunger and food security, as suggested organizations.

PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS

In an internal email, PricewaterhouseCoopers Chairman Tim Ryan said the accounting firm is “making an initial $250K donation to the Red Cross for the support and relief efforts in the region working directly with Magen David Adom, the Israeli Red Cross and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.”

Companies Giving Humanitarian Aid for Israel & Gaza and Other Contributions

WALMART

After the news of the attack on Israel by Hamas and seeing an increase in antisemitic speech and hate crimes, the Walmart Foundation will donate $1M to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to support outreach programs to educate about the history and lessons of the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism in order to inspire people to confront hate and promote human dignity.

JEFFERIES

Jefferies will donate $8.6 million to humanitarian aid in Israel. The Firm’s Doing Good Trading Day, held October 10, raised contributions from net trading commissions from equities and fixed income, vendors, and from Jefferies’ more than 5,500 employees and Jefferies. UPDATED 10/11/23: "We are proud to announce an additional $4.4 million contribution, on top of the previously announced $8.6 million donation. Mike Bloomberg will match our $2 million donation to Magen David Adom, and Mark & Erica Gerson will match our $2 million donation to United Hatzalah. We have also received an additional $400,000 from our employee-partners and clients."

GOOGLE & ALPHABET

Googlers and Google.org have committed more than $8 million to nonprofits providing relief to those affected. This includes more than $1 million raised by Google employees with company match and $1 million in donated Search Ads to nonprofits so they can better connect with people in need and provide information to those looking to help. The company's employee giving campaign supports organizations like Magen David Adom and ERAN. In addition, in order to provide immediate relief and support for those impacted in Israel, Google.org is committing an additional $3 million for local emergency response, and psychological and emotional support for victims, children and families. The company's employee giving campaign also supports organizations like Palestine Red Crescent Society and UNICEF in the State of Palestine. In addition, Google.org is committing an additional $3 million to aid organizations providing support for people in Gaza, including through Save the Children, which is providing essentials — food, shelter, and psychological support.

VERIZON

In response to the unprecedented terrorist attack carried out by Hamas in Israel and the ensuing crisis affecting civilian communities in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Verizon Foundation has committed to a $1,500,000 donation to organizations supporting relief efforts. In addition, the company will match employee donations of up to $1,000.Verizon is also helping its customers in the United States connect with their loved ones overseas who have been impacted by the tragic events in the Middle East as well as the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan. Effective retroactively from October 7 through October 20, Verizon will waive international long-distance charges for calls and texts from its postpaid consumer, business wireless and residential landline customers, to Afghanistan, Israel and the Palestinian territories. All calls will be rated at $0.00 per minute. In addition, Verizon will waive international roaming and data charges for customers traveling in these regions.

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

The Walt Disney Company is donating $2 million to organizations that are providing humanitarian relief in the region. Disney is donating $1 million to Magen David Adom, an affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that provides emergency medical and blood banking services in Israel, and $1 million to other nonprofit organizations working in the region, particularly those with a focus on providing aid to children. Company employees have been participating in Disney’s Matching Gifts program that matches eligible charitable donations made by employees up to $25,000.

AMERICAN EXPRESS

To help meet the urgent needs in Israel, American Express is committing $1.5 million in donations, with the first $750,000 going to the American Friends of Magen David Adom. This crisis is rapidly evolving, and we will donate additional funds to other relief organizations on the ground. In addition to Amex’s grant, the company is matching colleague contributions to all eligible nonprofit organizations.

SALESFORCE

To help with some of the many immediate needs in the unfolding humanitarian crisis the company is initially donating $3 million: $1 million to United Hatzalah, $1 million to Save the Children, and $1 million to The Association for Immediate Help for Holocaust Survivors to deliver basic aid, food, medical supplies and mental health support. Salesforce is also working with its nonprofit partners on the ground to support the people impacted by the war.

BOEING

Boeing is committing $2 million USD in emergency assistance funding following the terrorist attacks in Israel to support humanitarian response efforts. Funding from the Boeing Charitable Trust will support the following organizations:

$500,000 to American Friends of NATAL to provide psychological and emotional support to help people cope with trauma and anxiety
$500,000 to American Friends of Magen David Adom to provide emergency medical and lifesaving blood-donation services in Israel
$500,000 to the American Red Cross and designated for recovery and relief efforts by the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network
$500,000 to organizations working to support vulnerable populations impacted by the conflict

GE

The GE Foundation announced a donation of $500,000 to provide humanitarian relief to people impacted by the Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent war. The grant will support the American Red Cross as it works with the global Red Cross Movement to help provide emergency assistance where it is needed most across the region. In addition to the GE Foundation’s donation, GE employees can support relief efforts through its Matching Gifts Program.

MERCEDES-BENZ

"Mercedes-Benz is donating one million Euros in total to the aid organisations United Hatzalah, dedicated to the procurement of rescue vehicles, as well as the German Red Cross, coordinating humanitarian aid in the region together with their sister organisations."

ACCENTURE

"As a company, we are donating $1.5 million to Magen David Adom and $1.5 million to the Palestinian Red Crescent, for a total of $3 million for humanitarian relief. In addition, we are matching 100% of our peoples’ donations to selected charitable organizations providing relief in Israel and Gaza. To date, our people have already given nearly $200,000."

CITIGROUP

Citigroup will donate $1 million to humanitarian organizations in Israel through its Citi Foundation.

ORACLE

Oracle will donate $1 million to Magen David Adom, a nonprofit that provides emergency medical services to Israeli citizens. In addition, Oracle launched a global fundraising campaign for Magen David Adom among its 150,000 employees around the world and has pledged to double the raised funds. As of 10/12/23, Oracle’s employees had raised more than $600,000.

GOLDMAN SACHS

Goldman Sachs pledged $2 million to organizations that will provide humanitarian relief to Israel and will match employee donations under $25 three to one.

MATTEL

The Mattel Children Foundation is sending cash and toy donations to shelters and hospitals in the region to support children who are suffering.

INSIGHT PARTNERS

Insight Partners reportedly will donate $1 million to humanitarian aid work.

GENERAL CATALYST

General Catalyst pledged an initial $250,000 to humanitarian efforts.

FOX CORPORATION

Fox Corporation donated $1 million to United Jewish Appeal.