“Kiss the Flag, Nazi”: Addressing Antisemitism and Standing for Israel at Microsoft

In a deeply troubling firsthand account, Elinor Krits, a software engineer at Microsoft, shares her harrowing experience of antisemitism during a so-called “No Azure for Apartheid” event at Microsoft’s Redmond campus. Her story highlights the urgent need for companies, organizations, and individuals to confront and address the growing wave of anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment.

Elinor’s testimony, published in The Times of Israel Blogs, paints a disturbing picture of an event that was ostensibly a “vigil” but quickly devolved into harassment and hate speech. She describes being targeted and called slurs like “Nazi” while being taunted with Palestinian and Lebanese flags. Despite notifying Microsoft’s HR and security departments ahead of time about the planned event, little was done to prevent the harm or ensure the safety of Jewish employees.

“As disheartening as the No Azure for Apartheid event and the media coverage of it was, Microsoft’s response to it is far more upsetting,” Elinor writes. “So far, it does not appear that the company has a plan to keep its Jewish and Israeli employees safe.”

What Does This Mean for Modern-Day Esthers?

As Christian Women For Israel, this story is telling us of the importance of being vocal, vigilant, and prayerful against antisemitism. It’s not enough to observe such incidents with shock—we are called to act. As Elinor’s experience illustrates, antisemitism not only harms individuals but also undermines the values of equality, safety, and respect in workplaces and communities.

How You Can Take Action:

1. Pray for Protection: Pray for Jewish employees and their families, that they may find safety and courage to stand firm.

2. Email Microsoft Leadership: Contact Microsoft and urge them to adopt stricter policies to protect Jewish employees and address antisemitism effectively. Ask them to ensure that such events are not allowed to create unsafe environments in the future.

   Send an e-mail to: [email protected]
   Send a letter to: MSC 123/9999 Office of the Corporate Secretary Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond, WA 98052 United States

3. Advocate for Accountability: Support initiatives that encourage organizations to hold perpetrators accountable for hate speech and harassment.

4. Stay Informed: Read and share articles like Elinor Krits’ firsthand account to spread awareness about antisemitism in workplaces.

This is happening in companies across the country. We must be vigilant and be ready to stay true to the words "Never Again"!

Antisemitism has no place in any setting—workplaces, schools, or communities. Together, we must ensure that hate is met with action and love. As Modern-Day Esthers, let us rise to protect and support those who face harassment simply for being Jewish or supporting Israel.

“For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints.” – Psalm 37:28

Read Elinor Krits’ full article, “Kiss the Flag, Nazi: The Anti-Israel Event at Microsoft”, and take a moment to email Microsoft leadership to stand for what is right.