A string of Israeli tech entrepreneurs
has vowed to boycott next month's Web Summit, the annual technology conference, following remarks
by its founder about Israel’s response to Hamas’ attack.
They include Alon Alroy, founder and CMO
of event tech company Bizzabo.
In a Tweet on X (formerly Twitter), Paddy
Cosgrove, the Irish entrepreneur behind Web Summit, which takes place every
year in Lisbon, Portugal, said Israel was committing ‘war crimes’ and berated
the ‘rhetoric’ of Western governments supporting the country.
In response,
Israel’s ambassador to Portugal, Dor Shapira, said he had written to the Mayor
of Lisbon saying his country would not be taking part in the summit, describing
Cosgrove’s claims as ‘outrageous’.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Shapira,
said: “Even during these
difficult times, he is unable to set aside his extreme political views and
denounce the Hamas terrorist activities against innocent people.
“We should have zero tolerance to terrorist and terror
acts.”
Meanwhile several Israeli tech entrepreneurs have taken to
social media to say they would not be taking part in the summit, which takes place 13-16th November, including
Alroy, who co-founded New York and Tel-Aviv-based Bizzabo in 2011.
In a LinkedIn
post he wrote: “As a brand, an influencer, and as a community builder, you
have a responsibility. You are responsible for using your voice and influence
to take a stand for what’s right. You’re also responsible for facing the
consequences of your words and actions.
“It’s not difficult to condemn Hamas, an ISIS-like
organization that intentionally murdered civilians, including kids, women, and
the elderly. Hamas destroyed whole families and communities. Babies were
beheaded, kidnapped to Gaza, women were raped and burned. Is it that difficult
to say the right thing?”
And appearing to address Cosgrove directly,
he finished: “Before you use your voice, please be responsible and be on the
right side of history. You will not see my face at the #websummit ever again.”
According to a report in calcalistech.com, other Israeli tech
entrepreneurs to boycott the summit include, Adam Singola, founder and CEO of
Taboola, the advertising company, and Zeev
Farbman, CEO and co-founder of Lightricks, the App developer.
Cosgrove
said that while Hamas’ attacks were ‘an act of monstrous evil’, he stood by his
remarks.
‘I will
not relent’, he Tweeted.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
