ISRAEL AT WAR
Web Summit organizer apologizes, “deeply regretful” for hurting Israeli friends
“I understand that what I said, the timing of what I said, and the way it has been presented has caused profound hurt to many,” wrote Paddy Cosgrave after numerous speakers canceled their participation in his conference due to his previous remarks about Israel violating international law and committing war crimes
Paddy Cosgrave, the founder of Web Summit, one of the world’s most respected technology conferences, posted a public apology on Tuesday after Israeli tech leaders said they would boycott his conference due to his remarks about Israel violating international law and committing war crimes in its war against Hamas.
Cosgrave's criticism of Israel, stating that “War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are”, prompted strong reactions from numerous leaders in the industry. These included Adam Singolda, founder and CEO of Taboola, Assaf Rappaport, CEO of Wiz, and Ori Goshen, CEO of A21 Labs, as well as Ambassador of Israel to Portugal Dor Shapira, who encouraged companies to cancel their participation in Web Summit.
“To reiterate what I said last week: I unreservedly condemn Hamas’ evil, disgusting and monstrous October 7 attack. I also call for the unconditional release of all hostages. As a parent, I sympathise deeply with the families of the victims of this appalling act, and mourn for all the innocent lives lost in this and other wars,” Cosgrave wrote in his apology. “I unequivocally support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. I unequivocally support a two-state solution.”
Cosgrave added that “Like so many figures globally, I also believe that, in defending itself, Israel should adhere to international law and the Geneva Conventions – ie, not commit war crimes. This belief applies equally to any state in any war. No country should breach these laws, even if atrocities were committed against it.
“I have always been anti-war and pro-international law. It is precisely at our darkest moments that we must try to uphold the principles that make us civilised.”
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Cosgrave noted how in a recent meeting with regional partners in Qatar, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken affirmed Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas but stressed the importance of adhering to international law and minimizing harm to civilians. He said this call for restraint aligns with Web Summit's commitment to working with global partners, including Qatar, to promote dialogue and communication as essential steps toward lasting peace. “As Secretary Blinken said, 'One thing is for sure: we can’t go back to the status quo that allowed this to happen in the first place',” Cosgrave wrote.
“However, I understand that what I said, the timing of what I said, and the way it has been presented has caused profound hurt to many," Cosgrave wrote. "To anyone who was hurt by my words, I apologise deeply. What is needed at this time is compassion, and I did not convey that. Web Summit has a long history of partnership with Israel and its tech firms, and I am deeply regretful that those friends were hurt by any of what I said. My aim is and always has been to strive for peace. Ultimately, I hope with all my heart that this can be achieved.”
