ISRAEL AT WAR
Google pledges $8 million in grants to nonprofits “providing relief to civilians affected in Israel and Gaza”
“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,” wrote Google CEO Sundar Pichai
Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced on Tuesday that the company will provide $8 million in grants to nonprofits who are “providing relief to civilians affected in Israel and Gaza.”
Last week, Pichai sent a letter to all Google employees in which he came out in support of Israel, writing: “Google has 2 offices and over 2,000 employees in Israel. It’s unimaginable what they’re experiencing. Our immediate focus since Saturday has been on employee safety. We’ve now made contact with all of our local employees, and will continue supporting them.”
Pichai said on Tuesday that the company has been “very focused on detecting and removing graphically violent, hateful or terrorist content, or coordinated disinformation campaigns,” and that it also recently signed the ADL’s pledge to fight antisemitism.
“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,” read Pichai’s latest letter to employees. “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.”
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Pichai also provided an update on Google’s plans to support humanitarian and relief efforts, saying that the $8 million 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 employee giving campaign will support 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 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.
