Israel pulls out of Web Summit after 'outrageous statements' from CEO

Mon, 16 Oct, 2023 - 21:26

Jack White

Israel has pulled out of the upcoming Web Summit, taking place in Lisbon next month, due to “outrageous statements” made by the conference’s CEO and co-founder Paddy Cosgrave.

Israeli Ambassador to Portugal Dor Shapira said he had written to the mayor of Lisbon to inform him of Israel’s decision to pull out of the tech conference due to “outrageous statements” made by Mr Cosgrave.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Shapira wrote: “Even during these difficult times, he is unable to set aside his extreme political views and denounce the Hamas terrorist activities against innocent people.”

It comes as Mr Cosgrave said on Friday that he is shocked at the rhetoric and actions of Western leaders and Governments “with the exception in particular of Ireland’s government, who for once are doing the right thing.”

“War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are,” he wrote on X.

The statement prompted backlash, particularly from those in the world of tech with several announcing their decision to no longer attend the Web Summit next month, including a number of those due to speak and participate.

Former PayPal CEO David Marcus said he was saddened by Mr Cosgrave’s “ill-informed stance”.

“You could’ve taken a more nuanced one, condemning these atrocities and calling for restraint. That would’ve been acceptable. You chose to support terrorists. As such I’ll never attend/sponsor/speak at any of your events again,” he wrote.

CEO and president of Y Combinator, Garry Tan who was due to speak at the conference said: “I refuse to appear at Web Summit and am cancelling my appearance. I condemn Hamas and pray for peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

Following up on Sunday, Mr Cosgrave said violence inflicted by Hamas is “outrageous and disgusting”.

“It is by every measure an act of monstrous evil. Israel has a right to defend itself, but it does not, as I have already stated, have a right to break international law,” he said.

On Monday, Mr Cosgrave posted: “We are devastated to see the terrible killings and the level of innocent civilian casualties in Israel and Gaza. We condemn the attacks by Hamas and extend our deepest sympathies to everyone who has lost loved ones. We hope for peaceful reconciliation.”

A few hours later he added: “To repeat: War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies & should be called out for what they are. I will not relent.”

The Web Summit in Lisbon is due to run from 13- 16 November.

Organisers said they are saddened to hear that some Israelis in the tech community will no longer be attending Web Summit.

“We regret any hurt caused and extend our deepest sympathies to everyone who has lost loved ones. We hope for peaceful reconciliation," they said.