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Marc Benioff joins Valley notables backing Gaza’s first coding academy

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Re: Marc Benioff joins Valley notables backing Gaza’s first coding academy

#11
post #5

is doing something like this considered a political statement against israel?

Not in the slightest. This kind of activity (economic activity) is probably the best way possible to deescalate the conflict. Israel has no interest in Gaza, they just want them to stop trying to attack, so if anything this program is for Israel, not against it. If you need evidence for that, then note that even during the worst conflicts Israel kept full communication (Cell and Internet) active in Gaza, which is opp…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Land_Foundation_for_Relie...

> During the 2007 trial the lawyers representing the foundation said that the Justice Department fabricated quotes and modified transcripts.[17] Critics faulted much of the evidence given during the trial. For example, over defense objection, the government called two anonymous witnesses: an Israeli Security Agency employee who was known to the jurors and the defense as "Avi" and an Israeli Defense Forces officer who was known to the jurors and the defense as "Major Lior." Even the defense lawyers were not permitted to know the names of these witnesses.[18] The government did not allege that HLF paid directly for suicide bombings, but instead that the foundation supported terrorism by sending more than $12 million to charitable groups, known as zakat committees, which build hospitals and feed the poor. The prosecution said the committees were controlled by Hamas, and contributed to terrorism by helping Hamas spread its ideology and recruit supporters.[19] Some of these charitable committees were still receiving US funding through the USAID programme as late as 2006. None of the zakat committees was included on the Treasury Department list of designated terrorist organizations. Edward Abington, Jr., former U.S. consul general in Jerusalem, acted as a defence witness and testified that during his daily CIA briefings he had never been informed that Hamas controlled the Palestinian charity groups mentioned.

Re: Marc Benioff joins Valley notables backing Gaza’s first coding academy

#16
post #5

is doing something like this considered a political statement against israel?

Not in the slightest. This kind of activity (economic activity) is probably the best way possible to deescalate the conflict. Israel has no interest in Gaza, they just want them to stop trying to attack, so if anything this program is for Israel, not against it. If you need evidence for that, then note that even during the worst conflicts Israel kept full communication (Cell and Internet) active in Gaza, which is opp…

We shouldn't normalize the idea that it's acceptable for Israel to control all communication and trade of another state.

Re: Marc Benioff joins Valley notables backing Gaza’s first coding academy

#17
post #16
post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not in the slightest. This kind of activity (economic activity) is probably the best way possible to deescalate the conflict. Israel has no interest in Gaza, they just want them to stop trying to attack, so if anything this program is for Israel, not against it. If you need evidence for that, then note that even during the worst conflicts Israel kept full communication (Cell and Internet) active in Gaza, which is opp…

We shouldn't normalize the idea that it's acceptable for Israel to control all communication and trade of another state.

I love how the parent comment phrased that as if Israel was doing Gaza an immense favor by not cutting communication.

Re: Marc Benioff joins Valley notables backing Gaza’s first coding academy

#18
post #5

is doing something like this considered a political statement against israel?

Not in the slightest. This kind of activity (economic activity) is probably the best way possible to deescalate the conflict. Israel has no interest in Gaza, they just want them to stop trying to attack, so if anything this program is for Israel, not against it. If you need evidence for that, then note that even during the worst conflicts Israel kept full communication (Cell and Internet) active in Gaza, which is opp…

> Israel has no interest in Gaza

The two bombardments by Israel over the last few years and the fact that Gaza is still a prison city (in the 21st century!) makes me think otherwise.

> they just want them to stop trying to attack

And the best way to do that is to carpet bomb the city every few years and deny it aid after doing so. I'm certain that the many children who lost their entire families will love Israel forever.

> If you need evidence for that, then note that even during the worst conflicts Israel kept full communication (Cell and Internet) active in Gaza, which is opposite of what is normally done (cutting communication of the opponent).

What a generous gesture!

Re: Marc Benioff joins Valley notables backing Gaza’s first coding academy

#19

Seems like Israeli companies are also trying to help out -- http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-mellan...

I have second hand experience from friends working there. Lots of good cooperation is happening between Israelis and Palestinians. If only our governments didn't suck :)

The Palestinian workers in Mellanox are well liked and respected from what I saw and the company enjoys having them.

Re: Marc Benioff joins Valley notables backing Gaza’s first coding academy

#20

is doing something like this considered a political statement against israel?

As an Israeli, I find it extremely frustrating that I can't help. I joined their "supporters" group and wanted to Mentor but it didn't really work out.

I totally get why they weren't really interested - but it's frustrating.

Most Israelis think this is a great opportunity and support these sort of initiatives. They've worked well with Jordan in the past.

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