Tech Titans Take Arms: Israeli CEO and managers join war against Hamas

In response to the recent wave of brutal attacks by Hamas, Israel is calling up a record 300,000 reservists, mobilizing its citizens for potential conflict. The Israeli government is preparing for an offensive against Gaza, following a series of incursions by the militant group that have resulted in the loss of hundreds of civilians and military personnel.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Israeli startup CodiumAI CEO, Itamar Friedman, is among those who have reported for reservist duty, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the country. In his words, "I want to be part of the people who are protecting our country." He has had to make arrangements for his company, which recently secured $11 million in funding from entities like OpenAI, to function without his presence during this extended period of service. Friedman requested his team to be as self-sufficient as possible during his absence.

As told Bloomberg, Shmuel Chafets, a venture capital founder based in Tel Aviv, expressed a similar sentiment, regarding it as his "duty to come and protect our country." He emphasized the severity of the situation, noting, "We're in a war — Saturday was the bloodiest day in Israel's history," and promptly volunteered for service. He highlighted the surge in people willingly enlisting in military service during this crisis.

According to The Information, at least 10% of Israel-based employees at cybersecurity firms Pentera and Armis have already been drafted and deployed by the military. Pentera CEO Amitai Ratzon shared an example, stating, "We have someone who, last Friday, was working in an office as a sales manager and is today putting on a uniform and having to serve at the border of Gaza." This sudden shift in roles underscores the urgency of the situation.

It's essential to note that Israel has compulsory military service, mandating all male citizens over the age of 18 to serve for 32 months in the armed forces. To facilitate this mobilization, the Israeli airline E-Al is operating flights to bring in reservists from abroad.

While Israel has declared that it secured the border with Gaza on Tuesday morning, it's reported that Hamas still holds around 100 hostages within Gaza itself, according to the country's ambassador to the UK. The Israeli military has launched airstrikes against the enclave, resulting in the loss of nearly 700 Palestinian lives.

The tech industry in Israel is adapting to these challenging circumstances, with CEOs and workers willingly stepping into the frontline to protect their nation. As the situation unfolds, their dedication and sacrifices reflect the nation's unwavering commitment to its security.