Apple boss Tim Cook appears to be buying out of the debate over the dreadful attack by Hamas terrorists on Israel, with some claiming he is frightened of upsetting the Chinese Government who appear to be supporting the terrorists.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg condemned the Oct. 7 attacks as “pure evil.” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella posted he was “heartbroken by the horrific terrorist attacks.” Google CEO Sundar Pichai proclaimed his “stand against antisemitism.”
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy on X called the attacks on Israel “shocking and painful.”
Cook has posted nothing on social media about Israel and Hamas since the attacks.
He has posted comment on “racism” and has told climate sceptics he doesn’t want them to hold Apple shares. He was quick to comment on 911 and the terrorist attacks on the USA in the past.
According to the New York Post the only public statement from Cook readily accessible online appears to be one he gave the Jerusalem Post earlier this week – and some tech insiders viewed it as relatively wishy-washy.
“I am deeply saddened by the devastating attacks in Israel and the tragic reports emerging from the region,” Cook told the newspaper in a statement published on Monday. “My heart goes out to the victims, the families who have lost their loved ones, and all those who suffer as a result of this violence.”
The statement doesn’t appear to have been published anywhere else.
Some tech insiders speculate it’s because of Apple’s fragile relationship with China, which accounts for more than 20% of the company’s revenue and an estimated 95% of its manufacturing.
This week Cook popped over to China for a surprise visit, cheering on gamers at an event in southwestern China. The PR stunt appeared to work: On Wednesday, the Chinese Commerce Minister issued a statement saying the country backs and “greatly values” Apple.
The terrorist attacks come in the wake of China banning iPhones for government officials at work — a move that sent Apple’s market capitalization plunging by $200 billion.
At the same time, Huawei has replaced Apple as the top smartphone maker in China, according to a Jefferies report.
