A Sharif University and University of British Columbia graduate, Zakeri publicly announced his resignation from Google in a LinkedIn post, expressing his decision as a reflection of his ethical values.
Zakeri voiced concerns over Google’s participation in Project Nimbus, a controversial initiative involving cloud technology and artificial intelligence systems, which has been criticized for assisting Israeli military and surveillance activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.
“After learning about Google’s involvement in Project Nimbus, I voiced my concerns for several months,” Zakeri stated. “Unfortunately, despite the efforts of many employees, leadership chose to maintain its stance and dismiss our collective concerns.”
Describing his resignation as a necessary step to align with his principles, Zakeri remarked, “Living in a way that conflicts with your core values is incredibly challenging.”
In his post, Zakeri encouraged others facing similar ethical dilemmas to find the courage to prioritize their principles over career opportunities, quoting, “What good is it for man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”
The move has drawn widespread attention, as Zakeri is not only a distinguished computer scientist but also a prominent advocate for human rights, with his decision resonating strongly within the tech and academic communities.
Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud computing contract between Google, Amazon, and the Israeli regime, has faced significant opposition from employees and activists concerned about its potential use in military operations.
In April 2024, Google terminated 28 employees following sit-in protests at its New York and Sunnyvale offices. The company cited violations of workplace policies, stating that the protesters’ actions disrupted operations and made other employees feel unsafe.
In response, the dismissed employees filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging that their terminations were retaliatory and violated labor laws protecting collective action. The NLRB is currently investigating these claims.
The protests were organized by “No Tech for Apartheid,” a coalition of tech workers and activists opposing Project Nimbus. They argue that the contract could enable surveillance and military activities against Palestinians.
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