Amazon CEO Andy Jassy finally addressed the abduction of an Amazon Web Services engineer by Hamas, but only after his release. The company’s long silence has drawn scrutiny, particularly compared to other firms’ responses to similar incidents.
Key Facts:
- Alexander “Sasha” Troufanov, a 29-year-old Amazon Web Services engineer.
- Taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, while visiting family in southern Israel.
- Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel.
- Amazon remained silent about his captivity, citing concerns over his safety.
- Troufanov was freed on Saturday alongside two other hostages.
The Rest of The Story:
Troufanov, his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend were taken captive during Hamas’s October 7 attack. His father was killed in the assault.
While other companies publicly called for the release of their employees, Amazon remained silent, issuing only a vague statement condemning attacks on Israeli civilians.
Jassy later explained that the company feared public statements could worsen Troufanov’s treatment or delay his release.
He claimed Amazon had been working privately with experts and the hostage’s family.
Sasha Troufanov is an Amazon employee kidnapped by Hamas on 10/7.
For 497 days, Amazon has not said a word about him.
For 497 days, Amazon couldn't bother to show any solidarity with him or his family.
Amazon had 497 days to demonstrate their character.
And miserably failed. pic.twitter.com/g02cyNmsA9— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) February 15, 2025
Troufanov’s release came amid pressure on Hamas to uphold a ceasefire deal.
Criticism arose from Amazon employees, particularly its Israeli and Jewish staff, who contrasted the company’s silence with its vocal support for other social causes.
Some felt Amazon’s leadership prioritized business interests in Arab and Muslim countries over standing by an employee in crisis.
Commentary:
Amazon’s silence on Troufanov’s captivity was not a neutral act—it was a double standard.
This is a company that loudly supports causes like Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate but chose to stay silent when one of its Jewish employees was taken hostage by a terrorist group.
Sasha Troufanov is an Amazon employee kidnapped by Hamas on 10/7.
For 497 days, Amazon has not said a word about him.
For 497 days, Amazon couldn't bother to show any solidarity with him or his family.
Amazon had 497 days to demonstrate their character.
And miserably failed. pic.twitter.com/g02cyNmsA9— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) February 15, 2025
A corporation of Amazon’s size and influence could have made a real impact, yet it did nothing.
Unlike Nvidia, whose CEO publicly called for the release of his kidnapped employee, Amazon’s leadership refused to speak out.
Troufanov’s colleagues had to rent a truck to display his face at a major AWS conference just to get Amazon to acknowledge his situation.
That should never have been necessary.
Amazon wields enormous power on the global stage, but when it came to advocating for one of their own, they did nothing.
Their excuse that speaking out might have endangered Troufanov rings hollow—other companies managed to do so without issue.
It is deeply disturbing that a corporation with such vast resources refused to take a stand for its own employee.
Their silence wasn’t just a business decision; it was a choice that revealed where their true priorities lie.
Sasha Troufanov is an @amazon employee, kidnapped by H×mas 👇 Amazon hasn't made any statement about him, and forbids its employees from expressing support for his release.
According to @globesnews report, Amazon also refuses to recognize “Jewish Affinity” employee group, but… pic.twitter.com/4FnxQn0pZc
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) May 25, 2024
The Bottom Line:
Amazon’s refusal to speak publicly on Troufanov’s captivity highlights a troubling double standard.
For a company that champions global activism, its silence in this case was deafening.
The incident raises serious questions about whether Amazon values its business interests more than the safety of its employees.
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