Amazon CEO on the ‘shocking and painful’ attacks in Israel

Amazon CEO on the “shocking and painful” attacks in Israel: Andy Jassy joined the chorus of those expressing sadness and outrage after militants stormed Israel from the Gaza Strip.

• Amazon is in touch with employees on the ground in Israel, providing necessary support and setting up ways for others to donate to humanitarian organizations.
• Microsoft also has a large presence in Israel. We've rounded up other Seattle-area ties and comments related to the war. Read more.

“The internet is destroying the pillars of your business, but it’s also giving you a gift.” That was the message from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to leaders at the Washington Post, shortly after he paid $250 million to acquire the newspaper. Former Post chief Marty Baron stopped in Seattle last night and shared what it was like working with Bezos. Read more. 

Tech Moves: Seattle tech vet Liz Pearce joins climate marketplace startup Ever.green; Absci names AI chief; and more notable personnel changes. 

“There was no data. I kept trying to find the reason.” Pamela Hayter spent eight years at Amazon learning to answer “the why” when it came to problem solving. She couldn’t find it when the company said it was time to return to the office at least three days a week. Hayter fought back against the mandate, and ultimately left a job she loved. Read more.

• Related: The New York Times on what we’ve learned from remote work.

Do you know a remarkable creator or builder from the Pacific Northwest? We’re seeking nominees for our new program called Uncommon Thinkers, presented in partnership with Greater Seattle Partners. Learn more and submit a nomination here. 

Hot Links:

• A new law in California will shine a light on the founder diversity demographics of companies that venture capital firms invest in. (Axios)

• Sound Transit is launching two new passenger-facing tech initiatives, including a new digital assistant tool for trip planning and a wayfinding tool for station navigation. (The Urbanist)

• As Amazon faces its own historic antitrust fight, lessons from Microsoft’s battle with the FTC in the 1990s could tell us what to expect. (KUOW)

• Microsoft rolled out new AI tools designed for healthcare organizations and aimed at reducing time-consuming processes. (CNBC)