We recently ran a survey with 218 Muslims to uncover sentiments and feelings on having discussions online and in the workplace regarding recent events in the Middle East.
Our survey data highlighted that the overwhelming majority of Muslims surveyed are afraid to speak out at work, and therefore plan not to do so, fearful of repercussions.
To date approximately half of the respondents’ companies have issued a statement with a clear majority leaning towards a pro-Israeli sentiment, over neutral or pro-Palestinian.
As events continue to escalate globally, we expect more company statements to be issued over the coming weeks so please fill in the survey if you haven’t already and we will continue to analyse the responses.
Discussions at Work
Expressing views and opinions
Over 3/4 of those surveyed do not feel safe expressing their views on the Middle East at work (76%)
With almost half citing being ‘afraid of the repercussions’ (49%).
With 1/3 believing they could even lose their job (34%).
Fear of opinions being misinterpreted
Only 15% of Muslims have spoken at work regarding the Middle East. The data also showed two fifths (22%) of Muslims surveyed are struggling to put their thoughts and feelings into words
In statements provided by those surveyed those who have not, most are worried about their statements being viewed as support for Hamas or terrorism, or anti-semitic. There were also expressions around a concern of an increase in Muslim hate.
Of those who has not spoken up in the workplace or on social media:
- 44% were afraid of the repercussions generally
- 34% were fearful of losing their job
- 21% were struggling to put their thoughts and feelings into words
- 1% were unsure how they feel about the situation
Company Responses
Just over a half (53%), of the companies the respondents worked at had issued a statement to date, where the majority was considered to be Pro-Israel (62%).
Just over 1/3 (36%) had decided to adopt a neutral tone.
Only 2% were considered Pro Palestine.
Further Statements
“I feel extremely angry that some companies think it’s ok to take a pro-Israel stance without thinking about repercussions.”
“I feel like schools need to provide a safe and open space for students to voice their opinions and questions. A fellow teacher noticed a student passing a Palestinian flag around the classroom and has reported it to higher-ups and has (without the students expressing so) assumed they side with Hamas because they were saying something in another language. They assumed it was Arabic, (not the student’s language at all).”
“The discussion at work was to put out an immediate statement which I was able to temper, to focus on tangible action appropriate for our organisation and make it neutral in stance. However this still does not reflect my personal position on the matter and this was only possible as I am a Director. Also I was the lone voice with any challenge to the default position.”
“I can see students that I work with wanting to talk and express themselves but I’m also conscious that my providing them with a safe place to do so will easily be characterised as anti-Semitic as I am a visible Muslim woman.”
Next Steps
If you haven’t already please continue sharing you views, as we will be releasing a more detailed report:
For any questions or comments, you can reach us via email here: hello@muslamicmakers.com
