I’m a social media lurker and not really a poster, but I’m trying to bring some awareness to an issue I feel passionate about in regards to the current Ukraine-Russia conflict. I have family and friends still in Ukraine and I’m trying to do my part, however small it may be.
Philips (Koninklijke Philips N.V.) a massive international company, has made no moves or announcements on their stance of doing business in Russia. Meanwhile their main competitor, Siemens, has already started to impose their own restrictions on business with Russia.
To give you a little background, during WW2, both of these companies fell into the hands of German occupation. Siemens produced for Nazi Germany, while Philips fled to the US to avoid it. In fact, the son of the CEO, Anton Philips even stayed behind and helped save the lives of nearly 400 Jews.
Siemens learned from their mistakes and are on the right side of history this go round, but it seems Philips has forgotten their heritage.
I ask, kindly, that you help me bring awareness to this issue. I’ve written my first tweet in regards to this, and have directed it at both Philips and the CEO Frans Van Houten, but I’d like them to feel the heat.
If you’d be willing, share and retweet it here – https://twitter.com/ovenstoven/status/1499189468405944326?s=21