APA Accused of Failing to Address Rampant Antisemitism ‘Within Its Ranks’

According to an open letter spearheaded by Psychologists Against Antisemitism, the American Psychological Association (APA) is failing to address “virulent antisemitism within its ranks.”

The letter cites numerous examples of antisemitic statements and messages in internal listservs; these include statements like “Kudos to Hamas” and calls for “Intifada, Intifada,” as well as calls for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions against Israel.

The letter then accuses the APA of failing to properly address this rampant and pervasive antisemitism within its organization, noting its “relative silence” on the issue of antisemitism.

It’s simple: there is no place for antisemitism in the psychology profession. Mental health professionals should all agree that the APA must protect its Jewish members and the Jewish community at large from this disgusting rhetoric.

Help hold the APA accountable and add your name to the letter through the form linked here.

Additionally, the letter cites statements made by Dr. Lara Sheehi, president of the APA Society of Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology (Division 39), that the letter argued equated support of Israel’s right to exist with “psychosis.”

The letter calls on the APA to address and investigate this antisemitic rhetoric and ensure that material harmful to Jews is not part of any continuing education offerings.

As of late February, the letter already had over 3,500 signatures.

Sign on to the letter through the form linked here, and help hold the APA accountable.