There seems to be a need for some critical introspection here.
A professional organization that advocates for minority psychologists has expressed its discontent regarding the formation of an Association of Jewish Psychologists, citing concerns related to the perceived whiteness of Jews.
“While we acknowledge that anti-Semitism and various forms of bigotry are unfortunately growing today, we believe there are important issues to consider about the establishment of this ethnic psychological association,” said the National Federation of Racial and Ethnic Psychological Associations.
“Mixing religion with race and ethnicity complicates discussions around racism, white supremacy, and white privilege, which play significant roles in the ongoing oppression of people of color,” they added. This organization represents professionals from several backgrounds, including Black, Native American, Hispanic, Asian, Arab American, and Middle Eastern psychologists.
Leaders within this group have pointed out that Jewish psychologists don’t face underrepresentation in the American Psychological Association (APA).
“Many Jewish Americans identify as white, and those who are psychologists of color already participate in various existing ethnic psychological associations,” the coalition argued in its statement.
They further asserted, “The purpose of Ethnic Psychological Associations is to support groups that are underrepresented in the APA. Jewish individuals do not fit that category.”
To bolster their position, the coalition referenced a 2021 resolution from the APA, which mentioned the need to confront racism. However, they noted that while the resolution touches on people of color, it does not explicitly address Jewish oppression.
“It’s interesting, or perhaps concerning, that religious discrimination like anti-Semitism wasn’t included in the APA’s recent resolutions. These issues definitely require more visibility within the APA Council,” the coalition leaders remarked.
The statement found backing from various groups, including the Asian American Psychological Association and the National Association of Latino Psychologists.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a prominent Jewish civil rights organization, has accused these minority groups of discriminating against Jews while potentially fostering anti-Semitism.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt labeled the coalition’s statement as “indefensible.”
“It’s not only incorrect but also damaging to imply that Jewish psychologists have not faced discrimination or do not warrant representation in this setting,” Greenblatt stated.
This announcement from the coalition comes at a time when concerns about anti-Semitism within the APA are intensifying, according to the ADL.
Previously, the ADL has claimed that other psychologists promote movements like BDS, which they view as harmful and anti-Semitic, aiming to economically diminish Israel, the only Jewish state.
Currently, the House Education and Workforce Committee is looking into allegations of anti-Semitism within the APA, with reports suggesting that Jewish psychologists have faced harassment.
Despite the APA’s claims of addressing anti-Semitism, including listening sessions and the formation of a Jewish Psychologists Coalition, the ADL contends that the APA has not adequately condemned the coalition’s discriminatory remarks, signaling a lack of genuine commitment to action.
The ADL has urged the APA to reject the stance taken by CONREPA and to support the Jewish Association of Psychologists, ensuring that Jewish professionals have representation in the community.
