New York, NY, May 30, 2025 ... ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) and the Academic Engagement Network (AEN) are deeply alarmed by reports of the rising tide of antisemitism within the American Psychological Association (APA), the nation’s largest professional association representing psychologists.
Recently, thousands of Jewish psychologists and mental health professionals across the country have raised their voices about a hostile environment within APA that increasingly marginalizes and targets them for their identity and beliefs.
Specific incidents have included repeated calls promoting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, emails containing the phrases ‘Kudos to Hamas’ and ‘intifada, intifada,’ and conference speakers justifying violence against Jews and Israelis. Most recently, APA Division 39 President Lara Sheehi defended the D.C. shooting that killed Israeli embassy staffers Sarah Milgram and Yaron Lischinsky, outrageously describing the attack as a justified response to what she called a “genocidal” state.
“This moment calls for more than passive acknowledgment – it demands urgent and unequivocal action from APA leadership,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Rather than fostering a space of intellectual rigor, inclusion, and professional respect, the APA has too often allowed antisemitic rhetoric and anti-Israel bias to fester unchecked within its ranks. We commend Rep. Ritchie Torres for speaking out against this antisemitism and urging APA to take meaningful action.”
“This is not a series of isolated incidents — it is a pattern of exclusion and discrimination,” said Miriam F. Elman, AEN Executive Director. “Jewish and Zionist psychologists have faced harassment in APA-sponsored spaces, including discussion forums where anti-Zionist rhetoric and even praise for terrorist groups and extremists have gone unchallenged. This is unacceptable.
Elman added, “Antisemitism has no place in psychology, in science, or in any professional academic association that claims to value diversity and inclusion. This is not just about protecting Jewish professionals and recognizing the legitimacy of their perspectives; it is also about the core integrity of an organization that should be laser-focused on upholding the highest scientific and ethical standards.”
The APA’s credibility depends on its willingness to confront this moment with integrity. ADL and AEN are calling on the APA to:
Publicly condemn antisemitism, including the recent statements by former Division leadership that dehumanize Jewish and Zionist individuals.
Launch an independent investigation into antisemitic bias and behavior within APA divisions, leadership, publications, listservs and events.
Implement mandatory antisemitism awareness and inclusion training for all APA leadership and staff and offer such training opportunities for APA members.
Create structured reporting and accountability mechanisms for responding to hate and harassment targeting any group — including Jews and Zionists.
Ensure that multiple perspectives on controversial public issues are given a meaningful voice in shaping APA’s responses and programs, including the perspectives of Jewish and Zionist members.
For guidance on identifying and preventing antisemitism while promoting open dialogue, intellectual pluralism, and inclusive scholarship, see the ADL-AEN backgrounder, “Best Practices for Addressing Antisemitism Within Professional Academic Associations.”
About ADL
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.
About Academic Engagement Network (AEN)
AEN mobilizes networks of university faculty and administrators to counter antisemitism, oppose the denigration of Jewish and Zionist identities, promote academic freedom, and advance education about Israel.