New York, NY, February 15, 2026 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today condemned a statement by the Coalition of National Racial and Ethnic Psychological Associations (CONREPA) that opposes the recognition of the Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP) as an Ethnic Psychological Association within the American Psychological Association (APA).
The CONREPA statement, endorsed by five of its associations representing approximately 2,000 members, raises what it calls "several considerations" about recognizing Jewish psychologists, including claims that conflating religion, race and ethnicity "obscures the role of racism," that “the majority of Jewish Americans in the United States identify as white” and that "Jewish psychologists are not underrepresented within APA."
"This statement is not just troubling - it is indefensible. It reflects a profound and dangerous distortion of Jewish identity and a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of antisemitism." said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. "Jewish identity encompasses religion, ethnicity and culture- a complexity that CONREPA's statement dismisses entirely. To suggest that Jewish psychologists do not face discrimination or deserve representation within this group is both factually wrong and harmful."
The CONREPA statement comes amid growing concerns about antisemitism within the APA. ADL has previously documented the hostile environment Jewish psychologists face within the APA, including repeated calls promoting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, emails containing phrases like "Kudos to Hamas" and "intifada, intifada," and conference speakers justifying violence against Jews and Israelis.
Moreover, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce is currently investigating antisemitism at the APA, stating it is "gravely concerned" about reports that Jewish APA members have been harassed and ostracized by their colleagues because of their Jewish identity, their efforts to speak out against antisemitism and their Zionist beliefs.
Despite the APA's recent claims that it is addressing antisemitism through listening sessions and the formation of a Collaborative of Jewish Psychologists, the organization's failure to oppose CONREPA's discriminatory statement demonstrates that these efforts fall far short of meaningful action.
ADL calls on the APA to reject CONREPA's position and to recognize the Association of Jewish Psychologists, ensuring that Jewish mental health professionals have a voice within their professional community.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate. More at www.adl.org.