The Surge of Antisemitism in Psychological Organizations: An Investigative Analysis

Contemporary psychological organizations are experiencing a concerning surge of antisemitism that often violates professional and ethical standards and undermines the fundamental principles of inclusive mental health practice. While such biases existed long before, the events of October 7, 2023 have triggered a rise-not only in antisemitic rhetoric and actions but in their growing normalization within these very institutions. Moreover, antisemitism has often been repackaged under the guise of progressive activism. For many mental health professionals, especially those who identify as Jewish and/or Zionist, both witnessing and experiencing this surge of hate has been personally and professionally challenging. Perhaps this is especially the case for those of us who have been committed to multicultural and social justice efforts for most of our careers, serving as allies and vocal promoters of human rights. In this chapter, an overview of the prevalence of antisemitism within major professional psychology associations and the ways in which it has been unleashed post October 7 will be presented. Implications for education, training, and practice and common themes will then be discussed.