American Psychological Association brushed off antisemitism complaints — US House report

A US House committee report alleges the American Psychological Association dismissed antisemitism complaints from Jewish members, consulted anti-Zionist groups about its October 7 response, and mocked concerns in internal emails. The report cites APA leaders consulting AMENA-Psy, which called the Hamas attack 'resistance,' and responding to Jewish members with 'Sigh!'

A US House committee report released Thursday alleges that the American Psychological Association (APA) dismissed antisemitism complaints from Jewish members and consulted with anti-Zionist groups about its response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. The 24-page report by the Republican-led House Committee on Education and Workforce includes internal emails showing APA leaders consulting the American Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Psychological Association (AMENA-Psy), which called the October 7 onslaught 'resistance' to genocide. AMENA-Psy advised the APA to change the phrase 'terrorist attacks' in its statement. The APA's October 7 statement did not refer to the attacks as terrorism. The report also shows then-APA president Cynthia de las Fuentes linking the Hamas attack to the killing of George Floyd, and APA leaders responding to Jewish members' concerns with dismissive comments like 'Sigh!' and 'Sigh……' The APA declined to recommend trauma psychologists for a White House screening of a documentary about October 7 sexual violence.