WASHINGTON — Following is a statement by Frank C. Worrell, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, in response to the hostage-taking incident at the Beth Israel Temple in Colleyville, Texas:
“The American Psychological Association stands with the Jewish community at large as they once again confront the fear, anxiety and pain caused by another violent act, adding to the burden of trauma over generations.
“Antisemitism has no place in a civilized society.
“We belong to many groups that contribute to our identities. We each are multifaceted. We should be able to live without fear of being targeted because of who we are. We should be able to worship without fear, go to school without fear, go to work without fear.
“Those in our community who are Jewish will need our support in the days ahead, from psychologists as professionals and from all of us as fellow human beings. We urge those who are experiencing trauma in the aftermath of this incident to turn off the news and turn to others. There is hope in how communities — all of our communities — can come together to support one another at such difficult times.”
Here are some helpful links:
Psychological research shows that hate crimes cause psychological damage to individuals and to communities.