Washington — Following is a statement from Thema Bryant, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, in response to reports that white supremacists and neo-Nazis are planning a “national day of hate” against Jewish people this weekend:
“In a time when acts of hatred and violence against the Jewish community are already on the rise, it is reprehensible that some groups seek to organize such appalling behavior. Hate crimes, including those derived from antisemitism, can have devastating physical, psychological and societal consequences, and psychologists must do what we can to stand against them.
“APA condemns antisemitism and hate in all forms. APA's Resolution on Antisemitism specifically calls on all psychologists to act to eliminate all discrimination of an antisemitic nature. It also commits APA to use its influence to promote fairness, respect, and dignity for all people, across religious and ethnic identities, in all arenas in which psychologists work and practice, and in society at large.
“Throughout history, hatred and bigotry based on ethnicity and religion have caused untold human suffering and have the potential to cause harm to future generations. We must bring all that psychology has to offer to help eradicate hate in all its forms and address the trauma it has wrought.”