Critiquing Israel is not Anti-Semitism: The American Psychological Association

February 28, 2026 - 10:20

In a significant statement, the American Psychological Association has clarified the crucial distinction between criticizing the policies of the Israeli government and antisemitism. This move addresses a growing and often heated debate within academic, political, and public spheres.

The association emphasizes that legitimate critique of a nation-state's actions is a fundamental component of free discourse and should not be conflated with prejudice against Jewish people. The APA underscores that accepted definitions of antisemitism recognize it as involving prejudice, discrimination, harassment, hatred, or violence directed at Jews specifically because they are Jewish.

This clarification is seen as an important intervention to protect both academic freedom and the accurate identification of genuine hate speech. The APA's position aligns with a broader effort by numerous human rights and scholarly organizations to ensure that political debates, particularly regarding the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict, do not inadvertently silence necessary criticism or, conversely, provide cover for actual bigotry. The statement serves as a reminder that holding any government accountable to international law and human rights standards is a separate issue from attacks on a people's identity or right to exist.