condemning the erasure of palestinian visibility and the american psychological association’s reinforcement of anti-palestinian racism
Dear Dr. Kawahara and APA Leadership,
We are a collective of Palestinian, Arab, and SWANA therapists who initially set out writing this letter to express our profound concern and disappointment over the APA’s recent decision to remove an image featuring a person wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh from your upcoming convention website. We are aware it has since been reinstated and we welcome this gesture of inclusion and yet continue to be driven to communicate the wider impact and harm reflected in that initial decision. Whether this action was driven by a misguided sense of "neutrality" or intentional, it is neither neutral nor harmless—it is an unequivocal and harmful perpetuation of anti-Palestinian racism.
The keffiyeh is far more than just fabric; it is a powerful symbol of Palestinian cultural identity, dignity, resistance, and survival. Its significance extends beyond Palestinians, resonating deeply with all who stand in solidarity with colonized and displaced peoples worldwide. The keffiyeh dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, predating the establishment of Israel, and it represents a long-standing cultural legacy. By erasing such a symbol, the APA risks perpetuating the same forces that diminish Palestinian humanity and contribute to the ongoing erasure of the Palestinian people.
Removing this emblem of Palestinian pride and resilience sends a dangerous message: that the struggle for Palestinian liberation is unworthy of recognition or visibility in mainstream spaces, including those in the mental health and academic fields. It reinforces a troubling pattern in U.S. institutions, where Palestinian grief, resilience, and expertise are routinely dismissed, erased, or silenced—even within the field of psychology.
It is critical to clarify that the keffiyeh is not antisemitic. It is a symbol of resistance against occupation and colonialism, not of hostility toward any group. Equating it with antisemitism conflates opposition to Israeli government policies with hatred toward Jewish people, erasing the important distinction between anti-Zionism—which critiques Israeli governmental practices—and antisemitism, which targets Jews as a group. Such conflation perpetuates harmful stereotypes, deepening divisions and fostering misunderstanding. Labeling the keffiyeh as antisemitic reflects broader orientalist tendencies, where Western narratives attempt to define Palestinian culture and identity, reducing a rich tradition to a narrow and politicized stereotype.
A recent survey by the Anti-Palestinian Racism Research Group (APRRG) underscores the severe mental health toll of anti-Palestinian racism in the U.S. Over 71% of respondents reported experiencing negative mental or physical health impacts, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia, due to discrimination. Many expressed feelings of isolation for supporting Palestinian rights, with over half fearing to speak out—particularly regarding Gaza. These findings highlight an urgent need for awareness, understanding, and support. By erasing visible symbols of Palestinian identity, the APA inadvertently perpetuates the very forces that undermine the mental health and well-being of Palestinian individuals, already marginalized within the psychological field.
We unequivocally condemn the APA for its ongoing complicity in anti-Palestinian racism, and for its disturbing use of Black imagery and rhetoric to shield itself from legitimate critique and deflect attention from its refusal to stand with Palestinians. The co-opting of Black imagery while upholding systems of racialized violence elsewhere is a textbook case of performative allyship and selective humanization. This is not solidarity; it is exploitation. At a time when Palestinian lives are under siege and calls for justice echo globally, the APA’s silence—and in some cases, overt suppression of Palestinian voices—constitutes a clear endorsement of systemic violence and colonial oppression.
The APA’s recent public apology for its historical role in perpetuating systemic racism, coupled with its reaffirmation of a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), presents a critical contradiction. If the APA is to truly uphold these values—especially in the context of healing, inclusion, and anti-oppression—it must stand in solidarity with all communities resisting colonial violence and cultural erasure, including Palestinians.
This disparity calls into question the integrity of the APA’s DEI efforts, suggesting that its advocacy may be selective and politically influenced. Such inconsistencies undermine the organization’s credibility and challenge the sincerity of its commitment to equity.
We urge the APA to take the following actions:
Publicly acknowledge and apologize for the removal of the keffiyeh image and its harmful impact on Palestinian communities and their allies.
Ensure that Palestinian cultural symbols are visibly represented in APA materials, affirming the value of Palestinian identity and contributions.
A clear and public denunciation of anti-Palestinian racism within the profession, including by supporting Palestinian mental health professionals and centering their work.
Take a public stance against the ongoing occupation and structural violence faced by Palestinians, acknowledging the immense psychological and emotional toll it inflicts on individuals and communities.
A recognition of the interconnectedness of struggles against oppression—including Black, Indigenous, and Palestinian resistance.
Visibility is not a threat, cultural identity is not political propaganda, and justice is not a brand to be marketed. The Palestinian people deserve to be seen, affirmed, and protected—not only within the APA but across all institutions. Standing for healing requires more than words—it requires integrity, courage, consistency, and decisive action, especially when that action may be difficult.
We look forward to a response and a renewed commitment to true equity and inclusion.
Signed,
A Collective of Palestinian, Arab, and SWANA Therapists Against Anti-Palestinian Racism
