2025 APA President-Elect Candidate Responses

#1: Kalyani Gopal

#1: Linda Woolf

#2: Joe Pachman

Endorsement Request for APA President-Elect
Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP)
Kalyani Gopal, PhD, HSPP
APA President-elect Candidate

Respected colleagues, Board, and Members of the AJP,

I write to you not just as a candidate for APA President-Elect, but as a woman, mother, grandmother, clinician, global advocate, and survivor-ally who has dedicated her life to championing the status, dignity, and mental health of diverse cultural identities, and generations. My name is Dr. Kalyani Gopal, and it is with heartfelt humility that I seek your endorsement.

AJP’s commitment to international science and growth, advocacy, intersectionality, and dismantling systemic antisemitism across organizations and communities is not only reflected in your mission; it is deeply embedded in my own life’s work. My career, spanning over 35 years, has been rooted in the advancement of those fighting for justice in psychology and in our communities, with a fierce devotion to equity, healing, inclusion, and social justice.

A Lifetime of Advocacy for Human Rights and Practice

My service to APA began as Chair of the Women’s Section of the Illinois Psychological Association, where I organized statewide advocacy for equitable pay, gender-affirming care, and culturally responsive treatment for women of color and immigrant women. I also began and Chaired the Task Force on Hate and Harassment in direct response to the misogyny being experienced. Persecution of a people is never acceptable, and the Jewish community is currently experiencing levels of hate and harassment that is unconscionable. 

Later, as President of IPA and then, first as President of the Section on Women’s Issues, and later, President of Division 12, Society of Clinical Psychology, of APA, I prioritized amplifying unification and created leadership pathways for ALL psychologists and early-career professionals. I have served APA with my whole heart, from governance to grassroots. In recognition, I was deeply humbled to receive the APA Presidential Citation from past president, Dr Thema Bryant for my work on upholding human rights, championing survivors’ human rights.

But it is beyond titles where the truest work lies.

1. As President and as President-Elect, will you support an EPA seat for the Ethnic Psychological Association, Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP)?  If so, why and how?

As President and President-Elect, I would wholeheartedly support the inclusion of EPA seat for the Ethnic Psychological Association, Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP). This step is crucial for amplifying diverse voices and perspectives within our field, which ultimately strengthens our collective impact on psychological practice and policy. MENA-Psy and other ethnic organizations already have a seat at the table, so it does make sense to have representation of our Jewish community of psychologists. My commitment to diversity is rooted in my own experiences as an immigrant and my advocacy work at the intersection of culture and trauma. I believe that representation within the EPA is not just beneficial; it is essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities especially given the rise of antisemitism. By integrating AJPs insights, we can better advocate for culturally relevant practices and policies that resonate with a broader population. To realize this vision, I will leverage my leadership experience at the United Nations and my collaborative networks to ensure AJP’s needs are recognized and supported. Together, we can create a more inclusive and effective psychological community that reflects the richness of our diverse society. Let's pave the way for equity and representation in psychology.

2. What will you do, in the face of opposition to this support, to help us create additional allies so that we can, indeed, gather enough support to win Council approval for an EPA seat?

In light of the rising antisemitism and political opposition to the Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP) amid the Israeli Arab Palestinian conflict, my commitment to securing an EPA seat for the Ethnic Psychological Association, AJP becomes even more critical. Here is what needs to be done. A recent example in COR was when the Indigenous Wisdom NBI was being questioned by several representatives who oppose traditional wisdom which is viewed negatively as non-scientific methodology. They were deeply against it - I went up to the mike and expressed that concern by couching it within a personal concern and offering alternative language. Several prominent COR members came up to me afterwards thanking me for my comment and the NBI passed with a strong vote the next day with these and other minor adjustments. So, it is important to address underlying issues and reservations diplomatically and with firm but compassionate leadership. To address this important issue, I will be:

Building Coalitions of Solidarity

Mobilizing Allies: I will actively seek to mobilize a diverse coalition of allies, including Jewish, Jewish-ally leaders from various divisions and advocacy groups, emphasizing our shared commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion. We will also share real life stories of those mental health professionals impacted by the hate. We are all Americans from diverse cultural backgrounds. By framing our cause as a unified stand against hate and division, we can emphasize the importance of representation for all marginalized communities through divisions, boards, and committees in APA.

Engaging in Dialogue

Fostering Understanding: I will initiate inclusive dialogues that address the complexities of the current climate. By facilitating discussions that highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity and mutual respect, we can create a space for understanding and collaboration, countering negativity with empathy and education.

Strategic Advocacy. 

Grassroots Mobilization: We will launch grassroots campaigns that not only advocate for the EPA seat but also confront antisemitism and promote understanding across communities. Empowering voices within both the Ethnic Psychological Association and AJP will ensure that their narratives resonate deeply and that we collectively advocate for a more inclusive psychological landscape.

Empowering Voices. 

Training Advocates: We will create a Presidential Task Force on Hate and Harassment (similar to the IPA task force) which will provide mentorship and training to emerging leaders from EPA, equipping them to articulate their needs, combat hate and harassment and promote positive experiences effectively. By amplifying these voices, we can counter opposition with powerful stories of resilience and solidarity.

Together, we will navigate this challenging landscape, ensuring that the EPA seat for the Ethnic Psychological Association, Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP) is achieved, and the psychologists are recognized as vital contributors to our shared mission of psychological justice and equity.

In addition, please answer the following questions:

1. To what extent do we have a problem with antisemitism in APA?

The question of antisemitism within the American Psychological Association requires a thoughtful examination of available evidence, acknowledging both documented concerns and the broader context of rising antisemitism affecting mental health professions nationwide. 

Evidence of Antisemitism Within APA After October 7th and the remarks made by APA leadership, antisemitism concerns within APA emerged in early 2024, when 3,625 mental health professionals signed an open letter under the banner "Psychologists Against Antisemitism" to APA leadership, The letter expressed concerns about organizational silence regarding the October 7th attacks and rising antisemitism affecting Jewish communities in the United States. The concerns raised by these professionals reflect documented patterns beyond individual incidents. Harvard research findings on "traumatic invalidation" revealed that antisemitism has become particularly pervasive in mental health fields and documented how Jewish professionals and patients experienced systematic invalidation of their trauma and concerns. Jews have reported that their trauma is consistently devalued and compared to Palestinian trauma. Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) took up the mantle and heeded the call for alarm expressing deep concern. It is in no small measure that two prominent traumatologists, Drs. Gabor Mate and Basell Van De Kolk dismissed the sexual violence trauma and have heavily criticized Israel. Both have a large following of psychologists and mental health professionals. Mental health colleagues have overwhelmingly expressed fear, stigmatization and hate speech and one study shows 75.4% mental health professionals reported workplace exposure to antisemitism. In Chicago, Jewish therapists were blacklisted and therapists refused to treat Jewish patients due to their political views. (https://www.persuasion.community/p/therapists-are-still-behaving-like?utm_source=). American Jews are being targeted just as Sikhs, with whom we worked years ago – they are a small minority peaceful community from India targeted post 9/11 where young people were murdered during prayers at their temple due to Muslim hatred.

2. As a member of the APA Presidential trio, during each of your three years, what would you do to address antisemitism in APA?

It deeply pains me to think about anyone feeling unsafe in our professional home especially as I have lived experience of discrimination within leadership. Further, research on Jewish parents in California after the October 7, 2023 attacks found that their depressive symptoms grew by 30 % and anxiety by 45 %, and over 60 % said they had directly experienced an antisemitic act (ucdavis.edu).This is deeply egregious and is driving mental health problems and shows why we must act. In February 2025, more than 3,500 psychologists and other mental-health professionals signed an open letter urging the APA to confront antisemitism (blogs.timesofisrael.com).

In the first year I would listen and learn and work with the AJP for a seat for representation. I would meet with Jewish members and other marginalized groups, study data like the UC Davis findings, advocate for inclusivity, and create a task force to review our policies. We would host listening sessions, learn how psychologists can support one another, and share stories so everyone feels heard and recognize we are all Americans. I would strongly support in action and word an APA seat for the Ethnic Psychological Association, Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP).

In the second year I would lead change. We would implement mandatory training on cultural competence, peaceful negotiation, conflict resolution, and antisemitism, emphasize in our ethics code language to enforce fairness, and support research and clinics that help Jewish American people and all targets of hate (ucdavis.edu).

In the third year, I would continue to be vigilant and promote inclusion and acceptance. We would measure our progress, recalibrate as needed, celebrate our diverse members, and ensure future leaders continue this work. Healing our community will make us stronger, kinder, and more scientifically relevant.

Brief Background:

As a South Asian immigrant raised across several cities in India in a military family, trained in both Eastern and Western psychology. I understand the multiplicity of identities across cultures and countries; how we are shaped by race, migration, class, faith, sexuality, ability, age, social identity, and trauma. I have lived that complexity. I lead from it. During my IPA Presidency the Convention theme was “Intersectionality.”
I have fought for inclusive trauma models that honor ethnic diversity and inclusivity. During COVID-19, I operated a crisis hotline for those isolated, aging, with language barriers, and lack of family.
I coined the acronym “IDEAS” (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Sustainability) during my APA Division 12 presidency and embedded it into every strategic initiative. I will do so at the National level as well within all Divisions and Committees. I believe leadership should not be aspirational; it must be transformational.

A Legacy of Healing, Not Just Leadership

Psychology has taught me that healing is both personal and political. It is about rebuilding the lives of survivors, yes, but also about changing the systems that broke them.  I bring lived experience, policy acumen, and a tireless devotion to psychological freedom. This is not a campaign - it is a calling.

My daughter, Dr. Shifali Singh, also a clinical psychologist, is now a professor and a new mother. Watching her hold her own daughter reminds me of why I do this work. Because when we uplift one human being, we change generations. On a positive note, my son is marrying a lovely Jewish girl, and I absolutely adore her. However, he has indirectly experienced antisemitism when asked by a workplace colleague why he was going to marry a Jewish person.

I respectfully ask for your endorsement.

With deep respect, compassion, and solidarity,

Dr. Kalyani Gopal, PhD, HSPP
President, Psychology Coalition at the United Nations (psychologycoalitionun.org)
Past President, APA Division 12
Founder, SAFE Coalition for Human Rights, Therapeutic Shelter for Survivors
Website: www.drkgopal.com
Email: kgopalphd@gmail.com

Linda M. Woolf, PhD
Candidate Statement – APA President-Elect
Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP)

Thank you for this opportunity to address issues relevant to both APA and AJP in my campaign for  President-Elect. APA must stand firmly for human rights, respect for individuals and communities,  education, and the advancement of research and science. Most importantly, it must stand as a voice against prejudice and discrimination in all its forms, including antisemitism. These values are central to my vision as an APA/APASI President-Elect candidate. 

1. As President and as President-Elect, will you support an EPA seat for the Ethnic Psychological  Association, Association of Jewish Psychologists (AJP)? If so, why and how? 

Yes – AJP should have a seat at the table as an Ethnic Psychological Association (EPA). In the past, this effort has primarily been challenged for a couple of reasons. 

First, many individuals assume that Jewish psychologists have long been represented within APA, including within leadership. This reasoning is problematic as it fails to address the history of antisemitism within APA, the lack of diversity within Jewish representation within APA, and evidence of an illusory correlation related to Jewish leadership within APA.  

Second, many individuals assume that identity as a Jewish individual or community is solely based on religion. However, “Jewish” refers to an intersection of religion, culture, peoplehood, and ethnicity. The most compelling evidence of an ethnicity is the clear genetic ancestry of individuals and communities that can be traced back through history to the present day. Although Jewish communities were dispersed around the globe, often due to threats to survival, these communities continued to thrive. Shared traditions, languages, cultural practices, religious practices, and a tendency to only marry within communities have maintained an ethnic/cultural identity.  

Historically, within the United States (US) and Europe, antisemitism first manifested in significant ways as an anti-religious bias. That changed in more recent times as those who hated Jewish individuals and communities focused on a “scientific” basis for their bias and prejudice. Laws within the US and Europe were grounded in eugenics and theories of racial hygiene to support discrimination and destructive harm.  Ideas that flourished within the field of psychology. The idea of “Jewish” as an ethnicity was not questioned but used as a basis for ongoing harm, including the Holocaust.  

So, the “why” is clear: AJP should have a seat at the table with the other EPAs. Although individuals can convert to Judaism, the vast majority of Jewish individuals and communities share an ethnic heritage.  Historic and current antisemitism is primarily grounded in prejudice against Jewish ethnicity, both in relation to individuals as persons, but also the community as a people.  

The “how” is more difficult, as many misconceptions about Jewish individuals and communities exist, often fueled by a lack of knowledge about Jewish culture, religion, traditions, history, ethnicity, and more.  There is also frequently a failure to recognize the extent of antisemitism that exists in the US, other nations around the globe, and on the Internet. Additionally, many individuals fail to understand the connection of Jewish individuals and communities to the land of Israel, as descendants of the Tribes of  Israel, and identification as a people of Israel. Israel is not simply a country but rather a fundamental element within many Jewish individuals’ identity and relationship with their religion, culture, traditions,  heritage, and peoplehood. As such, world geopolitics, which are incredibly complex, have for some served as a flashpoint for deep pain, anguish, and anger, while for some others served as a tool for antisemitic bias and prejudice. Unfortunately, when deep emotions are awakened, it is often difficult for 

individuals to listen to one another and work together. As humans, we tend to fall quickly into “us/them”  thinking.  

It is going to be important for APA, AJP, and the current EPAs to engage in difficult dialogues so that we can learn from each other and confront the barriers to moving beyond antisemitism and other forms of bias. Individuals, including psychologists, do not know what they do not know. I believe that AJP has a place at the table as an EPA. However, other groups may not fully understand the historic and current commonalities of exclusion, marginalization, and destructive harm. As such, dialogue and relationship building will be essential.  

2. What will you do, in the face of opposition to this support, to help us create additional allies so that we can, indeed, gather enough support to win Council approval for an EPA seat? 

First, and foremost, I would use my voice to not only speak out in favor of AJP being welcomed as an  EPA but also address the misconceptions and misinformation that serve as a barrier.  

Second, dialogue within APA leadership and the EPAs is imperative. As noted above, having difficult conversations and being open about the issues are essential. Indeed, as part of the Presidential Trio, I can use my voice to reach out to other groups to foster and sustain this dialogue.  

AJP and the other EPAs share many historical and current similarities. It is through an understanding of our shared as well as distinct histories that the groups can learn to work together. With the development of knowledge and trust, AJP is more likely to be welcomed by the other EPAs as opposed to being viewed with suspicion and somehow seen as diminishing their role.  

Finally, too often, the EPAs, as well as the AJP, are seen as groups off to the side. I’m reminded of the  “text box” in most college textbooks. These boxes often contain important highlighted information, but are usually viewed by students as less important than the mainstream material. The EPAs and AJP are not “less than” nor are they simply groups with limited focus. Rather, they should be viewed as partners within the broader field of psychology. As such, APA, AJP, and the EPAs need to maintain regular contact and dialogue to help us learn about each other and our histories, as well as work on common issues/policies. 

3. To what extent do we have a problem with antisemitism in APA? 

APA reflects the biases that exist within the US, and as such, APA has a problem with antisemitism, including overt and covert antisemitism as well as a host of microaggressions. Certainly, any form of prejudice and discrimination is unacceptable and yet, through the years, I have seen many groups of individuals and peoples targeted, including Jewish individuals and communities. It is an ongoing problem within the US and the APA that must be addressed both in terms of specific instances but also more broadly. It is essential that APA not only speak out but also engage in educational efforts, policy development, and include Jewish identity as an element of its EDI efforts.  

I would add that APA needs to formally and publicly recognize the pain, hurt, threat, and marginalization that never seems to be taken seriously when it occurs against Jewish individuals or communities at home or around the globe. People want to be seen; people want to be heard. These are dangerous times, and yet, antisemitic threats and harms often seem to go unnoticed. As an Association, we must do better, and I  believe this challenge is starting to be recognized.  

Additionally, I would again reinforce the issue that APA must address not only overt anti-Semitism but  also implicit biases, microaggressions, and structural barriers to participation as student/professionals—

barriers that force Jewish individuals to hide parts of their identities and cultural practices in an effort to  "assimilate" or "fit in." 

4. As a member of the APA Presidential trio, during each of your three years, what would you do to address antisemitism in APA? 

Recently, I was selected to co-lead the Collaborative of Jewish Psychologists. The Call for Nominations for this Collaborative was sent out yesterday. The Call reads in part: 

The APA Board of Directors is seeking nominations for a Collaborative of Jewish Psychologists  (CJP). We welcome a diversity of voices representing the breadth of Jewish identity, including traditions, culture, and religious beliefs. Our goal is to be transparent and inclusive. The Collaborative  is being formed to: 

• Review the 2007 Resolution on Anti-Semitic and Anti-Jewish Prejudice to advise the APA  Board on the need to retain, revise, sunset, or replace the Resolution. 
• Work collaboratively with the Office of EDI to design an APA roadmap for addressing antisemitism and uplifting Jewish identity. 
• Advise the APA Board on how to address antisemitism in alignment with the APA mission— to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives. 

So, my work has already begun, and whether I am elected President of APA or not, I am committed to these efforts.  

For more information, go to linda4apa.com. 

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. I am a recent member of AJP.

I believe that antisemitism is a significant problem in the APA. For example, Jewish psychologists often report having their voices minimized or even excluded, especially during dialogues involving EDI. This can be seen by the vitriol that is not infrequently displayed on listservs. The impression is that there is a lack of support for Jewish members during this time of increased antisemitism. 

If elected President of APA, I will support an EPA seat for the Association of Jewish Psychologists. As president, I would convene a task force on antisemitism, in collaboration with AJP, to identify opportunities for the voices of Jewish Members to be heard and integrated within the broader EDI initiatives. Included here would also be a standing committee focused on Jewish identity and antisemitism. I also believe that it is important that antisemitism is called out and addressed in APA statements on hate or bias.

I endorse mandatory workshops and structured reporting and accountability mechanisms for responding to hate targeting ANY group, and clarifying how this differs from free speech.  I would also launch an independent investigation, in collaboration with AJP, regarding structural and implicit antisemitism within APA. I propose working with APA governance to integrate recommendations from the task force referenced above into APA’s long term EID strategy. 

I propose working with legislative allies such as Congressman Ritchie Torres who has raised the issue of antisemitism to APA leadership. I would work with Council to help identify opportunities for divisions to publicly advocate for the seat, especially those who have previously expressed support for EID initiatives, and would attempt to create additional allies through constructive dialogue.  There is also an educational opportunity with Council through use of the platform of APA President/President Elect. I would provide an “open-line” for psychologists who face the consequences of antisemitism within the APA, including microaggressions, so that support can be offered in a timely fashion.

In short, I agree that this calls for more than just passive acknowledgment, and the moment requires a willingness to act with integrity. APA’s mission is to positively impact society. Although I agree that criticism of Israel should not be conflated with antisemitism, we also can’t ignore the psychological impact of any type of intolerance. Granting a seat aligns with the commitment of APA to social justice through recognition of the legitimate perspectives of Jewish members.