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This is where you'll find the latest news, updates and insights from SAJMAP and our broader network of mental health, medical and allied professionals. We share stories that reflect our mission-upholding ethical practice, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for Jewish professionals and their allies in the field. Whether you're a member, ally or visitor, we invite you to explore the voices, ideas and conversations shaping our work.

News | Archive: 2025

SAJMAP Condemns Bondi Beach Terror Attack

December 22 2025 By SAJMAP anti-semitism, terrorism, bondi beach, australia

The South African Association of Jewish Mental Health, Medical and Allied Practitioners (SAJMAP) has issued the following media statement in response to the terrorist attack that took place during Hanukkah celebrations in Bondi, Sydney. The statement expresses SAJMAP's condemnation of terrorism, extends condolences to the Australian Jewish community, and reflects on the profound psychological and communal impact of such acts of violence. Read the...

SAJMAP Expresses Concern Over Withdrawal of Israeli Academic from Global Mental Health Summit

November 12 2025 By SAJMAP

The South African Association of Jewish Mental Health and Allied Practitioners (SAJMAP) has expressed concern following the withdrawal of Dr Galia Moran, an Israeli academic, from the 7th Global Mental Health Summit held in Cape Town. Dr Moran's withdrawal followed calls by protest groups opposing her participation based on her nationality. SAJMAP has described the incident as discriminatory and a violation of academic freedom, calling on profess...

Silencing Freud

October 12 2025 By SAJMAP

A South African screening of Outsider, Freud (2025), a film exploring Sigmund Freud's life, work and Jewish identity, was recently targeted with threats because its Israeli producer was set to speak. What should have been an evening of dialogue became a reminder of how identity can still be used to silence voices. The irony is stark: a film about the persecution of Jewish thinkers met by efforts to silence Jewish and Israeli voices today. Click o...

Jewish Medical Organisations Submit Rebuttal to SAMJ Article on Children in Wars

October 06 2025 By SAJMAP

Several Jewish medical associations and healthcare professionals have submitted a rebuttal to the South African Medical Journal in response to the article "Why solidarity with all children suffering in wars is not antisemitic." The rebuttal addresses omissions and factual inaccuracies, including claims about polio vaccine access in Gaza, and raises concerns about medical professionals offering contested legal interpretations. It emphasises Israel...

JCMHI Marks Milestone: 1,600+ Support Groups Delivered Worldwide

October 06 2025 By SAJMAP

The Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative (JCMHI) is building resilience across the global Jewish community through free, clinician-led support groups, resources, and research. With 28+ groups running weekly and thousands supported worldwide, JCMHI provides care that is both trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. View document below

JCMHI Announces Schedule for Free Weekly Support Groups

October 06 2025 By SAJMAP

Looking for support? The Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative (JCMHI) offers free, weekly, virtual support groups for Jewish adults, facilitated by mental health professionals. No commitment is required. Simply register and join a session that fits your schedule. Register at JCMHI.com or visit to learn more or email admin@jcmhi.com if you have any questions. View Support Group Flyer below

Medical Boycotts Harm Patients: SAJMAP Responds to SAMA Decision

October 05 2025 By SAJMAP

SAJMAP has issued a position statement raising serious concerns about the South African Medical Association's (SAMA) call to suspend all ties with the Israeli Medical Association. The response questions the legitimacy of SAMA's process, highlights risks of medical boycotts for patients and medical innovation, and calls for greater transparency and diversity within SAMA. Click on the document below to read the full response.

SAJMAP comment on Drama for Life Department at Wits University

October 05 2025 By SAJMAP

SAJMAP responded to a statement from the Drama for Life Department at Wits University, dated 29 September 2025, regarding the events in Gaza. Though the statement had some balance, there were comments that inconsistent and showed partiality against Israel, especially by citing opinions citing genocide. This raises legitimate concerns whether DFL students are being trained in accordance with norms of fairness, accuracy and critical engagement....

SAJMAP Response to SAMNET and IMASA

September 12 2025 By SAJMAP

In June 2025, SAJMAP issued a considered response to submissions made by SAMNET and IMASA. The document outlines SAJMAP's position on key issues, clarifies areas of disagreement, and reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, understanding, and responsible representation. This response provides context, background, and detailed reasoning to ensure transparency and accountability in SAJMAP's ongoing engagement with community stakeholders. Cli...

South African Healthcare Professionals' Critiques of Israel: Decolonial Solidarity or Antisemitic Bias?

May 15 2025 By SAJMAP

This paper was first published in Kesher, the Journal of the Association of Jewish Psychologists. It is reprinted here with the permission of the editor. It should be cited as: Strous, M. (2025). South African healthcare professionals' critiques of Israel: Decolonial solidarity or antisemitic bias? Kesher: Journal of the Association of Jewish Psychologists, 1 (2), 30-37. Abstract This paper critically examines the growing trend among some Sou...

Psychologists Demand Accountability for Antisemitism Within APA

February 25 2025 By SAJMAP

In a powerful and urgent open letter, a coalition of over 1,500 psychologists, academics, and mental health professionals has called on the American Psychological Association (APA) to confront what they describe as a systemic and growing problem of antisemitism within its ranks. The letter outlines specific instances of antisemitic rhetoric, ideological bias, and failures of leadership across multiple APA divisions, accusing the organisation of n...

Global Jewish Health Alliance Condemns UN Rapporteur's Call to Boycott Israeli Medicine

January 27 2025 By SAJMAP

In a sharply worded open letter, the Global Jewish Health Alliance (GJHA) - representing nearly 250,000 individuals across five continents - has urged the United Nations to reject recent remarks by Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese calling for a medical boycott of Israel. The letter, addressed to UNHRC President Jürg Lauber and High Commissioner Volker Turk, argues that politicising medicine risks catastrophic consequences for global healthc...