Politics and Israeli psychologists: is it time to take a stand?
In Israel, it is quite rare for psychologists to relate to political and social issues. This remarkable tendency of psychologists to avoid dealing with such matters seems to supersede the common indifference or obtuseness of other groups in the Israeli public and similar groups in particular (e.g., physicians or social workers). Within this context, this paper focuses on the qualities and forms of reaction of the psychotherapeutic community in Israel to the national conflict that has been present intermittently since the late 1980s - namely, the two Intifadas. More specifically, as opposed to the current situation (the second Al-Aksa Intifada), in the course of the first Intifada (1987-1996), the voice of Israeli psychologists was clearly heard. Until now, this is the only exception to the rule of neutrality and passivity, in which psychologists in Israel became politically active. Specific elements of involvement of the therapeutic community is presented and discussed. Also, an attempt is made to suggest possible reasons to the very puzzling questions: Why then? Or what factors allowed for this change in position to occur? And more importantly, why did the protest of the psychologists in Israel vanish and their clear voices turn into silence?
Sheba Medical Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. nissimav@gmail.com
Nissim
N
Avissar
D018912:Arabs / Q000523:psychology*; D002960:Civil Disorders / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D007557:Israel; D007585:Jews / Q000523:psychology*; D011057:Politics; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000941:ethics*; D012922:Social Change; D012940:Social Problems / Q000941:ethics