Open Letter from Israeli Colleagues to GASi Members and Members Responses

1. Wolfgang Martin Roth, Vienna

Dear Colleagues from Israel,

I am completely shocked and devasted to learn about these attacks in our forum, which I do not follow. I do stauntly support your demands – and if no action is taken, will leave Gasi together with you next January. Please keep me posted on this matter. Of course you can put my name on any supporting list of Gasi members. Wolfgang Martin Roth, Vienna

Dear colleagues in the Management Committee,

for over 20 years now I have been a member of GASI, never ever in all these years have occurrences in our society shocked and moved me more than the letter of our Israeli colleagues. These so very careful formulated complaints and demands reflect a restraint, dignity and humanity, seldom to be seen by colleagues in distress. I do support their letter in every word and feel ashamed that I had not known about these incidents in the forum, which I do not follow. However, I do not understand at all, how you in the committee did nothing to intervene. I find the demands for action in the letter of our Israeli colleagues absolutely reasonable and well justified and I expect immediate action to be taken by the Management Committee. If not, I would join our colleagues in leaving the society. I could never be a member of an organisation, where Israels right to defend itself after these heinous atrocities of Hamas is denied. Regards, Wolfgang Martin Roth

2. Clare Cohen

Dear Haim,

I don’t know you personally. I am very sorry (but sadly not surprised) to see the contents of your email. I don’t go on the forum, and am glad of this. You have my full support. Clare Cohen

3. Aila Kauranen

Dear Haim and dear Israeli colleagues,

with sad and heavy heart I read your letter. I think it is fair that you have written it and sent this to all members of GASU.I left the Forum for this already almost two years ago, I did not want to be part of what was going on. I will give my voice in support for you trying to find a way to stay part of GASi – as I understand this letter. And will be deeply disappointed if that does not happen. I think they will survive but what happens to GASI!!? Aila Kauranen, Finland

4. Helena Klímová

Dear Haim, dear friends,

there are certainly people on your side, sometimes they are called „the silent majority“ but even if we were the silent minority, we stand with you. Soon I will write more, yours Helena Klímová.

5. Alice Pechriggl

Dear Haim,

thanks for your letter, I am shocked. I have friends in Israel, also in Neve Shalom, they are fond of group analysis, and they all suffer, also because the political situation in the country is degrading, the illegal settlement-politics worsening everything, in the long term also for Israeli Jews, but all that does not legitimate or excuse these antisemitic acts which are strictly forbidden in my country, Austria (Swastika and antisemitism are considered heavy criminal acts, and racism, sexism and homophobia are forbidden as they are in Europe, this should already suffice to hardly condemn such postings etc.). Although I cannot find any mention in your letter of the other genocidal intent against the Palestinian people (see Raz Segal), you are mentioning the peace effort. This is so important but always less probable. I will cancel my membership if nothing substantial happens from official side of GASi and I will explain it. All the best shalom, Alice

6. Sarah Fofah

Hello GASI membersI’m very sorry to hear the extent of what has gone on

It’s my understanding that no matter what is going on politically in various parts of the world, we can support each other and not cause more damage to each other. I wish you all well and peace profound. I hope you all will continue to be members and try to forgive and forget no matter what. Regards, Sarah

7. Chris MacGregor

Dear Haim, thank you for sending this letter. I am deeply saddened by the content.

Dialogue is the foundation of group analysis. The GASi forum has always been a receptacle for undigested and provocative material.I left the forum years ago because I was disgusted by the behaviour of some,a minority of professionals, in a space offered for sharing and discourse. I am not sure how the forum could be enabled to function better, without its adopting an ethical code of practice, to which all members would be required to adhere. At the moment, the forum is failing and I believe it should be shut down bu the MC until an ethical framework can be developed, with appropriate consultation and put in place. Best wishes, Chris MacGregor. M Inst GA, co-chair IGA Ethics Committee and GASi member

8. Sigmund Karterud

Dear Haim,

Thank you for sharing this. I strongly support your initiative and expect the GASi leadership to take strong actions against antisemitism in the organization. It was a shock to witness, almost Live, the Hamas massacre in October. It cannot be excused whatsoever. I’ve not been a follower of the GASi Forum but will sign up now to follow the debate about this urgent matter. Hopefully, the GASi leadership will strengthen the editorial responsibility. With warm solidary greetings, Sigmund. Sigmund Karterud, MD, PhD Professor i psykiatri

9. Janos Verebes-WeiszDear Haim and the signatures

I’m devastated to read this. As a Jewish-British-Hungarian therapist myself in London find the world a very disturbed place.Coherent thinking always seems a luxury but in these dramatic times we have to be the torch bearer of analysis understanding and making sense. I’m unfortunately aware of this antisemitic tendency a long time ago. However I do not attend the forum or attend these meetings just heard about second hand. So this is very timely and important to say to group analysts around the world to start acting like analytic psychotherapists and not like regressed children. I wonder if you allow to sign this in support from elsewhere? With warmest wishes to you all. Janos Verebes-Weisz, Community Psychotherapy Network, London, Memb of GASi and IGA

10. Jennifer French

I am unsure what response people are hoping for from this email. I have briefly given my thoughts re the requests being made to the management committee. 1. We request that the GASi MC condemns the expressions of antisemitism, such as comparing Israel to the Nazis, the denying of Hamas massacre of Israelis on October 7th, the denying of the right of Israel to exist and to protect itself, and acknowledges the Hamas war against Israel -a genocide. It is clear that in this request there are underlying assumptions about the right of any of us to exist and what constitutes genocide. Some have argued that genocide is also the objective of some Israelis. With regard to ‘false news’, we have to recognise that this has become one of the means by which people are influenced and thus to be wary makes sense. We each have to consider the balance of evidence for so many things that are reported, and hopefully most can come to reasonable conclusions if they are encouraged to stop and think. 2. We request the establishment of an ethical code and ethic committee that can deal with complaints of GASi members against unethical statements or non professional attacks against members.I would strongly support this request which will apply equally to all. 3. We also demand that the MC will either close the GASi forum that is used as a propaganda platform against Israel and Jews or makes a cardinal structural change including appointing a moderator that will screen such posts. Although I believe in free speech, recognising the influence of social media, I would support reasonable measures to prevent any platform being used for propaganda of any kind, A moderator who can balance opposing views would seem desirable. 4. We ask you to take an act of leadership and make clear your ethical stance as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we feel that without condemning this evil and hostile attitudes it might become intolerable for us to further belong to GASi and will be left with the deep disappointment that when we needed GASi most – it ceased to be for us. Sadly, it is language such as is used here which can become part of the problem. Hostile attitudes need to be subject to question, but I believe the use of the term ‘evil’ is inflammatory and does not help. All of us are capable of regrettable words and actions if we feel our very being is threatened. Surely this is what group analysis helps us work with? It is appropriate for each of us to stand up for what we believe, but how we do it is important. I hope this is useful and do hope that the undersigned will not find it necessary to leave. Surely better to stay and work for what one wants? Kind regards, Jennifer French

11. James Easton

Dear Haim,

I want to respond to your letter. I am shocked and truly dismayed to learn that you and others have been subjected to anti-Semitic attacks. I have only recently re-joined GASI having been less involved over the past six years whilst doing further training as a Psychoanalyst. There can be no room for the kind of behaviour you have described. I do not want to remain silent but supportive of all GASI members treating each other with love and respect. If there is a way of my getting involved and contributing to an Ethical Code and participating in an Ethics Committee. I appreciate you bringing this very difficult news to the GASI membership. kind regards,James. Dr James Easton, Psychoanalyst & Group Analyst, Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist. IGA Accredited Clinical Supervisor

12. Malcolm Peterson

Hi Haim,

I just wanted to say I am no longer part of GASI my membership has expired and I am not renewing. I just wanted to let you know as I will no longer be on the forum etc. I am really sorry that you and other Jewish colleagues have such so much antisemitism at such a traumatic time for you and your families. I wanted to wish you well and hope that you and your family are safe and that you stay safe. It’s been really upsetting to see how you and other Jewish colleagues have been subjected to such psychological abuse on the forum. At times it’s felt like certain people have enjoyed torturing you and others at a time when you have been in so much distress due to the events on 7th of October and after. It sickens me to my core that so called psychotherapists deny and gorify what happened on the 7th of October. Bw, Malcolm

13. Philipp Kuwert

Dear Colleagues from Israel, as some of you know from private communication, I several times protested against the current wording on the GASI homepage concerning „a conflict unfolding“ – as it is not a conflict, but a severe terror attack with mass atrocities. The former President answered in an enigmatic way, which did not satisfy me. I again wrote to GASI some days ago and have not received an answer (which is ok, I wrote it again on Friday evening). I am a new member and not on the Forum, as I was warned about the overwhelm there. I won’t join the Forum to protect me. I very much understand and support your perspective, which I deeply share! I would have to acknowledge that you leave, of course, but I do really hope that you stay. Without your membership I would have not met some of your group in Belgrade in person. Warm and strongly supporting regards from Germany,Prof. Philipp Kuwert

14. Christer Sandahl

Dear Haim, friends and colleagues. About a year ago I left the GASI forum because its toxic atmosphere. What you describe is both shocking and not surprising. Within the group analytical community there is, in my way of seeing it, a naïve belief that unmanaged free communication in large groups can develop into dialogue. All our experience show the opposite, i.e. that those with the loudest voice, those with the meanest tongue, and those who are the most skilled manipulators dominate at the expense of cultural development. In my view, the lack of an active team of moderators is the cause of the toxicity of the GASi forum, including the horrific things you describe in the letter which of course are absolutely not acceptable. If the MC will not react immediately, I believe it will harm GASi for a long period ahead. Christer PS It is possible to support the war against Hamas and at the same time condemn the way the war is waged. This is my position and I know that many Israeli citizens agree. So self-evident that it might not need to be said, but now I did. Christer Sandahl

15. Anne Lindhardt,

Dear Haim and all,

Thank you for sharing this with all members. It is a very sad development in a situation which is tragic for all involved, and tragic to witness. When you describe this way of communicating in the Forum in a very negative and devaluating way, it is so contrary to the Group analytic idea of sharing through dialogue with a wish to explore and respect each other. This negative development has been a way in which the Forum has worked for some time and is exactly the reason why I stopped being part of the Forum. The Forum needs a convenor in order to preserve it as a tool for communicating and sharing. I do hope the MC will listen to you and react accordingly. I hope my comments will be known to your colleagues and to all members . Warm wishes, Anne

16.Diana Menzies

Dear Haim

I was very distressed to read your email. I only joined GASi recently, before the Symposium in Belgrade. I have not been on the forum, being put off by hearing about the way some people use it, but I had not heard about the awful attacks and misinformation that you describe (as I haven’t had any conversations about the forum recently).I did not want to remain silent as if this doesn’t matter and want to support you and your Israeli colleagues in raising this with the MC. Kind regards, Diana Menzies.

17. Ken Bledin

Dear Julia

I am writing in support of Haim Weinberg’s letter to the GASi MC and GASi members concerning the content posted on the GASi forum. I am not on the forum, but I have been informed about the anti-Israel sentiments it often carries, and I have been aware of, and occasionally witnessed, the anti-Israel sentiment in GASi more generally, and its tendency to cross over into antisemitism, in particular in large groups at GASi symposia. Additionally, I know that there was opposition to Robi Friedman serving as GASi president a few years ago and to Miriam Berger being invited to present the Foulkes lecture earlier this year. Despite this background, I was shocked to read in Haim’s letter of the egregiously antisemitic content of that kind, if expressed in the UK or by a citizen or resident of the UK, may be in breach of UK race-hate legislation. I agree with Haim that the forum, if it is to continue, will need a moderator to screen out unacceptable posts. Careful consideration would need to be given to questions of how and by whom moderators of the forum would be elected or appointed, to ensure that an agreed and transparent set of criteria are consistently operated. I was pleased to learn that the GASi MC has begun to take steps to address these serious issues, as evidenced by the Co-chairs’ email of 6th December. Thank you for passing this email on to the MC. With best wishes. Ken Bledin

18. Susanna Keval

Dear Chaim, dear Israeli colleagues, as a diaspora jewish person living in Germany I want to tell you, that it would be an incredible loss for me, not to have you any more in GASi. We live at the moment in an incredible complicated political situation, in that the huge European history of the last century with all the losses, faults and murder is coming to the surface in different forms of antisemitism, fears, hostility and solidarity and all the grey tones that we can imagine. As group analysts we have to hold all these differentiations. I admire the strength of the Israeli society how you deal with the losses of the kidnapped and murdered family members and how you make pressure on the government to liberate them. On the other hand my own trauma of escape comes up when I see the Palestinian refugees and I know that it is much more complicated as my small little life. Sometimes I don’t know where I stand. And if you leave GASi for me it would be as if I would lose a part of me. How do the other diaspora jewish members of GASi think about all that. I would so much like to hear your voices. Susanna

19. Libby Nugent

Hello Haim,

Thank you for the letter. I am sad that it is necessary, but I do feel it is. I have been shocked by the position some have taken. I do hope your letter is heard. Wishing you much strength and care during this horrific time. Kind regards, Libby Nugent/Salem (Trainee at GAN)

20. Karen Nolan

You have received a response from me expressing my dismay, support and sincere hope that the concerns raised are treated seriously and that a resolution can be found that ensures Israeli members feel safe and supported to remain as valued members of GASI.

To GASI MC

Re: Letter to GASi Members from Israeli Members

I am a very recent, student member of GASi and do not participate in the GASi Forum. However, I feel it is important for me to write, expressing my thoughts and feelings, in response to the recent email from Haim Weinberg, which he sent on behalf of Israeli members. I was dismayed to learn of the anti-Semitic feeling expressed in some posts that were shared on the GASi Forum. I am concerned by the hurt and distress caused to Israeli and Jewish members. As group analysts and trainees we are encouraged above all to think, to be nuanced in our thinking, to see a situation from multiple perspectives, to engage in constructive dialogue and to reflect on the potential for othering and scapegoating. While I am new to GASi and to group analysis, already I have benefitted greatly from the contributions of Haim Weinberg and Robi Friedman. Their generosity in sharing their expertise has helped make some big decisions in my career and personal life, which in turn has enabled me to move forward in my work as a psychotherapist and begin QC training. I hope that they and other Israeli members can be supported to remain as valued members of GASi. I appreciate this is a difficult and complex situation for any organisation to navigate. However, I hopethat constructive resolution can be found that supports GASi’s aim to include people from any background, no matter how diverse. We are living in deeply troubled times and it feels more important than ever that as group analysts and aspiring group analysts we are able to create and hold safe spaces for respectful dialogue, reflection and exploration of ideas. I appreciate you giving consideration to my letter. Yours faithfully, Karen Nolan

21. Ulrich Schultz-Venrath (Uli)

Dear Haim,

thank you for this well founded statement, which I support in all its aspects… I didn’t get the letter by the GASi Forum – did you distribute it there? Best Wishes, Uli

22. Catherine Hayes

Dear Haim et al, • I resigned from the Forum years ago because it seemed to be impossible to have a reasonable and respectful discussion about Group Analysis there • I strongly disapprove of violent and deliberately provocative images being placed anywhere on GASI • I am deeply saddened by the losses incurred by those I know, and those I don’t, from what is happening to Israel and Gaza. This seems an impossible situation. I pray for those who have the knowledge and wisdom for the task of conflict resolution, starting with the return of the remaining hostages. I do not have words for the immensity of this trouble. Kind regards, Catherine Hayes

23. Lenka Staun

Dear MC, dear Israeli colleagues,

I am thinking very much about all of you and feel shocked and sad about what is going on in GASI, especially after some hopeful glimpses in Belgrade. A forum and an institution in which overt and covert anti-semitism is tolerated and not intervened upon is not an institution I want to be involved with any longer. In solidarity with our Israeli colleagues I fully support their position and have also decided on these grounds to leave GASI by the end of this year. In one of the darkest moments for our Jewish Colleagues, we need to stand up against anti-semitism more strongly and support our colleagues who have been strongly involved in the development of GASI. I am speechless, that there is no clear position by the MC towards the rising antisemitism in the forum and in GASI in general. Best wishes Lenka

24. Bineta thiam

Dear Haim,

Thank you for sending the letter.

I am sorry that you had to write it, and I regret that you no longer feel a part of GASi.One thing I have learned over the years is to contextualise situations. Please don’t think, for my part, that I do not see and feel with you. Do not think this even once.Upon hearing about the Oct 7th attacks and the fate of Robi’s son-in-law, I had to resolve my own personal conflicts. Robi left an impact on me in Belgrade ( so have you, even though I have come to realise that I was mistaking you for Bruce).A lot of you Israelis have had a nurturing and positive impact on me in Belgrade. There were two Israeli women in the Median Women’s only group. Not only did one of them give the best motherly and reassuring cuddles, but she also changed my worldview on many things by just showing care and love and defending my right to feel hurt about Palestine. An incredible woman! The other one, whose name I remember, was Ronnie—an inspirational woman with whom I felt deep connections.Nonetheless, it is my view, Palestinians deserve all the rights afforded to all beings, whether human or more than human. As a Black Muslim woman, I am biased towards them due to the clear brutal oppression they face. However, that did not stop me from feeling and grieving with Robi—for his son-in-law, his daughter’s other half, his grandchildren’s father, the son of a mother, the son of a father, the brother of someone else, a living, breathing human being. I grieved for this human being away from his station as a soldier.I understand what soldiers do; my great uncle, General Belal Ly, was in charge of a politically motivated murder of Blondin Diop, shaping Senegal’s history for the worse. But I loved him—for his cuddles, kisses, and gifts. Perhaps this has shaped how I see things.You know that I mourn with you, remembering the thousands of years of prosecutions in the so-called civilized world. However, I do not think this justifies what is happening to the Palestinians.I left the forum because I was accused of antisemitism for expressing these sentiments. I found it disingenuous. As with you, I did not feel safe anymore. I left.As a Muslim, a race and decolonial scholar, I understand the snowballing effects of antisemitism. Antisemitism is racism, period. But can I express an anti-Zionism stance? I am aware that there are different types of Zionism, and I am grateful to you for encouraging me to read more about it.Can we agree, at a soul level, that we feel unimaginable pain? Can I stand by you and my Palestinian brothers and sisters? Can we focus on the pain? Can connect through this pain?How can I help make you feel safer? Can I ask those who fan flames, blocking dialogue, to stop?Can they let us breathe and grieve together? Can I hold you all together in prayers and heart?

Tell me, how can I help?

25. Athena Chatjoulis

Dear Haim, dear colleagues of GASI, and GASI forum As a member of Gasi and Gasi forum, I would like to communicate my support to the Israeli colleagues and their meaningful and absolutely reasonable protest. All these devastating news about the war, the death and horror make me feel helpless and angry. I totally agree with the colleagues in the supporting letters below, that creating antisemitism or any other form of racism is deeply traumatizing, generating conflict and a pathological potential space among us. I understand the difficult task that the Management Committee is facing in order to keep the ‘Group analytic idea of sharing through dialogue” and manage to establish a space where horror, pain, helplessness, anger and differences can be contained. My kind regards, Athena Chatjoulis, Greece

26. Mary Spreng

Dear Haim, As a founding member of the group analysis training in Zürich, I understand the huge contributions made by the Israeli group analysts to group analysis in general and to GASi. In Zürich it was Tamara Sternberg, who introduced us to Foulkes. I fully understand the grievances, expressed in the Open Letter. I am deeply moved and saddened. Over the years, I have followed and been impressed with the efforts of many of you for reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. I hope the MC will make the changes that enable you to feel safe in GASi. Otherwise I shall leave with you. Mary.

27. Gerda Winther

Dear Haim and all,

Thank you for sharing this very important letter which I fully support. It is indeed both shocking and sad to witness this development of the Forum. It has however I must say been on the way for some years. As I found the communication getting more and more venomous I decided not to take part anymore. What was thought as a communicative meeting place unfortunately has turned into a propaganda tool. This is totally against the group analytic spirit. I welcome the idea of an ethical committee/code. I support you all, I know how dedicated you have worked for peace during many years.

Warm wishes

Gerda