New Material Concerning Jung, Anti-Semitism, and the Nazis

with the collaboration of SONU SHAMDASANI (London), GOTTFRIED HEUER (London), and MATTHIAS VON DER TANN (Berlin)     

Research Note: Anti-Semitism and Superstition

Superstitions and anti-Semitism are generally based on irrational beliefs. To date, no research has examined the relationship between anti-Semitism and superstition. Four groups, Arab-Muslim, Arab-Christian, Non-Arab Muslim, and Non-Arab Christian, responded to anti-Semitism and superstition measures. With respect to anti-Semitism scores, Arabs scored higher than non-Arabs and Muslims scored higher than Christians. Superstitions varied, however, with Arabs endorsing more New Age beliefs, while Muslims endorsed more traditional superstitious beliefs. The correlations between anti-Semitism and superstitious beliefs were significant, but low, and are explained in terms of cultural differences.     

Muslim Anti-Semitism: Historical Background

This article very briefly surveys and compares the history of Christian and Muslim anti-Semitism. Drawing on recent studies by German scholars and on newly declassified CIA records, the author focuses on the critical role of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini. Through his radio broadcasts and other work during World War II, Haj Amin instilled Nazi images of the Jew as the international power behind the scenes to Arab nationalists and to the Middle East generally.     

Anti-Semitism the World Over in the Twenty-first Century

The article reports the numbers and types of anti-Semitic incidents, attacks, media reports, and public opinion against Jews in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Western and Eastern European countries, the Middle East, and Australia. It also reports responses to these actions by police and local and national government officials. The period for which the data are reported is from 2000 to mid-2007. For each country, the size of the Jewish community is reported. What is manifestly clear from the data presented is that anti-Semitism is on the rise in most countries of the world. The data show a dramatic increase in anti-Semitism in Western Europe notably, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, and The Netherlands. Of those countries, France has the worse record.     

A Critique of Classical Psychoanalytic Theories of Anti-Semitism: A Commentary on M. Ostrow's Myth and Madness: The Psychodynamics of Anti-Semitism

The American Journal of Psychoanalysis -     

Perceptions of Anti-Semitism among American Jews, 2000–05, A Survey Analysis

Despite their high degree of economic, educational, social, and political success, most American Jews in the early 2000s see anti‐Semitism as a problem, and significant percentages see anti‐Semitism as a very serious problem. How do we explain these perceptions of anti‐Semitic threat given the comparative success of Jews in so many aspects of American life? This paper uses annual surveys from the National Survey of American Jews from 2000 through 2005 to address this question. Results indicate a multiplicity of factors affect perceptions of the seriousness of anti‐Semitism. Those with a stronger sense of Jewish identity, lower income, and older people are more likely to see anti‐Semitism as a very serious problem. Respondents also tend to see anti‐Semitism as a more serious threat if they live in states with higher anti‐Semitic incidents rates and when use of anti‐Semitic terms in the news media increases. The conclusion puts the findings into perspective and suggests what we can learn by studying successful minority groups.     

The Resurgence of Anti-Semitism on American College Campuses

Few American college campuses have witnessed the number and intensity of anti-Semitic incidents reported at San Francisco State University, Columbia University, and the University of California at Irvine (2000–2005), however, dozens of American campuses every year experience at least some manifestation of this ugly problem, which is now undoubtedly national in scope. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) documents nearly 100 anti-Semitic incidents on American college campuses in 2005 alone. Most incidents are probably not reported to the ADL. The United States Commission on Civil Rights monitors anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses and will continue to do so.     

Anti-Semitism in the clinical setting: transference and countertransference dimensions.

Despite the salient presence of Jews in the history of psychoanalysis, literature on the subject of anti-Semitism in the clinical setting is surprisingly sparse. This paper attempts to comprehend the reasons for the dearth of literature on this important topic. A clinical section then breaks the silence surrounding expressions of anti-Semitism in the consulting room. The major focus is on transference and countertransference reactions that arise with regard to anti-Semitism in the clinical setting. Since the first section is concerned with silence in the psychoanalytic community, its focus is primarily on countertransference issues that may hinder the analyst's understanding and use of anti-Semitic material. The second, clinical section focuses on the ways both transference and countertransference reactions combine and influence one another and how they may, when properly attended to, serve as catalytic tools for advancing therapeutic goals.     

The Magic Background of Modern Anti-Semitism by Adolf Leschnitzer

A range of joyful emotions may be woven into the therapeutic group process for older persons. Experiencing joy is a powerful healing factor because it helps reduce the pain of losses inherent in the aging process, restores self-confidence and hope, and renews an investment in living. This paper identifies ten facets of joy which can help develop a therapeutic group climate. Examples from the authors' practice illustrate conceptual approaches.     

Emilio Castro: A Passion for the Gospel

This article reviews the role of Emilio Castro as general secretary of the World Council of Churches (1985–1992), highlighting his involvement in the Conciliar Process for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation; his appreciation for Orthodox spirituality and theology; and his commitment to strengthening relationships with Pentecostals and evangelicals.     

The AIDS epidemic in Cuba

The strategy of the Cuban government to control HIV consists of examining the whole adult population and quarantining all seropositive persons in local institutions. Between 1986 and 1990, a total of 8,832,726 HIV tests were done using domestic ELISA and Western blot methods. 497 persons (362 men and 135 women) were found to be HIV-positive. 122 infections were directly attributed to Cuban intervention in Africa. 150 infected men were homosexuals and bisexuals. Infected blood products caused 9 cases, and neonatal transmission produced 3 infections. 63 AIDS cases were reported since December 1989. Compulsory testing would be more acceptable if HIV infected persons would get zidovudine (AZT) for secondary prevention. It is estimated that this policy has prevented 4000 new infections. The violation of human rights by quarantining people with false positive results is real: 23-53 such people are estimate to be quarantined. Tourists are not examined because of the economic need for more revenue from tourism, thus HIV transmission could continue despite quarantines. The cost of testing is high, although health care already made up 12% of the budget in 1989, increasing from 7.8% in 1983. Tracing sexual contacts requires 450 nurses and 200 epidemiologist. The public education campaign about AIDS involved 30 television programs and several hundred radio programs by groups of experts discussing transmission, AZT treatment, and treatment of opportunistic infections. Since 1988, schools have also included AIDS education from the 5th grade on. Condom use is stressed, but machismo often hinders its acceptance. While AIDS is a menace, the rate of syphilis increased from 7.2/100,000 in 1970 to 84.3/100,000 in 1987. Stressing personal responsibility in preventing HIV infection skirts the need for modification of high risk behavior and lulls the public into a false sense of security because of the belief that full protection from AIDS is provided by the quarantine.     

Applied ethics in mental health in Cuba: part II--power differentials,dilemmas, resources,and limitations

This article is the second one in a series dealing with mental health ethics in Cuba. It reports on ethical dilemmas, resources and limitations to their resolution, and recommendations for action. The data, obtained through individual interviews and focus groups with 28 professionals, indicate that Cubans experience dilemmas related to (a) the interests of clients, (b) their personal interests, and (c) the interests of the state. These conflicts are related to power differentials among (a) clients and professionals, (b) professionals from different disciplines, and (c) professionals and organizational authorities. Resources to solve ethical dilemmas include government support, ethics committees, and collegial dialogue. Limitations include minimal training in ethics, lack of safe space to discuss professional disagreements, and little tolerance for criticism. Recommendations to address ethical dilemmas include better training, implementation of a code of ethics, and provision of safe space to discuss ethical dilemmas. The findings are discussed in light of the role of power in applied ethics.