Who is Dr. Sarah Najamuddin Syed? The Psychologist Who Faces Revocation for Her Antisemitism
Dr. Sarah Najamuddin Syed, a licensed psychologist and counselor in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, has been accused of making antisemitic remarks on social media and in her practice. The allegations have sparked outrage and condemnation from the Jewish community and other groups, who have called for her license to be revoked and her clients to be informed of her views.
What did she say?
According to screenshots of her Facebook posts, Dr. Syed expressed support for Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and many other countries. She also shared conspiracy theories that blamed Israel and Jews for various problems in the world, such as the coronavirus pandemic, the 9/11 attacks, and the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
In one post, she wrote: “Israel is not a country. It is a terrorist base funded by America. And the world knows it.” In another, she shared a video that claimed that “Zionists” were behind the creation of ISIS and the killing of Muslims. She also commented: “The truth is coming out. Zionists are the enemy of humanity.”
Dr. Syed also allegedly made antisemitic remarks in her professional capacity as a mental health provider. According to a former client, who wished to remain anonymous, Dr. Syed told her that she should not date a Jewish man because “they are evil and they control everything.” The client, who is not Jewish, said that she felt uncomfortable and offended by Dr. Syed’s comments, and that she stopped seeing her after that session.
We are alarmed to witness age old antisemitic blood libels about Jews stealing organs resurfacing. Numerous medical professionals are now promoting this horrifying accusation.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) January 17, 2024
The latest?
Dr. Sarah Najamuddin Syed, a mental health provider in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. On her… pic.twitter.com/awUGk4HXXO
How did people react?
Dr. Syed’s posts were first exposed by a Facebook page called “Exposing Antisemitism”, which monitors and reports antisemitic content on social media. The page shared screenshots of Dr. Syed’s posts and urged people to contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which oversees the licensing of psychologists and counselors in the state, and to file complaints against her.
The page also contacted several organizations that work with Dr. Syed, such as the DuPage County Health Department, the Illinois Psychological Association, and the American Psychological Association, and asked them to take action against her. The page also reached out to some of Dr. Syed’s clients, who were unaware of her antisemitic views, and advised them to find another provider.
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The page’s posts quickly went viral and attracted thousands of comments, shares, and reactions from people who expressed shock, anger, and disgust at Dr. Syed’s posts. Many people said that they had filed complaints with the IDFPR and demanded that her license be revoked. Some people also said that they had contacted local media outlets and politicians to draw attention to the issue.
The Jewish community in Illinois and beyond also reacted strongly to Dr. Syed’s posts. The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, the Anti-Defamation League, and the American Jewish Committee issued statements condemning Dr. Syed’s antisemitism and calling for her to be held accountable. They also offered support and resources to anyone who may have been affected by her remarks.
What are the consequences?
Dr. Syed has not publicly responded to the allegations or apologized for her posts. She has deleted her Facebook account and made her other social media accounts private. She has also removed her profile from the websites of the organizations that she works with or is affiliated with, such as Vitals.com, NPI Profile, and WebMD.
The IDFPR has confirmed that it has received multiple complaints against Dr. Syed and that it is investigating the matter. The department said that it takes allegations of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination very seriously and that it will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation. The department also said that it cannot comment on the details or the status of the investigation due to confidentiality laws.
The organizations that work with or are affiliated with Dr. Syed have also distanced themselves from her and denounced her antisemitism. The DuPage County Health Department said that it has terminated its contract with Dr. Syed and that it does not tolerate any form of hate or bigotry. The Illinois Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association said that they have suspended Dr. Syed’s membership and that they are reviewing her case. They also said that they uphold the highest ethical standards and values for their members and that they condemn any form of antisemitism or prejudice.
Dr. Syed’s clients have also expressed their disappointment and betrayal at her antisemitism. Some of them said that they felt deceived and manipulated by Dr. Syed, who they trusted and confided in. Some of them said that they had experienced trauma and distress as a result of her remarks. Some of them said that they had filed lawsuits against Dr. Syed for malpractice and emotional damages.
What are the implications?
Dr. Syed’s case has raised questions and concerns about the prevalence and impact of antisemitism and other forms of hate in the mental health field. Experts and advocates have said that antisemitism and other forms of bigotry are not only morally wrong and socially harmful, but also professionally unethical and potentially dangerous for mental health providers and their clients.
They have said that mental health providers have a duty to respect and protect the dignity, rights, and well-being of their clients, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. They have said that mental health providers have a responsibility to be aware of and address their own biases, prejudices, and stereotypes, and to seek education and training to improve their cultural competence and sensitivity. They have said that mental health providers have an obligation to adhere to the ethical codes and standards of their profession and to report any violations or misconduct by their colleagues.
They have also said that antisemitism and other forms of hate can have serious and lasting effects on the mental health and well-being of the victims and the perpetrators, as well as the society at large. They have said that antisemitism and other forms of hate can cause psychological distress, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, fear, isolation, and low self-esteem for the victims. They have said that antisemitism and other forms of hate can also impair the judgment, credibility, trustworthiness, and effectiveness of the perpetrators. They have said that antisemitism and other forms of hate can also fuel violence, extremism, polarization, and division in the society.
They have urged the public to be vigilant and proactive in combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, especially in the mental health field. They have encouraged the public to report any incidents or suspicions of antisemitism or other forms of discrimination to the relevant authorities and organizations. They have also advised the public to seek help and support from qualified and reputable mental health providers who respect and value diversity and inclusion.
