Jewish Federations of North America are greatly relieved that the discriminatory motions to expel Israeli social workers from the International Social Workers Union and International Federation of Social Workers have failed. This is not only a victory for the Israeli Union of Social Workers (IUSW), but also for the continuation of dialogue, understanding, and compassion as core values of both organizations.  

 

Israeli social workers have been at the forefront of the mental health crisis that has gripped the country since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. They provide critical support for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, Arab Israelis, and at-risk youth, often requiring mental health support themselves. Efforts to exclude the IUSW compounded the traumatic mental and emotional strain its members already experience. We are grateful that, so far, these attempts have failed.  

 

Federations are also very thankful for the support of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), one of our longstanding and important community partners serving those in need, which came out strongly against these anti-Israel motions. We were proud to be part of a multi-organizational effort, led by Hadassah, to urge the NASW to reject efforts to expel the IUSW, and appreciate the leadership provided by the Jewish Social Workers Consortium in circulating a petition that garnered more than 11,000 signatures. NASW’s moral clarity reaffirmed a commitment to what social work is all about: respecting the dignity of every individual.