Jewish Therapists Fired in Texas for Helping Client with Antisemitism Trauma: Lawsuit
Jewish Therapists Allegedly Wrongfully Terminated After Supporting Client Facing Antisemitism
Two Jewish therapists claim they were unjustly fired from a mental health clinic in Dallas after a colleague sought their guidance on treating a client experiencing trauma from increased antisemitic incidents. According to a lawsuit, the clinic’s co-owner, Dr. Dina Hijazi, prevented them from sharing their insights during a staff meeting held on November 19, which the therapists describe as discouraging and dismissive.
The therapists, Yocheved Junger and Jacqueline Katz, assert that their advice was dismissed as one-sided, and shortly afterward, they received notice of their termination. They were given 30 days to leave the clinic, during which their belongings were packed up and moved to a separate office space, effectively excluding them from the main facility.
Junger expressed her dismay, recalling how Hijazi intervened before any discussion could take place, warning that sharing their advice could lead to a “one-sided response.” Katz described feeling panicked by the situation, which contradicted their professional duty to explore clients’ experiences without political interference.
The dispute escalated when Hijazi prohibited discussions related to the Palestine-Israel conflict, though Junger and Katz clarified the colleague’s questions did not touch on politics but rather aimed to understand the client’s cultural experiences. Despite their explanations, Hijazi and another leader, Rev. Daniel Gowan, criticized their advocacy efforts for the client, suggesting they crossed professional boundaries.
The lawsuit highlights concern over discrimination against Jewish practitioners and clients, especially amidst rising antisemitic violence. In 2024, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. surged, with over 9,350 reported acts of assault, harassment, and vandalism—marking a 344% increase over five years.
While the clinic denies the allegations, this case underscores ongoing challenges related to cultural sensitivity and discrimination within mental health services.