Description
Book Synopsis“With clarity and penetrating insight, Alex Ryvchin unravels the mystery of antisemitism… Mandatory reading for anyone concerned with the ethical fate of the human race.”
― Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel
The 7 Deadly Myths traces antisemitism from its earliest origins to the present day and uncovers the dangerous conspiracy theories that have corrupted reasoning and led people and nations to diabolical acts. Exploring some of the most significant events in history and uncovering little-known villains, this book answers the questions of how antisemitism takes hold, how it is transmitted and how it inspires violence to the present day. Written in a clear and compelling style, this book is essential to understanding why this ancient hatred continues to plague society, inspiring pop stars, athletes and demagogues alike. It is a crucial resource for policy makers, students and the reading public seeking to understand racism and how it can be stopped.
Trade Review“With clarity and penetrating insight, Alex Ryvchin unravels the mystery of antisemitism, distilling the roots of this most tenacious and pernicious conspiracy theory into seven fundamental myths. By shifting emphasis from the ‘why’ of this puzzling and dangerous phenomenon to the ‘how’ of the mechanics of its transmission, Ryvchin points to the possibility of actually confronting and diffusing it. This highly intelligent and well-written work should be on the mandatory reading list of anyone seeking to understand the age-old phenomenon of antisemitism, but moreso, of anyone concerned with the ethical fate of the human race.”
— His Excellency Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel
“[A] congenitally optimistic (or maybe just stubborn) Soviet-born Australian Jew has taken up the challenge of confronting this ever-present, baseless hatred. Endowed with both talent and passion, Alex Ryvchin… is well suited for the task. … With an easy, entertaining style devoid of ponderous didactics, his footnotes unintrusive, he fits a plethora of information into improbably few pages. Indeed, Ryvchin does a remarkable job of getting straight to the core, and he is truly masterful in unmasking the nonsensical prejudices without excessive rhetoric. … Intended as a resource for students, educators, and policymakers, this page-turner contains fascinating accounts of conspiracy theories, stunning in their absurdity. If calling the monstrous lies ‘myths’ seems overly generous, it does set the right tone for Ryvchin’s appeal to reason. … Only by exposing myths and lies is there any hope of healing, and the future of the Jewish people may become more tranquil. History has yet to prove whether this can occur, but miracles have been known to happen and may do so again.”
— Juliana Geran Pilon, Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs
“A smart, concise, and very up-to-date guide to the world’s oldest hatred.”
— David Baddiel, author of Jews Don’t Count
“Ryvchin is an invaluable resource in his knowledge of our challenges and what needs to be done to address them, as well as in his stalwart commitment to the future of Jewish community life. His book is clear, persuasive, and a pleasure to read. Ryvchin takes a complex and ancient hatred and shows us where it comes from, how it changes, and how it remains the same. Essential reading for educators, policy makers and anyone seeking to grapple with the dangerous rise in conspiracy theories and Jew hatred.”
— Ronald S. Lauder, President, World Jewish Congress
“Alex Ryvchin has made a significant contribution to the field of antisemitism studies. In a very readable narrative, he uses seven of the most powerful stereotypes about Jews to encompass the history of Jew hatred and in doing so lends perspective to what’s happening now. At this moment in history when antisemitism has found new life around the world, this is a timely and important work.”
— Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director
“Carefully researched and graphically expressed, Alex Ryvchin's The 7 Deadly Myths systematically demolishes those antisemitic tropes, deeply embedded in Western culture, that are once again surfacing with potentially deadly implications. A trenchant warning of the sort that was all too easily ignored in Germany in 1933.”
— Victor Lieberman, Raoul Wallenberg Distinguished University Professor of History, University of Michigan
“Hostility to Jews and Judaism dates back over centuries. In succinct, well-informed, and lucidly composed chapters, Alex Ryvchin focuses on seven of the most persistent and deadly myths that fuel such animosity. Readers interested in a brief but illuminating explanation of many of the causative factors behind antisemitism will benefit from Mr. Ryvchin’s vividly drawn presentation of age-old anti-Jewish stereotypes. For all of their irrationality, they hang on threateningly to this day.”
— Alvin H. Rosenfeld, Professor of English and Jewish Studies and Irving M. Glazer Chair in Jewish Studies, Indiana University
"Antisemitism is the oldest, longest, most enduring, toxic and lethal of hatreds. Alex Ryvchin wrote a timely and significant work which unmasks and exposes the deadly myths that have bred, nurtured and advanced with metastasizing hatred. An essential read for the understanding of traditional and contemporary antisemitism, and the moral imperative to combat it as a threat to our common humanity."
— Irwin Cotler, Founder & International Chair, Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Introduction
Myth 1—The Blood Libel
Myth 2—Christ-Killers
Myth 3—Global Domination
Myth 4—Chosen
Myth 5—Money
Myth 6—Dual Loyalties
Myth 7—Oppressed to Oppressors
Epilogue
