'7 Deadly Myths': An exploration of the myths behind Jew hatred - review

Alex Ryvchin has written a concise presentation of the major myths that underlie Jew-hatred, antisemitism. The myths are well known, widely accepted, and deeply rooted in Christian and Muslim cultures and in basic texts (the New Testament and the Quran) and expressed in contemporary culture.

The 7 Deadly Myths, a reader-friendly work, is an important source for those interested in combating the phenomenon.

What are the 7 deadly myths of antisemitism? 

• Myth 1, “The Blood Libel,” traces the history of the belief which began in the 15th century that Jews use the blood of Christian children in making matzot and in Passover rituals.
• Myth 2, “Christ-killers,” accuses Jews of being responsible for the death of Jesus. Although many believe this myth, including some Jews, there is no evidence for it. None! It is based on the gospels that were written long after the alleged event. Yet, depicted vividly in paintings, in Christian literature, and delivered in Church sermons, “Christ-killers” is a common belief. Although Pope John Paul VI officially rejected the libel in 1965, the myth persists. In 2004, for example, Mel Gibson produced the film The Passion of the Christ, which revived the lie and has inspired Jew-hatred, such as the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018.
• Myth 3, “Global Domination,” explains the history of this belief which began in the 19th century and became popular in Russia, and throughout Europe, especially by the Nazis. It is promoted in The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, is available in print, and is widely used in Muslim countries.
• Myth 4, “Chosen,” that Jews believe they are superior, is based on a misunderstanding of what is meant by “the chosen people” in the Bible.
• Myth 5, “Money,” that Jews are only interested in making money and exploiting others, has a long history and is a common belief. Ryvchin’s explanation is fascinating.
• Myth 6, “Dual Loyalties,” is used to portray Jews as disloyal; for example, in the Dreyfus affair in the 19th century. It is often used today, as anyone who has applied for a government job can confirm.
• Myth 7, “Oppressed to Oppressors,” has become a common theme of those who depict Israelis as modern Nazis for their treatment of Palestinian Arabs. This is evident in the Palestinian Authority/PLO and Hamas, as documented by the Palestinian Media Watch and others. Black organizations, such as the Nation of Islam, and Black Lives Matter, and even some members of the US Congress use this myth to attack Israel and its legitimacy as the homeland of the Jewish people, Zionism.

This myth is used by those who accuse Israel of racism, apartheid, occupying Palestinian territory, and persecuting Palestinians to justify terrorism and seek Israel’s demise. A convenient and widely accepted platform to promote Jew-hatred throughout the world, it is supported by many in the international community. Condemning Israel and calling for policies which threaten Israel’s safety, security, and its existence is a call for genocide. These myths have been used for centuries to murder Jews, and led to the Holocaust. We dare not forget; we dare not ignore what believing these myths can lead to.  

Why, then, is antisemitism not only tolerated but permitted and promoted, especially in democratic countries, such as America, England, and the EU? Why are antisemitic members of Congress not sanctioned by the Democratic Party and by past and current administrations? Why did President Joe Biden appoint a member of the Council on Arab-Islamic Relations (CAIR, which supports Hamas) to his government? Why did the City University of NY (CUNY) appoint a well-known antisemite, Marc Lamont Hill, as a full professor to its Graduate Center? Why didn’t the ADL and other organizations protest? Why are Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, and anti-Israel NGOs allowed to promote antisemitism and collect funds for terrorists? And why are the major media outlets (e.g., The New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN) silent?  

“With clarity and penetrating insight, Alex Ryvchin unravels the mystery of antisemitism,” says President Isaac Herzog. “Mandatory reading for anyone concerned with the ethical fate of the human race.”  ■

• The 7 Deadly Myths: Antisemitism from the time of Christ to Kanye West
• Alex Ryvchin
• Cherry Orchard Books, an imprint of Academic Studies Press, Boston, 2023
• 282 pages; $16.95