The 7 Deadly Myths: Antisemitism from the time of Christ to Kanye West

by Alex Ryvchin

“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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Jewish, Antisemitism

126 pages, Paperback

Published May 9, 2023

Reviews

[Mandy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A *must* read - along with David Baddiel’s “Jews Don’t Count” - for non-Jews everywhere, especially post 7 October 2023.

[Katya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but idk if i agree with some of the things said about contemporary Israel? The author kinda makes it sound like we can’t judge what Israel is doing bc other countries have done worse and Jewish people have been through too much historically to now be the ‘perpetrators’. But I don’t think it is antisemitic to be against the genocide happening in Palestine, and I don’t think the left is attacking Jewish people for standing their ground like the author suggests.

The other aspects of this book were really good and I like how it shines a light on the persistent antisemitism throughout history, and how it is engrained into peoples minds. It gives a very holistic look, but I don’t like how one-sided it is in some aspects with regard to Palestine and Israel.

I may be wrong and I will definitely do some reading on the topic after this, but I don’t wholly agree with all the messages in this book.

[Caren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Ryvchin’s concise and meticulously researched text provides the historical background and misinformation that has accounted for the persecution and hatred of Jews from “Christ to Kanye West”. As Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, his accounts are enlightening, both for the community itself and for the non-Jewish world, especially significant as we now witness a considerable rise in antisemitism.

Ryvchin claims that “For as long as Jews have been a people, they have been treated as a problem to solve.” His categorisation of the seven myths precisely identifies the basis for hatred of Jews, mainly because of “how they are perceived to think.”

In presenting their history, Ryvchin continues to demonstrate the impact of these myths, particularly on the uniqueness of the hatred with regard to its longevity, ubiquity, fanaticism, and tenacity: The Blood Libel; Christ Killers; Global Domination; Chosen; Money; Duel Loyalties; Oppressed to Oppressors. Following these sections, Ryvchin includes essays and speeches on antisemitism, many of which were delivered at Holocaust Remembrance events. This is an important text for both the Jewish and non-Jewish worlds, revealing to readers the truth behind the misperceptions that have dominated the portrait of Jews for thousands of years.

[Kevin Jochelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 | It is unfortunate that reading this book in 2025 could not be more pertinent.

It is particularly shameful that someone even needs to be an expert in antisemitism in 2025. But amid the turbulence, disgrace, and resurgence of the world’s oldest hatred, we are fortunate to have Alex Ryvchin to guide us through its treacherous undercurrents with clarity and a strong moral compass.

Ryvchin does an exceptional job of distilling the vast and often contradictory conspiracy theories that form the backbone of antisemitism. He digs deeply into their origins and historical evolution, exposing how these myths have been recycled, repackaged, and redeployed across centuries. The result is compelling, rigorous, and frankly essential reading.

Jewish people have long been gaslit about their own persecution, told repeatedly what is and is not antisemitic, even in the face of hateful rhetoric, conspiracy theories, and undeniable acts of violence. For anyone who feels entitled to lecture Jews on antisemitism, this book should be compulsory.

Like antisemitism itself, Ryvchin does not hold back. He confronts some of the most inhumane chapters of human history head-on, detailing how Jews were gassed, shot into mass graves, and murdered in cold blood, often justified by nothing more than fabricated myths and weaponised lies.

With grim familiarity, history repeats itself. The same ideas, the same hatreds, and the same violence continue to resurface, barely disguised.

The book concludes with a selection of Ryvchin’s speeches, many of which are sharp, articulate, and powerfully persuasive. This is an important, timely, and deeply necessary book.

Highly recommended.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryvchin, who is the co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, writes an informative, disturbing and hopeful book exploring Antisemitism - where it come from, how it is and has been expressed and how to deal with it. He deftly mixes historical precedent with his own and his community’s experience. The strongest part of the book is the text of several of his speeches.

[Benjamin Farr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise, yet excellent, look at the roots of antisemitism.

[Leslie Schlenoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great synopsis of the history of antisemitism. A quick and succinct read.

[Jacwas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made this difficult topic easy to access

[Mannie Liscum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, biting, and impactful. I quick must read for anyone wishing to understand many of the guises of antisemitism.

[Luke Waked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, insightful and interesting, this is book should be read by all members of society.

[Laura Tiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short readable interesting book.