About the Book
One of the most damaging and lasting anti-Semitic myths involves the relationship between Jews and money. In the advent of Wall Street’s economic downturn and Bernie Madoff’s ruinous schemes, these ideas have come back to rear their ugly heads. Stereotypes about Jews hoarding money, rich media moguls exerting undue influence, and a disproportionate amount of wealth and control in the hands of the Jewish community are not only false, but are also dangerous. In his latest book, Jews and Money: The Story of a Stereotype (Palgrave Macmillan, November 2010), Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, examines the origins, history and politics of these ideas and how they contaminate dialogue and societies. With thorough research and powerful arguments, he shows the origins of the tendency to blame the Jews, the roots of misunderstanding “the chosen people,” and the truth of Jewish philanthropy. Foxman shows how generalizations become part of common beliefs, and he lights the way to promoting fair treatment for people. Jews and Money argues that anti-Semitism is far from a historical relic and delivers straight facts to counter these widely held and unfounded beliefs. Contrary to widely held stereotypes, readers will learn that over 700,000 American Jews live below or near the poverty line, the vast majority of American business leaders are actually not Jewish, and that charity and generosity are at the core of Jewish religious teachings. Taking into consideration the full cultural effect of the stereotype as it stands today, Foxman addresses recent ADL surveys that show just how much of a foothold these anti-Semitic beliefs have on certain segments of the U.S. citizenry. And with an eye to the future, the book provides forward looking actions that anyone can take to raise awareness of the harm that these falsehoods pose to our society.
About the Author  Abraham H. Foxman is the National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and one of today’s preeminent opponents of hatred and discrimination across the world. Mr. Foxman has met with national and world leaders to discuss important issues such as religious intolerance and the Middle East peace process. He is the author of The Deadliest Lies: The Israel Lobby and the Myth of Jewish Control and Never Again? The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism.
What they’re saying about Jews and Money: “Abe Foxman has written with significant insight on a stereotype that should be eradicated. His perspective clears a path towards enlightenment and is fascinating. A must-read.”
-- Donald J. Trump “Foxman’s books serves as an important wake-up call – alerting readers to continuing prejudice and stereotyping of Jews, both positively and negatively, which swirls around the mainstream of American culture. Jews and Money takes readers through an easy-to-digest and informative journey, documenting the origins and growth of bias and bigotry against Jews from the birth of Christianity through current time, focusing on the subtle as well as blatant forms of prejudice today, and the role of the media and the internet.”
-- Andrew Tisch, Co-chairman, Loews Corporation “This book captures the historic complexity that remarkably remains an issue of keen sensitivity even today. The words ‘Jews and money’ have an ugly resonance that most of us can’t forget. Even for a subject that has been deeply explored, this book offers many new and worthwhile insights.”
-- Michael Steinhardt “Timely, sensible, and highly readable, this volume explodes popular myths concerning Jews and money, and reminds us that stereotypes matter and anti-Semitism remains a problem. Full of commonsense ideas for how to make our world ‘a more tolerant, open-minded, and freedom-loving place.’”
-- Jonathan D. Sarna, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun
Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University and author of American Judaism: A History “Abe Foxman looks at some long-standing stereotypes about Jewish people that have no place in the business world, or any world for that matter. He provides important information that will educate others, combat bigotry, and promote religious and economic freedom.”
-- Rupert Murdoch,
Chairman & CEO, News Corporation |
