Jews and money : the story of a stereotype / Abraham H. Foxman.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foreword / Paul Volcker -- 1. The Bernie Madoff Moment -- 2. The Story of a Stereotype -- 3. The Facts Behind The Myths -- 4. The Stereotype Today -- 5. When Everyone has a Megaphone -- 6. Not so Funny -- 7. Damned If We Do, Damned if We Don't.

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, Abraham Foxman, 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 of all ethnic and religious backgrounds.