The Blood Libel Myth and Its Modern Echoes: A Review Inspired by Malamud’s The Fixer

Note: final post inspired by a reading of "The Fixer" by Bernard Malamud- one that I just happened to pick up randomly in a stack of free books at the Hayden, Colorado library...what are those odds?

Bernard Malamud’s The Fixer vividly portrays the devastating impact of the blood libel myth—a dangerous conspiracy theory that accused Jews of ritually murdering Christians, often children, for religious purposes. Set in Tsarist Russia, the novel draws on the real-life case of Mendel Beilis, falsely accused in 1913. Through this lens, Malamud reveals how false narratives can be weaponized to frame and scapegoat individuals or groups, a pattern that tragically still echoes today.

The Blood Libel Myth: A Historical Conspiracy Theory

The blood libel originated in medieval Europe, beginning in 12th-century England with the case of William of Norwich. Though entirely baseless, the accusation spread for centuries, fueling violence, persecution, and deep societal fractures. The 20th-century Beilis trial exposed how such myths could be reinforced by state interests, media manipulation, and institutionalized bigotry. In The Fixer, Yakov Bok becomes a symbol of this injustice, enduring false accusations, imprisonment, and torture—all rooted in prejudice.

The enduring power of the myth lies in its pattern:

• False Accusation: A fabricated claim, often tied to tragedy, targets a vulnerable or unpopular group.

• Amplification: Institutions or influencers spread the claim, granting it false credibility.

• Framing: Evidence is manipulated or manufactured to fit the narrative.

• Destruction: The accused suffer violence or exile, while society internalizes the lie.

This cycle contributed to countless tragedies—pogroms during the Black Death, the Kishinev massacre, and systemic antisemitism.

Modern Parallels: The Arc of Targeted Hatred

While the blood libel itself may seem antiquated, the pattern it exemplifies remains potent. In today’s hyperconnected world, conspiracy theories and coordinated hate campaigns follow similar arcs—only now they spread faster and wider through digital platforms.

False Information and Framing

Across the political spectrum, we've seen false or exaggerated narratives gain traction. From conspiracy theories like QAnon to disinformation campaigns about public figures or corporations, the tactics remain similar: fear-mongering, cherry-picked “evidence,” and emotional manipulation.

While many point to examples like anti-vaccine misinformation or election denialism, others highlight how certain media campaigns target businesses or individuals—such as attacks on Elon Musk and Tesla—as part of a broader strategy to discredit or deplatform perceived ideological opponents.

Targeted Destruction

Those caught in the crossfire—whether election officials, scientists, CEOs, or marginalized groups—face doxxing, swatting, harassment, and reputational destruction. These aren’t isolated incidents but systemic phenomena, driven by narratives that oversimplify complex issues into binary conflicts. The chilling effect is real: people grow fearful of public engagement, and civil discourse suffers.

Societal Consequences

This cycle polarizes societies, corrodes trust, and weakens institutions. As in Malamud’s novel, the personal toll is enormous—social isolation, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness. And disturbingly, many of these campaigns are profoundly irrational. Hate spreads not by reasoned argument, but by emotional contagion. The poison of lies clouds judgment, reducing our ability to think clearly, discern truth, or even engage in civil disagreement.

Rationality itself becomes a casualty.

A Warning and a Call to Action

The Fixer reminds us that the damage done by lies and hate—whether ancient or modern—can leave deep, lasting scars. We must remain vigilant:

• Verify and Challenge: Seek credible sources and confront falsehoods with clarity and reason.

• Support the Targeted: Offer legal, emotional, and public support to those unfairly attacked.

• Foster Resilience: Educate ourselves and others in critical thinking and empathy.

• Balance Responsibility: Encourage platforms and institutions to limit the spread of harmful content while safeguarding free expression.

• Prayer: I know this one seems useless or ineffective, but I find myself praying often for people who seem to be under constant attack and I pray they will be sustained in the storm.

People of faith—especially Christians—have a biblical responsibility to stand against gossip, slander, and false witness. The same Scriptures that call for truth in love also warn repeatedly against stirring division through careless or malicious words. Yet how often do we hear sermons about gossip? How often do we see Christians becoming passive in the face of viral falsehoods, hoping “someone else” will defend the truth?

This silence can be complicit. And in today’s world, it’s no longer enough to quietly disapprove—we must be willing to speak clearly and courageously.

The blood libel teaches us that unchallenged lies metastasize. By recognizing modern parallels—regardless of political alignment—we can work to stop the cycle before it harms more lives. Malamud’s Yakov Bok survives, but at great cost; our responsibility is to learn from that pain and stand for truth before the cost becomes our own.