The Seventh Million

Tom Segev's "The Seventh Million" is widely praised for its extensive and meticulously documented research, offering a comprehensive and critical look at the profound and complex relationship between the Holocaust and the state of Israel. Reviewers commend its ability to explore challenging and often uncomfortable questions, providing deep historical detail that expands readers' understanding of Israeli culture, politics, and identity, including its interactions with neighboring communities. The book is noted for its clear, engaging, and highly readable style, making a dense subject accessible and thought-provoking. It covers a vast array of topics, from the initial arrival of German Jewish refugees in Palestine to the politicization of the Holocaust in later decades, including discussions around reparations, the Eichmann trial, and the creation of national memorials. Many consider it an eye-opening work that offers a refreshing, critical perspective on how the Holocaust shaped the nascent Israeli state and its consciousness.

However, the book also draws significant criticism, primarily concerning the author's perceived cynical and revisionist tone. Some reviewers found Segev's attitude toward revered Israeli figures and institutions, such as David Ben-Gurion or Yad Vashem, to be overly critical, attributing self-serving political motives where more complex or purer intentions might have co-existed. This approach, which some describe as a "need to show the dark and seamy side of things," is sometimes seen as unbalanced or even gratuitously ad hominem. Critics also noted that the book can be dense with details, requiring patience, and some found it occasionally repetitive or that it jumped around in time. A few reviewers felt that while challenging, Segev's overall argument or conclusions were not always as profound or original as the extensive research might suggest, leading to disagreements with some of his interpretations of historical events and figures.

Despite these criticisms, "The Seventh Million" is overwhelmingly considered an important and worthy read for anyone interested in the history of Israel, the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish identity, and the complex interplay between memory and national politics. It is recommended for readers seeking a challenging, comprehensive, and critical study that delves into the origins of contemporary Israeli issues and the evolving lessons drawn from the Holocaust. While readers are advised to approach it critically and with an open mind, it is seen as an essential contribution to understanding the profound and enduring influence of the Holocaust on Israeli society and its actions, and its relevance for current affairs in the Middle East.