Jewish Chronicle editor Jake Wallis Simons on the newest version of an ancient hatred.

In the Middle Ages, Jews were hated for their religion. In the 20th century, they were hated because of their race.

Today, Jake Wallis Simons argues in his new book of the same name, antisemitism has morphed into something both ancient and modern: Israelophobia. But how did this transformation occur? And why?

Called ‘excellent and fearless’ by Howard Jacobson, ‘trenchant and original’ by Daniel Finkelstein and an ‘important and necessary book’ by Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Jewish Chronicle editor clarifies the line between criticism and bigotry, charting the history from Nazi Germany via the Kremlin and the formation of the state of Israel 75 years ago to the present day. He joins us to discuss the newest version of the oldest hatred.

Buy a copy of Israelophobia by Jake Wallis Simon.

This event will last approximately 1 hour, without an interval.

About the speakers:

Jake Wallis Simon is an award-winning British journalist and novelist. Formerly a foreign correspondent who has worked for the BBC and national newspapers, he is now Editor of the Jewish Chronicle, where he has become known for publishing world exclusives, often about Iran and the Mossad. In addition, he is a writer for the Spectator, a commentator for Sky News and a broadcaster for BBC Radio 4 and the World Service.

Harry Mount is editor of The Oldie and the author of eight books. He was a leader writer and New York correspondent at the Daily Telegraph and is a former barrister. His most recent books are Et Tu, Brute? The Best Latin Lines Ever and The Last Marchioness – a Portrait of Lindy Dufferin.