In the fifth episode of the Times of Israel podcast series, historian and author Sir Simon Schama discusses the contemporary rise of antisemitism. Schama, known for his extensive work on Jewish history, frames the current surge in anti-Jewish sentiment as a modern iteration of 'the world's oldest hatred.'

The discussion centers on the persistence of these prejudices throughout history and their re-emergence in the current political and social landscape. Schama describes the current situation as a 'howl'—a metaphorical call to action against the normalization of antisemitic rhetoric and violence. The podcast episode serves as an exploration of why these historical tropes continue to find traction in modern discourse, despite decades of efforts to combat them.

While the episode focuses on Schama’s perspective, it positions his commentary as a necessary warning for listeners. The program emphasizes that the proliferation of this hatred is not merely a historical relic but a pressing contemporary issue that demands a response from the global community. The discussion does not delve into specific policy solutions or counter-arguments, focusing instead on the historical context and the emotional weight of the current antisemitic climate.