Broadcaster and JC columnist Rob Rinder and JC Editor Jake Wallis Simons will discuss the new concept of “Israelophobia” at a special event at JW3 in September.

Simons introduces the term and defines it in his new book, Israelophobia: The Newest Version of the Oldest Hatred and What To Do About It. It will be published on September 7 but can be pre-ordered on Amazon now.

It is intended to “prevent bigots from claiming they aren’t antisemitic because they have an eccentric Jewish friend, or hiding behind the term ‘anti-Zionist’,” Simons said.

“Jew-hatred has evolved beyond existing labels. Israelophobia is the newest form of antisemitism, and using that term pins it down.”

Described as “important and necessary” by Simon Sebag Montefiore and “excellent and fearless” by Howard Jacobson, Israelophobia traces how Jews — attacked in the Middle Ages for their religion, and in the 20th Century for their race — are now subjected to a political hatred, directed at their nation-state of Israel.

Published by Constable, the book charts the history of Israelophobia from Nazi Germany and the Soviet era to the modern day. Five signed copies are being given away free to JC readers (see details below).

Simon Sebag Montefiore said: “This is an important and necessary book by a superb and subtle writer. There’s no one more qualified to write it than Jake Wallis Simons.”

Jacobson hailed Israelophobia as a book “we all need”, saying it “does the heart good to see one of the greatest expressions of collective animus exposed for the sanctimonious posturing it is”.

The event will take place on September 12 at  7:30pm at JW3. Tickets cost £15. Buy yours at JW3.org.uk/Israelophobia or call 0207 433 8988

Win one of five signed copies of Israelophobia here