2 Years Since October 7 - with Sam Harris

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Oct 6, 2025

Sam Harris, a philosopher and neuroscientist known for his insights on rationality and ethics, joins to reflect on the two-year aftermath of the October 7 attacks. He discusses the alarming rise of antisemitism and the cultural impact of Islamist extremism in Europe. Harris examines the political balancing acts that have empowered extremists and delves into the complexities of engaging in discussions about Islam. The conversation touches on Israel's military strategies, the narrative surrounding Hamas, and the challenges in ensuring Jewish safety amid rising extremism.

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ADVICE

Hold Critics Accountable To Ceasefire Logic

Demand that Hamas accept ceasefire terms if they claim to support Palestinians.
Sam Harris challenges critics to urge Hamas to release hostages and stop the killing immediately.

INSIGHT

A Plan That Isolates Hamas

Trump's peace plan reframed the conflict as Israel vs. Hamas and rallied Arab states around isolating Hamas.
Dan Senor argues the plan denied extremes like annexation and thus should have appealed to ceasefire advocates.

ANECDOTE

Netanyahu's Legacy Motivation

Dan Senor explains Netanyahu's actions are shaped by legacy fears after October 7.
He compares Netanyahu's political origins to his brother Yoni's heroism at Entebbe and argues Netanyahu won't let his career end stained by the massacre.

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Today’s Episode:

This Tuesday will mark the two-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre, in which thousands of Hamas terrorists infiltrated Southern Israel, slaughtering over 1,400 Israelis and taking more than 250 hostage. It was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Since then, we’ve witnessed several fronts of war against Israel, a terrifying rise in global antisemitism, and an effort to isolate Israel diplomatically, culturally, and economically, and much more.

To reflect on some of the major events and the cultural currents that have swept the world since October 7, 2023, Dan sat down with Sam Harris for a conversation being released as a simulcast both on Call me Back as well as Sam’s podcast, Making Sense. Sam is a philosopher, neuroscientist, author, and public intellectual. He focuses on topics of rationality, religion, politics, and ethics, and has been a fierce critic of the rise in radical, fundamentalist islam.

CREDITS:

ILAN BENATAR - Producer & Editor

ADAAM JAMES LEVIN-AREDDY - Executive Producer

MARTIN HUERGO - Sound Editor

MARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional Editing

MAYA RACKOFF - Operations Director

GABE SILVERSTEIN - Research

YUVAL SEMO - Music Composer