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Son of Hamas is now available in softcover with an all-new chapter about events since the book’s release such as the revelation of Mosab’s Israeli intelligence handler’s true identity, and Homeland Security’s effort to deport the author.
Since he was a small boy, Mosab Hassan Yousef has had an inside view of the deadly terrorist group Hamas. The oldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founding member of Hamas and its most popular leader, young Mosab assisted his father for years in his political activities while being groomed to assume his legacy, politics, status . . . and power. But everything changed when Mosab turned away from terror and violence, and embraced instead the teachings of another famous Middle East leader. In Son of Hamas, Mosab reveals new information about the world’s most dangerous terrorist organization and unveils the truth about his own role, his agonizing separation from family and homeland, the dangerous decision to make his newfound faith public, and his belief that the Christian mandate to “love your enemies” is the only way to peace in the Middle East. Tyndale House Publishers
Map of Israel and the Occupied Territories ix
A Word from the Author xi
Preface xiii
Chapter 1 Captured 1
Chapter 2 The Ladder of Faith 5
Chapter 3 Muslim Brotherhood 13
Chapter 4 Throwing Stones 21
Chapter 5 Survival 31
Chapter 6 A Hero's Return 39
Chapter 7 Radical 45
Chapter 8 Fanning the Flames 49
Chapter 9 Guns 61
Chapter 10 The Slaughterhouse 67
Chapter 11 The Offer 77
Chapter 12 Number 823 87
Chapter 13 Trust No One 95
Chapter 14 Riot 105
Chapter 15 Damascus Road 113
Chapter 16 Second Intifada 125
Chapter 17 Undercover 135
Chapter 18 Most Wanted 147
Chapter 19 Shoes 155
Chapter 20 Torn 165
Chapter 21 The Game 173
Chapter 22 Defensive Shield 185
Chapter 23 Supernatural Protection 193
Chapter 24 Protective Custody 201
Chapter 25 Saleh 211
Chapter 26 A Vision for Hamas 223
Chapter 27 Good-Bye 233
Epilogue 243
Postscript 247
The Players 253
Glossary 257
Time Line 261
Endnotes 263
Soraya-Mekerta
Posted Sat May 08 00:00:00 EDT 2010
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As a person of Arab descent, originally from Algeria, and a professor who specializes in issues related to North Africa and the Middle East, I consider myself informed, concerned, and particularly sensitive to events in Israel/Palestine, and relations between Israelis and Palestinians. Consequently, when I first heard Mosab Hassan Yousef's interview on NPR, I was skeptical that the book, "Son of Hamas...," was going to be of any great value to me. Most importantly, I was very concerned that the book, and the author's personal itinerary from "son" of Hamas, to "spy" for the Israelis, was going to put, yet again, the Palestinian cause in a negative light, and give Palestinians a "bad rap," while justifying the categorization of Hamas as a "terrorist organization." Also, I was worried that the book was going to present Israel and Israelis as the victims, and the cause of the Israeli Government as being just and righteous. Finally, I was not sure what affect it would have on American readers that the author abandoned Islam as his faith and embraced Christianity. I was concerned that this fact would put Islam, yet again, in a negative light... . In the end, after listening attentively to the entire interview, I was intrigued and curious as to how a Palestinian, and at that a "son of Hamas," could be brought to 1) spying for the Israelis, 2) changing his faith, and 3) bringing shame and "dishonor" to his family... . I had many questions and I was troubled. I bought the book the next day. When I started the book, I could not put it down. In spite of what I had feared initially, I feel now that the book does a very good job in representing both the cause of the Palestinians and that of the Israelis. For example, it may be that the most meaningful and powerful message in the book is that the author manages to convey the fact that the life of a Palestinian is not worth any more or any less than the life of an Israeli, and that when a Palestinian or an Israeli person dies it is as catastrophic for both surviving family members and for the communities. It is clear that at one point the author realizes this, I mean, he discovers the "Humanity" of his very enemy, and from that point on, he can no longer plot to kill the enemy. Furthermore, he can no longer participate in, directly or indirectly, or continue to embrace the aspirations of those who want to "eliminate" the enemy. From this standpoint, the book's lesson is one of humanity, and celebration of life. The second message I feel is one of humility. The humility which comes from envisioning the possibility that there are other "truths" besides that which comes from one's own and often narrow perspective, environment, or circumstance, and to intentionally seek out others', or the "enemy's perspective, and understanding of their particular circumstance. In other words, to humble oneself enough so that one can "hear" the other's viewpoint seems to be a message the author/s want to convey. While the messages in humanity and humility may seem worthy of/for any good cause, they can also mislead readers because they simplify the real issues at stake. As to the fact that the author abandoned Islam for Christianity, my only comment is that many readers might fail to see that Islam is about peace, and humility, and it seeks to create a more just and humane world.
16 out of 19 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MJfromMI
Posted Fri Apr 09 00:00:00 EDT 2010
I've never understood why there is so much fighting in the Middle East. Reading pieces written by American's gives you their perspective but never goes to the root of the problem. "Son of Hamas" is everything indicated on the cover "A gripping account of terror, betrayal, political intrigue, and unthinkable choices" - I found it hard to put the book down. Mosab is a courageous young man - through the book you feel his heart and soul. As a "Seasoned American" I pray he finds the freedom and success our country has to offer.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Mar 02 00:00:00 EST 2010
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"son of hamas" is a very hard to put down bestseller. it is writtion by a ruthless terrorist who grew up in the islamic faith in the middle east in the hamas terrorist organization planting bombs and murdering israli citizens much later he exaimed his own faith and the violence that the terrorists and hate pursued and found an amazing faith in christianity
5 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Apr 08 00:00:00 EDT 2010
Not my typical genre, but I saw an interview with Mr. Yousef and found him so engaging I tracked down his book the day it hit stores. It provided insight into an unfamiliar culture. I am not of any one religion so I was slightly taken aback to find it in the religion section. Luckily it wasn't a "religious" book, but a story of a man's journey to find his own truth in a harsh world. It gave me hope that the world can someday be less violent.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Apr 10 00:00:00 EDT 2010
His perspective gives an interesting view point of the conflict in Palastine and what it means to be empathetic towards others; highly recommended.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Apr 08 00:00:00 EDT 2010
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Very moving, shows that there is still humanity and love in the world.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.First, the author sets the stage, explaining the relationships between the various Palestinan forces behind the conflict between Israel and Palestine, dating back to Ishmael being cast away by his father Abraham. His conversion to Christianity forms the basis for his ultimate solution for this historical conflict. As an agent for Israeli intelligence striving to diminish the terrorist activities and resulting military reprisals by Israel he walked the line between being killed by either side. Thought provoking for us all.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Apr 14 00:00:00 EDT 2010
It took me about two days to finish this book. It was incredibly insightful and well-written. If whoever is reading the book thinks about the events occurring in the book, it should provoke some hard questions. I may not agree with everything Mr. Yousef wrote, but it is truly an excellent book.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Overall this was an educational read and I've come away with a new understanding of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. This book is a front row seat for what it is like to be confused in family, faith, and war.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Mar 10 00:00:00 EST 2012
Very interesting and honest perspective from the side of a son raised in devout Muslim family and how his belief changes as he sees what his Father becomes and how the leaders of the different Palestinian factions change what the true meaning of Islam is. I hope he stays safe as this was a very brave attempt to tell the world what is really going on.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Mar 08 00:00:00 EST 2012
Son of Hamas is one of the more relevant and engaging books I have read. All 251 pages are bursting with dramatic insights into the political tensions of the Middle East, without a doubt one of the current world’s most war-torn regions
At its most basic, Son of Hamas is the tale of Mosab Yousef, who (as the title implies) was born to one of the seven founders of Hamas, the internationally notorious Islamic terrorist organization. The horrors he experienced as a teen pushed him away from Islam and into the arms of Israel’s intelligence agency, where for many years he supplied sensitive information on Hamas’ actions and intentions to his people’s mortal enemies. Mosab’s journey leads him deep into the mechanisms of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, and how at their heart all three are more similar than anyone would like to admit.
This religious theme permeates the entire book. As Mosab learns more about the people he was taught as a child to hate more than anything else, he frequently seeks understanding on why the Jewish and Islamic cultures cannot coexist. Using a mind un-blinded by senseless hate, he comes to realize the two cultures have very similar goals in mind. Throughout the book, this fact continues to manifest itself in multiple situations.
Another common message of Mosab’s is the pursuit of truth. It was the clash of words and actions that initially drove him away from Hamas, and the openness of the Israelis caused him to question everything he thought to be true about the world. No longer would Mosab accept things at face value. He had to soak it in, chew on it, and think hard before choosing to believe something in a Middle Eastern world tangled in lies, propaganda and deception.
This book was excellently written. Engaging, not too wordy, it efficiently portrays Mosab’s tale. Much of the book is filled with action and suspense, and when Mosab occasionally descends into philosophical and theological tangents, the message is anything but dry; in fact, it makes you think long and hard about what your impressions of the Middle East. In my honest opinion, there was nothing to not like about this story. I give it a well-earned five stars.
This story will make you question your preconceived notions of Muslims, Jews, and religious conflict, and see the Middle East in a completely different light. I heartily recommend it.
For those that have already read Son of Hamas, Tea with Hezbollah (Ted Dekker) is just as thought-provoking a novel about tolerance and crossing the religious border. I suggest you check into that as well.
-GH
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Feb 23 00:00:00 EST 2012
I highly recommend this book. Very inspirational and educational. Regardless of your political or religious views, Son of Hamas provides an upclose view of the inner workings of the various factions of government and religions as well as a bette understanding of what motivates the various players within the Middle Eastern theater of war.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Oct 13 00:00:00 EDT 2011
This is an amazing read. Couldn't put it down. Mosab has a wonderful testimony of bravery and sacrifice. He is an amazing individual. His commitment to Christianity and to Christ is inspiring.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Aug 16 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Nothing this man says is credible how does the reader know that this actually happened. I feel that he is simply searching for sympathy from his readers.
1 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon Jun 27 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Amazing details of a young man who beat the odds at understanding his enemy.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 EDT 2011
A very intense book that captures your attention and pulls at your emotions. Each chapter reveals the amazing courage and transformation of the brave young writer. It's a book filled with raw courage, truth, and heartache. It's an amazing read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Mar 20 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Incredible read! Would recommend it to anyone. It was truly astonishing to read from an insiders point of view, as opposed to watching various forms of media/news in which you really can never tell what is fact or fiction. Mosab is incredibly brave for bringing his story forward and I can only hope that his tales and words will inspire the world to look deeper into the real conflicts of the world, and to move towards peace.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged."Son of Hamas" by Mosab Hasson Yousef is a gripping autobiography of a man who is caught between his own morality and what is expected of him by his community. Mosab is the son of a Hamas leader who is caught and jailed by the Shin Bet (Israel's internal security services). After gaining his trust, the shin bet asks Mosab to work for them, as a double agent, which he did superbly.
Toward the end of the Century, Mosab encountered a British pilgrim who invited him to a class about Christianity. Always curious and obviously and intelligent fellow, Mosab went and was slowly indoctrinated into the teachings of Jesus. In the following months, along with his intelligence work, he slowly abandoned the religion he inherited towards the one he found.
Mosab worked for Israel for a decade, from 1997 to 2007, in deep cover and gaining the trust of Hamas leadership mainly due to the position of his father as well as help from the shin bet. During those years Mosab helped capture numerous terrorists, stop suicide bombers, prevent assassinations, was an endless fountain of valuable intelligence information and last but certainly not least, kept his father out of jail. Many of the lives he helped save are Israelis but countless more are Palestinians.
There are several fascinating aspects in this book. Mosab describes the inner workings, or rather the lack-of, of the Hamas. As the son of one of the founders, Mosab was up to his neck in Middle East politics and intrigue which gave him a unique position and fresh views which most people outside the Middle East, or even outside his standing, did not get to hear. Through his eyes it is understandable how the cycle of violence could get so much out of control and how people, who would never hurt a fly, suddenly become blood thirsty.
There are no good guys and bad guys in this book. Granted, Mosab portrays the Israelis as the "less bad" guys but neither side is flexible enough for a Middle East solution to actually work. The cycle of violence, an eye-for-an-eye-for-an-eye. will continue infinitely because there is an ideological difference between the sides, and a war of ideas cannot be won with tanks or suicide bombs. Mosab found that the Israelis have a healthier respect for life than he thought which is understandable since he has been on the receiving end of Israel's wrath since birth - however Israel is still willing to torture and kill to further their agenda.
With all the religious overtones of the book, I never felt preached to, or that Mosab was trying to push Christianity down my throat. Quite the opposite, he clearly states that religions is not the problem, nor is it the solution. Mosab realizes that the Palestinians are oppressed by their own people as much as they are by Israel and that both sides are manipulated by power hungry mongrels who would let people suffer endlessly just so they could enrich themselves.
This is a gripping story, well told and expertly written. The unique perspective this book provides is interesting and enlightening. It seemed that Mosab was writing the book for himself and for his father, and less for the reader - which I found to be very personal and a great way to tell the story. This book, even though short, is well worth reading.
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1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Apr 09 00:00:00 EDT 2010
I've traveled the middle east many times and this novel is very insightful. What courage this must have took for the author.
If only there could more people like him.
1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Sep 07 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Excellent read reveals the inside story of the organization and the conversion of a muslim to Christianity. Enlightening.
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Overview
Son of Hamas is now available in softcover with an all-new chapter about events since the book’s release such as the revelation of Mosab’s Israeli intelligence handler’s true identity, and Homeland Security’s effort to deport the author.
Since he was a small boy, Mosab Hassan Yousef has had an inside view of the deadly terrorist group Hamas. The oldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founding member of Hamas and its most popular leader, young Mosab assisted his father for years ...