Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices

A Lesson in Humility and Humanity

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.

10 out of 12 people found this review helpful.

Thoroughly Enjoyed

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.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Interesting perspective on Islam and Palastine conflict

His perspective gives an interesting view point of the conflict in Palastine and what it means to be empathetic towards others; highly recommended.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

UNDERSTANDING THE CHAOS IN MIDDLE EASTERN NATIONS - A GREAT READ

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.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Educational

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.

terrorism to christianity

"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

2 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Gripping Story

"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.

Scary insight

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.

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Invaluable Insight

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.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Outstanding Raead

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.

A Powerful Story of a Reformed Islamist Extremist

Very moving, shows that there is still humanity and love in the world.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Son of Hamas

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.

Son of Hamas

Excellent read reveals the inside story of the organization and the conversion of a muslim to Christianity. Enlightening.

Horribley done

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.

Courage at its best!

Amazing details of a young man who beat the odds at understanding his enemy.

an amazing book

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.

Incredible!

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.

an inside view of hamas

The author brings us inside hamas to reveal the truth -- it is an organization driven be illogical unattainable goals and its leadership is driven by greed, corruption and power. Its actions are given legitimacy by a cruel and hateful god that demands the destruction of all that is not islam. The great tragedy is that the people suffer from decisions of their leaders who are more interested in maintaining power and wealth than finding peace and prosperity for their people.

best book i've read in a long time

Son of Hamas was written by Mosab Hassan Yousef, the oldest son of one of the founders of the Hamas Terror Organization. The author shares his story as an eye-witness to the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his voyage out of the terrorism and torment of his environment. Yousef was groomed to follow in his father's footsteps in the Muslim faith and in the Hamas group. Instead - he rejected the teachings of hate and violence in his family and community. He also, eventually, came in contact with the teachings of Christ. Once he learned about "loving your enemies and doing good to those who hate you" he fully embraced it.

I really can't describe this book well enough to do it justice. It is so very well written and the quality of subject matter is really interesting. It reads like an espionage thriller in many ways - but it's all true. I didn't want it to end. It isn't an anti-Muslim or anti-Israel or anti-Palestinian rant. It isn't loaded with stereotypes or any hateful intolerance for the beliefs of others. It is just a really good book that easily explains much of the original reasons for such unrest in Israel and it outlines some of the reasons that there is still no peace there. The author also shares his struggles with the faith of his fathers and his conversion to Christianity. I am giving it five stars and I recommend it to any adult looking for a good book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishing Company. I am not required to submit a positive review for any book.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Informative About The Rumblings of The Middle East

What little I know of Hamas I have gleaned from scant news reports, but never have I had the desire to learn beyond it. I do know Muslims are, for the most part, bent on destruction as the Qur'an dictates, but Mosab gives us an account of both sides of Islam.

From page one, Mosab held me as he talked lovingly of his father. He talks about his assent in becoming one of the most powerful spies of Shin Bet in Israel. He saved many lives by endangering his own as he lived a double life for years. He endured harsh prison conditions and watched as fellow inmates were persecuted by Hamas. Hamas tortured and harmed its own out of sheer pleasure.

Mosab goes through the history of Muslims and his family. His father was the head of Hamas. In essence, his father was likened to a king and he, a prince, in his homeland. When his father was around, people treated him and his mother like royalty. They always had much to eat and plenty of clothes to wear; at least until his father got arrested by the Israelis. During those imprisonments, Mosab and his family struggled to put food on the table. One day his mother began making baklava to sell to the workers. It brought money into the household until his terrorist uncle spied him begging on the streets. After that, his mother cried bitterly they would sell no more baklava.

Online sources talk about the amazing number of Muslims that are turning to Christ especially after the Pakistan flood. After reading Mosab's account of struggle during the years of his father's imprisonment, I can understand why Muslims are coming to Christ now.

A more indepth review available at thehahnhuntinglodge.co. Book provided by the publisher. I'm not required to give a positive review.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.