Son of Hamas

I finished this book in two days - Mosab's life (of terrorists, political intrigue and special intelligence - is really something out of a thriller, and this memoir is written the same way a thriller novel would've been written: tightly paced, exciting Hamas/espionage operations etc. Son of Hamas gives you an insightful look at the inner workings of Hamas, and you can't help but wonder at the insanity hatred creates between two societies unwilling to forgive.

The only problem I have with this book is that I have a hard time really getting on Mosab's side. Mosab doesn't really explain - at least not adequately to me - why he decided to work for Israeli intelligence. I couldn't shake off the feeling that he may have been suffering from Stockholm's Syndrome when he capitulated. After all, after the brutality of his prison living conditions, he was amazed that the Israeli agents treated him like a human being. He paints his Israeli intelligence colleagues in a very favourable light, which makes me a tad suspicious too. I just can't shake off the feeling that the agents were far more interested in using him and his connections than regarding him as a friend. It doesn't help that he reveals that they pay he so well that he could afford a sports car.

All this, of course, makes me question Mosab's true motivations. It is therefore inevitable that some would accuse him of being a traitor (who not only betrayed his people, but his family) and of being opportunistic.

But perhaps Mosab isn't interested in getting us on his side. Why would a man jeapordise his life, alienate his people and family, by coming out this way? But I agree wholeheartedly about his assessment about the peace in the Middle East. The only way it could be achieved is if they embraced Jesus' teachings on forgiveness (he became a Christian later): Love your enemies.

"Son of Hamas" offers a rare and compelling insider's perspective on one of the most enduring conflicts in the Middle East. Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a founding member of Hamas, provides a unique narrative that bridges cultural, religious, and political divides. His journey from being deeply embedded in Hamas to becoming an informant for Israel's Shin Bet and ultimately converting to Christianity is both fascinating and thought-provoking.

Yousef's account is particularly valuable because it doesn't fit neatly into any preconceived narrative. While some might be tempted to view it as anti-Palestinian propaganda due to his collaboration with Israeli intelligence, the author's nuanced portrayal of both sides of the conflict resists such simplistic categorization. Instead, it offers a complex, human story that highlights the deep-seated issues perpetuating the cycle of violence.

The book's strength lies in its ability to humanize those involved in the conflict, showing how individuals on both sides are caught in a web of historical, cultural, and political forces. Yousef's personal transformation challenges readers to reconsider their own perspectives and biases.

However, the true value of "Son of Hamas" may lie not in its recounting of past events, but in its potential to inspire a path forward. By exposing the futility of the endless cycle of retaliation and the immense human cost of the conflict, Yousef's story underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

Ultimately, "Son of Hamas" serves as a powerful reminder that behind the headlines and political rhetoric are real people with real stories. It challenges us to look beyond simplistic narratives and consider how we might break the cycle of violence to create a future where such harrowing tales are no longer commonplace.

This was fantastic. I'm really glad I read this (almost) back-to-back with [b:Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth 56181019 Israel A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth Noa Tishby https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1617549909l/56181019.SX50.jpg 87515093], as I feel like together they gave me a reasonably nuanced portrait of how both Israel and Palestine understand the problems in the middle east, and how their disparate goals cannot ever align without some sorts of compromise.Yousef, as the title says, is the son of one of the founding members of Hamas (Sheikh Hassan Yousef) - though at the time it was founded, it was not necessarily intended to be a terrorist group, but rather a political arm during a time when Palestine was occupied by Israel. But you know, movements evolve whether or not the original founders approve, especially without some kind of centralized leadership, which at the time Hamas did not have. And so when Yousef and his father are talking about getting financial assistance from the organization after the two of them have been in and out of prison for years, and Hassan indicates that he doesn't know who is in charge of the organization of Hamas, that was shocking to his son (and to this westerner as well). (That is explored later.)And I found it really interesting that, despite his father being a founder, Hassan was never interested in killing anyone, preferring to remain a very devout Muslim that people respected as a religious leader, though unfortunately looking the other way as the organization became more and more radical and violent. (And turns out, using his image to get Hamas elected into the government, even though he himself had no intention of being in office.)A lot about Islam and Allah and the Qu'ran, and how the ladder of Islam leads to violence the higher up you go (which I am not especially familiar with, I don't know if this is a universal truth within Islam), and his discovery of the love of the Christian God/Jesus as he began to secretly work with the Israelis as a spy on the inside of Hamas after a stint in prison. The change of heart here was very interesting, how he went from wanting to work with the Israelis as a double-agent so he could destroy them from the inside, despite never being particularly interested in violence himself, to actually building genuine friendships and trust with his handlers and respecting them as people. Doing his best to stop the endless deaths and suicide bombings with their help.Buddy read with Jeananne. We're going to have a lot to talk about. I highly recommend this.

This is a fantastic and much needed read in today's climate. I found Mosab's story to be heartbreaking & courageous.... If only more people could see things the way he does. This book gave me ample insight into the Palestine-Israel conflict that I didn't have before and this should be a mandatory read for ANYONE who is protesting or speaking up for EITHER side. Not only is it insightful, it is a page turner, gripping you in until the very end. Highly recommend!