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

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 5,041 ratings

Price: 20.47

Last update: 11-21-2024


About this item

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 Yousef—now called Joseph—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.


Top reviews from the United States

J.Petrous
5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling and Inspiring read!
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
This was the best book I've read in a long time. Absolutely thrilling making it near impossible to put down. It gave me a much deeper understanding of the complexity of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and the author's personal journey of faith is inspiring and absolutely beautiful. Had me in tears!
Ilene
5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting, Eye-Opening Journey into the Heart of the Middle East
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023
"Son of Hamas" proves to be an incredibly insightful and engaging read. It's not just a book; it's a journey that takes you right into the heart of the Middle East conflict, providing a perspective that is often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

The author's humanity shines through every page, making this more than just a political story. The depth of his observations, coupled with his courage to follow his own heart and soul amidst such turmoil, is truly inspiring.

One of the most captivating aspects of this book is the exploration of the author's family life. Behind the headlines and the politics, they are people with their own stories and humanity. This intimate glimpse into their lives reminds us that at the end of the day, we are all human, regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs.

"Son of Hamas" encourages readers to understand someone in their context without necessarily excusing their behavior. It's a testament to the power of choice, demonstrating that no matter the circumstances, we always have the ability to do what's right.

This book is for anyone who wishes to broaden their understanding of the world, particularly the intricate dynamics of the Middle East. It's a masterfully written account that will challenge your perceptions, tug at your heartstrings, and ultimately leave you with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

"Son of Hamas" is a must-read. Its gripping narrative, combined with its enlightening insights, make it an essential addition to any bookshelf. Don't miss out on this enlightening journey into one of the world's most complex regions.
Lee Fouts
4.0 out of 5 stars Very enlightening.
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
It was a tough read for me...all the cruelty. The author gives lots of detail. Very enlightening.
Tim Challies
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Reading
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2013
From his earliest days, Mosab Hasson Yousef had a view of the inner workings of Hamas. The son of one its founders, from childhood he was immersed in the shadowy world of Middle Eastern terror and politics. Arrested time and again by the Shin Bet, the Israeli internal intelligence service, he eventually made the decision to become a double agent, working for Israel instead of against her. For ten years, from 1997 to 2007, he lived like this, deeply embedded within Hamas, suspected by no one, yet passing vast amounts of information to Israel. In this way he prevented assassinations, stopped suicide attacks and provided information leading to the arrests or killings of many terrorists. He was Shin Bet's most valuable source of information about Hamas.

In 1999 he had a chance encounter with a British visitor who invited Yousef to learn about the Christian faith. Curious and intelligent, Yousef took this opportunity and was immediately struck by the difference between Jesus Christ and Mohammed, between the Christian faith and the Islam he had inherited from his fathers. In the months that followed he made a slow conversion to Christianity and was quietly baptized.

Eventually Yousef grew tired of his double life and convinced the Israelis to release him from his position with them. With some reluctence they agreed and allowed him to move to the United States where he continues to live today. Son of Hamas is the story of his life, "A gripping account of terror, betrayal, political intrigue, and unthinkable choices," according to the rather verbose subtitle.

And it's a good story that is told well. Yousef offers a uniquely interesting perspective on Hamas and on the political background and context in that area of the world. His story involves just enough action and intrigue to keep it interesting. At times it is almost (but not quite) unbelievable.

One thing I found interesting is that Youself reveals the Israelis not as the good guys but as the less-bad guys. He develops some level of respect for them when he sees that they are fighting for their lives against a host of nations bent on their destruction. But still he shows how they are every bit as willing as the surrounding nations to torture and kill to further their own ends. Their respect for life is not much greater than that of their enemies. So the Israelis really are not the good guys in this story.

And of course I enjoyed reading not just of Yousef's conversion to Christianity but also the long process and the inner turmoil that got him there. It was only through much soul-searching that he was able to see Jesus Christ not just as a prophet but as the Son of God who died for the sin of the world. So often I read books like this and am disappointed to see that the author finds joy in everything but Christ. But here Yousef finds rest and joy and peace only when he submits his life to Christ.

Yousef does not want to be a hero to Christians. At the end of the book he admits his own unsuitability for that task. He is a new Christian and one who is unskilled--still a novice. And yet he is one who has now written a book about his conversion that has landed on the New York Times list of bestsellers. His testimony is powerful and I both hope and expect that God will use it to show others the light that can be theirs if they turn to Christ.

This one is well worth reading. Buy a copy and marvel at God's grace. Marvel at how God will go to great lengths to draw his people to himself.
Daniel D. Slosberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Understand the Middle East
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024
What it takes for Muslims, Jews, and Christians to get along. This is an absolute must read. A gripping tale.
Ja El
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome read
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
Real and eye opening
Leslie
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow -- what a story!
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2024
This book will open your eyes to what it is like on the inside of a terrorist movement. The author writes with ease and clarity, and seems very truthful. He is an extraordinarily brave soul to have taken the path he's on, and be open about it, at great risk to himself. The book is hard to put down, very well written.
Robyn E Moya
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating read
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024
Like others have said, I did not want to put this book down. It is astonishing the experience and perspective that Mr. Yousef has. I honestly cannot fathom why more people aren't rushing to read this true account: grew up in Palestine, father was Hamas founder, and then worked for Israel. I was fascinated to read about his life and his crazy-unique set of experiences -- there is a lot to learn from him. I am wondering if the next book doesn't contain much of the same material as "Son of Hamas," but nonetheless I bought it and am certainly looking forward to reading it.
I do pray for him and his safety-- the final paragraph of the book was chilling.

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