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Biography & Autobiography. Politics. Religion & Spirituality. Nonfiction. HTML:Son of Hamas is now available 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.… (more)
User reviews
But the book is about more than politics. It is also about a boy who becomes a man, caught up in events bigger than himself, all the while unsure of his conflicted feelings about his father, Hamas, and the people he is supposed to hate. All of this is compounded by his exposure to the teaching of Jesus which also begin to transform his thinking and character, while he is simultaneously serving as a leader to his people and a spy to Israel Shin Bet, trying to save lives on both sides.
Overall, a gripping tale that is more interesting than most works of fiction.
I really became disinterested in the tale when the author converted to Christianity, however. It's all fine and good that he did, but he doesn't seem to have much knowledge about his new faith. He keeps telling the readers how bloody and angry Allah is, but if he's read the bible in its entirety, surely he'd realize that the Christian god is very similar. And when he talked about how some Christian tore apart the Qu'ran by exposing how it contradicted itself and science, I had to laugh. The bible doesn't fare any better to such scrutiny.
I was hoping that, as an atheist, I'd still be able to get something from this book instead of being preached to, but in the end, I really didn't.
At first I was angered by this book. I almost didn't finish it. I'm glad I did. My heart goes out to this man. He say the error of his ways, changed his beliefs, is trying to make a difference in his life. He only knew what he was brought up to believe. However, he learned the word of God and
At first I was angered by this book. I almost didn't finish it. I'm glad I did. My heart goes out to this man. He say the error of his ways, changed his beliefs, is trying to make a difference in his life. He only knew what he was brought up to believe. However, he learned the word of God and
Son of Hamas gives itself away in the title. It is the true story of the son of one of
Despite being the son of a Hamas leader, the author seems to be biased against Hamas from an early age. He documents a lot of violent incidents resulting in deaths and they always seem to be instigated by Hamas or triggered by something Hamas does. In contrast, Israel are represented as the "good guys" in the whole situation rarely taking advantage or killing when they have opportunities. I'm just not sure I can believe that this is how things actually were.
The author becomes a Christian which may or may not have influenced his decision to join Shin Bet. He is a little vague about this aspect and embraces Islam and Christianity simultaneously for a while before deciding which he believes is true. He remains non-denominational which is fine. But he places a stronger emphasis on this than I felt was necessary as if he is in a special category of Christians all by himself.
That was probably the thing I struggled with the most in this book. The way the author elevates himself and his role as a spy. He constantly talks about the number of lives he saved and seems to be present at every major event and incident throughout the history of the middle east conflict. Again, that seems highly unlikely as surely Shin Bet had other spies!?
Having said all that, this is a good read. The writing is not spectacular but the story is interesting and enough of it is factual to make the historical background worth reading. I think maybe the author has just exaggerated his role or used creative licence or maybe he had a different agenda. I would like to believe his conversion was genuine and lasted. I know there are some who believe his conversion was all to do with his asylum claim but I don't subscribe to this...it just wouldn't be worth the risk and the loss of his family and friends in Palestine...
There is no bad language or sexual content. There is violence and some descriptions of torture but it is bearable. You may enjoy this book if you have an interest in the ongoing conflict in the middle east.
VERY INTERESTING