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Writer of Easy methods to Prep When You’re Broke and Bloom The place You’re Planted on-line course
I not too long ago got here throughout a e book known as Son of Hamas. Written by Mosab Hassan Yousef, it’s a deeply private story about what it was like rising up in Gaza. However Mosab wasn’t simply a median Gazan. He was the eldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, who was a founding member of Hamas.
You may assume that this e book has nothing to let you know. You may roll your eyes and say, “That is simply propaganda meant to make you’re feeling dangerous for the Palestinians. Hamas is nothing however a terrorist group!”
However I believe actually understanding a battle means digging deep into either side. And moreover, Mosab was something however a blind follower of Hamas and Islam. In reality, they think about him a traitor.
What’s the e book about?
The e book is an efficient story, to begin with. It’s a type of stuff you begin studying, and you’re grabbed on the primary few pages. It begins the primary time Mosab was arrested by the Israelis. He was younger, nonetheless in highschool, when he was taken and overwhelmed. He didn’t know whether or not he would survive to see his household once more. He was terrified, as any younger particular person can be in such a scenario.
Then, the story goes again to his early childhood. He writes with a deep love for his father – his emotion and respect for his dad leaps off the web page. I’m reminded by his prose that not everyone seems to be all good or all dangerous. His father might have been liable for the muse of a terrorist group, however he was additionally a beloved fixture in his group, a sort father, and a real believer that there was goodness in his faith. He helped others, he allotted knowledge, and was deeply revered.
When Mosab was rising up, his most fervent want was to make his father happy with him. That makes what occurs later within the story much more tough and conflicted.
Mosab writes with out looking for pity, telling tales of common Palestinians who have been simply making an attempt to get by – making an attempt to get sufficient water to drink and meals to eat, making an attempt to keep away from being arrested, making an attempt to guard their youngsters from being harmed only for being exterior enjoying. He paints a practical image that lets you see how terrorists are created, not born.
On the similar time, he shares how youngsters are introduced as much as despise and worry the Israelis. His tales present how deeply influenced these children are by their early experiences and the way surprising it was to him to see the opposite facet of this battle in his later years. His discovery that the Israelis have been simply as afraid of the Palestinians put him on a path to one thing completely different.
Mosab started working for the Israelis.
Whereas he was nonetheless fairly younger – throughout his second arrest, Mosab agreed to work for the Israelis in change for cover for his father. His household by no means knew that he was doing this. It was throughout this time he was uncovered to Israelis as human beings, not simply “the enemy.” He started to see the scenario with extra readability, particularly as he watched imprisoned Hamas members torturing different Palestinian prisoners every day. He was sickened by what he was watching.
When he enrolled in school, he attended a Christian bible examine for one thing to do on one boring night. He was given a replica of the New Testomony, and he first started to see that there is likely to be one other philosophy. At this level, he was nonetheless a religious Muslim however some seeds had been planted – the seeds of peace, love, and forgiveness. All of this was international to his upbringing, and we learn of his wrestle to come back to phrases with this.
Mosab spent a number of years working as a double agent, making an attempt to guard his household, making an attempt to remain alive, making an attempt to meet the dedication he had made to the Israelis. Throughout this time, his religion within the Christian God grew and his perception that neither facet was all dangerous or all good was solidified.
Mosab’s awakening is unimaginable to examine. Seeing his shift in perspective is hopeful, and you’ll’t assist however cheer him on.
Mosab’s story got here at an amazing private price.
He felt his story was essential. So vital that he sacrificed what he held most expensive: his relationship along with his beloved household. The day earlier than the e book was printed, his father launched an announcement from jail that he had disowned Mosab. On the time a further chapter was added to the e book, that they had not made amends.
As nicely, his life stays in danger for the issues he divulged – the within workings of Hamas and the corruption of those that labored to “free” Palestine however really had different motives.
Why I like to recommend the e book
It’s straightforward to observe what’s taking place in Gaza proper now and assume that one facet is “good” and the opposite facet is “dangerous.” However by affixing 
some humanity to either side and actually studying how this legacy of hatred and worry has been stoked by those that profit from the continuing disaster, it has helped me to grasp how this has been happening for therefore lengthy. No matter your beliefs, difficult them with a brand new perspective can solely enable you to to understand this Center Japanese Hatfield-and-McCoy-style feud that has gone on for numerous generations.
It explains why Hamas and different teams prefer it have sworn animus towards those that have funded Israel. It supplies deep perception into the Islamic perception system and shares Mosab’s view of why some Muslims who’re average – not excessive – could possibly be the most important hazard of all.
And it additionally reveals you the way tough it could be for the enmity to finish. It’s been bred into the hearts of the individuals. They have been raised bathed in it. Concern is a strong motivator.
I suppose the one factor that’s stronger is love.
In case you are confused about what’s happening within the Center East, or when you assume you’ve a stable understanding of it – I like to recommend you learn Son of Hamas. All the pieces you imagine you realize shall be challenged by this superbly written story of household, struggle, intrigue, and religion.
Please word that there are some individuals who have solid doubt on Mosab’s story, calling him a faux. I imagine him to be real. It could be fairly a victory for Hamas to “show” that no person left their group and spoke towards them, wouldn’t it?
Since October 7, Mosab has advocated for struggle towards Hamas, explaining that they aren’t making an attempt to make life higher for the Palestinian individuals and that their motives are completely completely different.
Have you ever learn this e book? What did you concentrate on it? Did it provide you with a brand new perspective on the scenario? Is it one thing you’d prefer to learn?
Let’s focus on it within the feedback part.
About Daisy
Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging, adventure-seeking, globe-trotting blogger. She is the founder and writer of three web sites. 1) The Natural Prepper, which is about present occasions, preparedness, self-reliance, and the pursuit of liberty; 2) The Frugalite, an internet site with thrifty suggestions and options to assist individuals get a deal with on their private funds with out feeling disadvantaged; and three) PreppersDailyNews.com, an combination web site the place you’ll find hyperlinks to all an important information for many who want to be ready. Her work is extensively republished throughout various media and he or she has appeared in lots of interviews.
Daisy is the best-selling writer of 5 historically printed books, 12 self-published books, and runs a small digital publishing firm with PDF guides, printables, and programs at SelfRelianceand Survival.com You’ll find her on Fb, Pinterest, Gab, MeWe, Parler, Instagram, and Twitter.
