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Writer of How to Prep When You’re Broke and Bloom Where You’re Planted on-line course
I just lately 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 mean Gazan. He was the eldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, who was a founding member of Hamas.
You would possibly suppose that this e-book has nothing to let you know. You would possibly 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 each side. And moreover, Mosab was something however a blind follower of Hamas and Islam. Actually, they take into account him a traitor.
What’s the e-book about?
The e-book is an efficient story, initially. It’s a kind of belongings 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 individual could be in such a state of affairs.
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 could have been answerable for the muse of a terrorist group, however he was additionally a beloved fixture in his neighborhood, a form 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 had 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 taking part in. He paints a practical image that lets you see how terrorists are created, not born.
On the identical time, he shares how youngsters are introduced as much as despise and concern 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 had been simply as afraid of the Palestinians put him on a path to one thing totally 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 alternate 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 state of affairs with extra readability, particularly as he watched imprisoned Hamas members torturing different Palestinian prisoners each day. He was sickened by what he was watching.
When he enrolled in faculty, he attended a Christian bible research 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 may 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 overseas to his upbringing, and we learn of his wrestle to return 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 satisfy 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 unbelievable 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 crucial. So vital that he sacrificed what he held most pricey: his relationship along with his beloved household. The day earlier than the e-book was printed, his father launched a press release from jail that he had disowned Mosab. On the time a further chapter was added to the e-book, they’d 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 truly had different motives.
Why I like to recommend the e-book
It’s simple to observe what’s occurring in Gaza proper now and suppose that one facet is “good” and the opposite facet is “dangerous.” However by affixing some humanity to each side and actually studying how this legacy of hatred and concern 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 assist you to grasp 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 offers deep perception into the Islamic perception system and shares Mosab’s view of why some Muslims who’re average – not excessive – may very well be the largest 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 had been raised bathed in it. Concern is a strong motivator.
I suppose the one factor that’s stronger is love.
If you’re confused about what’s happening within the Center East, or should you suppose you will have a strong understanding of it – I like to recommend you learn Son of Hamas. Every thing you consider you understand might be challenged by this superbly written story of household, warfare, intrigue, and religion.
Please notice that there are some individuals who have solid doubt on Mosab’s story, calling him a faux. I consider him to be real. It could be fairly a victory for Hamas to “show” that no one left their group and spoke towards them, wouldn’t it?
Since October 7, Mosab has advocated for warfare towards Hamas, explaining that they don’t seem to be making an attempt to make life higher for the Palestinian individuals and that their motives are completely totally different.
Have you ever learn this e-book? What did you consider it? Did it offer you a brand new perspective on the state of affairs? Is it one thing you’d wish 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 Organic 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 website the place you will discover hyperlinks to all crucial information for many who want to be ready. Her work is broadly republished throughout different media and he or she has appeared in lots of interviews.
Daisy is the best-selling creator of 5 traditionally published books, 12 self-published books, and runs a small digital publishing company with PDF guides, printables, and courses at SelfRelianceand Survival.com You could find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Gab, MeWe, Parler, Instagram, and Twitter.