How Mossab Hasan Yousef, the ‘Son of Hamas,’ Left Islam and Made America His Home

Mossab Hasan Yousef, widely known as “the son of Hamas,” is set to release his new book, *From Hamas to America: My Story of Defying Terror, Facing the Unimaginable, and Finding Redemption in the Land of Opportunity*, next week through Forefront Books.

Yousef, the son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef and a former undercover agent for Israeli intelligence is a prominent critic of Hamas. He has recently made headlines for his strong condemnation of the group’s October 7th attack on Israel, addressing the UN to highlight the ongoing threat of terrorism.

This new book is Yousef’s second literary endeavour. His first, *Son of Hamas*, recounted his experiences as an Israeli informant and his growing disillusionment with Hamas’ radical ideology. In *From Hamas to America*, Yousef expands on his journey, moving from his childhood in the West Bank city of Ramallah to his life in the United States, where he sought political asylum in 2007.

In his latest work, Yousef explores themes of introspection and transformation, revealing the harsh realities of his upbringing under the influence of an Islamic imam father. He details a harrowing experience of sexual assault and criticizes the glorification of martyrdom prevalent in Palestinian society.

Yousef writes, “Most of the Palestinians I knew believed — and still do — that anyone who leaves Islam should be executed.” His memoir critiques the pervasive violence and extremism that have fueled both intifadas and the ongoing conflict between Fatah and Hamas, contributing to the current situation in Gaza.

Since he arrived in America, Yousef has pursued various interests, including film writing in Los Angeles and exploring spiritual practices such as yoga and ayahuasca. His prominence has increased significantly following the October 7th attacks, and he reflects on his life’s journey with a profound sense of accountability.

“We have to be responsible for the choices we make,” Yousef writes, acknowledging the personal sacrifices involved in leaving behind a life of fanaticism and jihad for a future beyond the borders of terror.