Born Into Hamas Leadership
Mosab Hassan Yousef was born in 1978 in Ramallah, West Bank, as the eldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a key leader in Hamas. From a young age, Mosab was deeply entrenched in the operations of Hamas, a movement known for its violent methods. By the age of nine, he was already throwing stones, and by ten, he was arrested for his actions. However, a significant shift occurred when, in 1996, while imprisoned, he witnessed the brutal internal conflicts within Hamas that led him to question his beliefs.
Working for Peace From the Inside
In 1997, Mosab accepted an offer to work for Shin Bet, Israel's intelligence agency, initially intending to act as a double agent. Yet, as he witnessed the agency's moral integrity, he began genuinely aiding them, ensuring that his intelligence led to arrests rather than deaths. Around this time, Mosab encountered Christianity through a British missionary, and he began attending Bible studies.
The Sermon on the Mount Changes Everything
Mosab was deeply moved by the New Testament, particularly the Sermon on the Mount. 'I began at the beginning, and when I got to the Sermon on the Mount, I thought, Wow, this guy Jesus is really impressive!' he stated. This encounter with Jesus's teachings marked the beginning of his transformation, as Mosab embraced the message of love and forgiveness.
From Violence to Voice for Peace
By 2005, Mosab was secretly baptized and, in 2008, publicly renounced Hamas and converted to Christianity. Despite the personal cost, including his father's incarceration due to his actions, Mosab was driven by a new-found commitment to peace. His work as an informant is credited with preventing numerous terrorist attacks.
In 2007, Mosab relocated to the United States, seeking asylum, which was granted in 2010 after his Shin Bet handler testified to his integrity. Mosab now shares his story worldwide, emphasizing that 'truth and forgiveness are the only solution for the Middle East.' His journey from violence to peace highlights the transformative power of Jesus's teachings.
