Son Of Hamas Part 18

As is the case with many followers of Jesus, my public declaration of faith broke the hearts of my mother and father, brothers, sisters, and friends.

My friend Jamal was one of the few people who stood by my family in their shame and cried with them. Terribly lonely after I left, Jamal met a beautiful young woman, got engaged, and was married two weeks after the Haaretz Haaretz article appeared. article appeared.

Attending his wedding, my family couldn't hold back their tears because Jamal's wedding reminded them of me, how I had destroyed my future, and how I would never marry and have a Muslim family. Seeing their sadness, even the new bridegroom started to cry. Most of the other people in the wedding cried, too, but I'm sure it was for a different reason.

"Couldn't you wait to make your announcement until two weeks after after I got married?" Jamal asked me in a phone conversation later. "You made the best thing in my life a disaster." I got married?" Jamal asked me in a phone conversation later. "You made the best thing in my life a disaster."

I felt awful. Thankfully, Jamal remains my best friend.

My father received the news in his prison cell. He woke up to learn that his oldest son had converted to Christianity. From his perspective, I had destroyed my own future and his family's future. He believes that one day I will be taken to h.e.l.l before his eyes, and then we will be estranged forever.

He cried like a baby and would not leave his cell.

Prisoners from every faction came to him. "We are all your sons, Abu Mosab," they told him. "Please calm down."

He could not confirm the news reports. But a week later, my seventeen-year-old sister, Anhar, who was the only family member allowed to visit him, came to the prison. Immediately, he could see in her eyes that it was all true. And he couldn't control himself. Other prisoners left their visiting families to come and kiss his head and weep with him. He tried to catch his breath to apologize to them, but he only wept harder. Even the Israeli guards, who respected my father, cried.

I sent him a six-page letter. I told him how important it was for him to discover the real nature of the G.o.d he has always loved but never known.

My uncles waited anxiously for my father to disown me. When he refused, they turned their backs on his wife and children. But my father knew that if he disowned me, Hamas terrorists would kill me. And he kept his covering over me, no matter how deeply I had wounded him.

Eight weeks later, the men at Ktzi'ot Prison in the Negev threatened to riot. So Shabas, the Israel Prison Service, asked my father to do what he could to defuse the situation.

One day my mother, who had been in weekly contact since my arrival in America, called me.

"Your father is in the Negev. Some of the prisoners have smuggled in cell phones. Would you like to talk to him?"

I couldn't believe it. I didn't think I would get a chance to talk to my dad until he was released from prison.

I called the number. No one answered. I called again.

"Alo!"

His voice. I could barely speak.

"Hi, Father."

"Hi there."

"I miss your voice."

"How are you?"

"I am good. It doesn't matter how I am. How are you?"

"I am okay. We came here to talk to prisoners and try to calm the situation down."

He was the same. His chief concern was always for the people. And he always would be the same.

"How is your life in the USA now?"

"My life is great. I am writing a book . . ."

Every prisoner was given only ten minutes, and my father would never use his position to get special treatment. I wanted to discuss my new life with him, but he didn't want to talk about it.

"No matter what happened," he told me, "you are still my son. You are part of me, and nothing will change. You have a different opinion, but you still are my little child."

I was shocked. This man was unbelievable.

I called again the next day. He was sick at heart, but he was listening.

"I have a secret I need to tell you," I said. "I want to tell you now, so you don't hear it from the media."

I explained that I had worked for the s.h.i.+n Bet for ten years. That he was still alive today because I had agreed to have him put into prison for his protection. That his name was at the top of Jerusalem's a.s.sa.s.sination list-and that he was still in prison because I was no longer there to ensure his safety.

Silence. My dad said nothing.

"I love you," I said finally. "You will always be my father."

Postscript It is my greatest hope that, in telling my own story, I will show my own people-Palestinian followers of Islam who have been used by corrupt regimes for hundreds of years-that the truth can set them free.

I tell my story as well to let the Israeli people know that there is hope. If I, the son of a terrorist organization dedicated to the extinction of Israel, can reach a point where I not only learned to love the Jewish people but risked my life for them, there is a light of hope.

My story holds a message for Christians too. We must learn from the sorrows of my people, who carry a heavy burden trying to work their way into G.o.d's favor. We have to get beyond the religious rules we make for ourselves. Instead, we must love people-on all sides of the world-unconditionally. If we are going to represent Jesus to the world, we have to live his message of love. If we want to follow Jesus, we must also expect to be persecuted. We should be happy to be persecuted for his sake.

To Middle East experts, government decision makers, scholars, and leaders of intelligence agencies, I write with the hope that a simple story will contribute to your understanding of the problems and potential solutions in one of the most troubled regions of the world.

I offer my story knowing that many people, including those I care about most, will not understand my motives or my thinking.

Some people will accuse me of doing what I have done for the sake of money. The irony is that I had no problem getting money in my previous life but am living practically hand to mouth now. While it is true that my family struggled financially, especially during the long stretches when my father was in prison, I eventually became a fairly rich young man. With my government-provided salary, I made ten times the average income in my country. I had a good life, with two houses and a new sports car. And I could have made even more.

When I told the Israelis that I was done working for them, they offered to set me up in my own communications business that would earn me millions of dollars if I would only stay. I said no to that offer and came to the United States, where I haven't been able to find a full-time job and ended up practically homeless. I hope that someday money won't be a problem for me anymore, but I've learned that money alone will never satisfy me. If money was my main goal, I could have stayed where I was and kept working for Israel. I could have accepted the donations that people have offered me since I moved to the States. But I haven't done either because I don't want to make money my priority-or give the impression that it is what drives me.

Some people may think I'm doing this for the attention, but I had plenty of that back in my own country too.

What was much harder to give up was the power and authority I had as the son of a top Hamas leader. Having tasted power, I know how addictive it can be-much more addictive than money. I liked the power I had in my former life, but when you're addicted, even to power, you are controlled more than you control.

Freedom, a deep longing for freedom, is really at the heart of my story.

I am the son of a people who have been enslaved by corrupt systems for many centuries.

I was a prisoner of the Israelis when my eyes were opened to the fact that the Palestinian people were as oppressed by their own leaders as they were by Israel.

I was a devout follower of a religion that required strict adherence to rigid regulations in order to please the G.o.d of the Qur'an and get into heaven.

I had money, power, and position in my former life, but what I really wanted was freedom. And that meant, among other things, leaving behind hate, prejudice, and a desire for revenge.

The message of Jesus-love your enemies-is what finally set me free. It no longer mattered who my friends were or who my enemies were; I was supposed to love them all. And I could have a loving relations.h.i.+p with a G.o.d who would help me love others.

Having that kind of relations.h.i.+p with G.o.d is not only the source of my freedom but also the key to my new life.

After reading this book, please do not think that I have become some kind of super follower of Jesus. I'm still struggling. The little I know and understand about my faith came from Bible studies and reading. In other words, I am a follower of Jesus Christ but am only beginning to become a disciple.

I was born and raised in a religious environment that insisted salvation was all about works. I have a lot to unlearn to make room for the truth: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the att.i.tude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like G.o.d in true righteousness and holiness. -EPHESIANS 4:22-24 -EPHESIANS 4:22-24 Like many other followers of Christ, I have repented of my sins, and I know that Jesus is the Son of G.o.d who became a man, died for our sins, rose from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. I have been baptized. Yet I feel that I am barely inside the gate of the Kingdom of G.o.d. I have been told that there is much, much more. And I want it all.

In the meantime, I still struggle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. I still have misconceptions and confusion. I wrestle with what sometimes seem like invincible issues. Yet I have hope that I, like the apostle Paul who described himself to Timothy as "the worst of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:16), will become whatever G.o.d wants me to be, as long as I don't give up.

So if you meet me in the street, please don't ask me for advice or what I think this or that Scripture verse means, because you're probably already way ahead of me. Instead of looking at me as a spiritual trophy, pray for me, that I will grow in my faith and that I won't step on too many toes as I learn to dance with the Bridegroom.

As long as we continue to search for enemies anywhere but inside ourselves, there will always be a Middle East problem.

Religion is not the solution. Religion without Jesus is just self-righteousness. Freedom from oppression will not resolve things either. Delivered from the oppression of Europe, Israel became the oppressor. Delivered from persecution, Muslims became persecutors. Abused spouses and children often go on to abuse spouses and children. It is a cliche, but it's still true: hurt people, unless they are healed, hurt people.

Manipulated by lies and driven by racism, hatred, and revenge, I was on my way to being one of those people. Then in 1999, I encountered the only true G.o.d. He is the Father whose love is beyond expression, yet shown in the sacrifice of his only Son on a cross to atone for the world's sins. He is the G.o.d who, three days later, demonstrated his power and righteousness by raising Jesus from the dead. He is the G.o.d who not only commands me to love and forgive my enemies as he has loved and forgiven me but empowers me to do so.

Truth and forgiveness are the only solution for the Middle East. The challenge, especially between Israelis and Palestinians, is not to find find the solution. The challenge is to be the first courageous enough to the solution. The challenge is to be the first courageous enough to embrace embrace it. it.

The Players Mosab's Family Sheikh Yousef Dawood His paternal grandfather His paternal grandfather Sheikh Ha.s.san Yousef His father; cofounder and leader of Hamas since 1986 His father; cofounder and leader of Hamas since 1986 Sabha Abu Salem His mother His mother Ibrahim Abu Salem His uncle (mother's brother); a cofounder of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan His uncle (mother's brother); a cofounder of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan Dawood His uncle (father's brother) His uncle (father's brother) Yousef Dawood His cousin, son of Dawood, who helped him purchase inoperative weapons His cousin, son of Dawood, who helped him purchase inoperative weapons Mosab's brothers Sohayb (1980), Seif (1983), Oways (1985), Mohammad (1987), Naser (1997) Sohayb (1980), Seif (1983), Oways (1985), Mohammad (1987), Naser (1997) Mosab's sisters Sabeela (1979), Tasneem (1982), Anhar (1990) Sabeela (1979), Tasneem (1982), Anhar (1990) Key Players (in order of appearance) Ha.s.san al-Banna Egyptian reformer and founder of the Muslim Brotherhood Egyptian reformer and founder of the Muslim Brotherhood Jamal Mansour Cofounder of Hamas in 1986; a.s.sa.s.sinated by Israel Cofounder of Hamas in 1986; a.s.sa.s.sinated by Israel Ibrahim Kiswani Mosab's friend who helped him purchase inoperative weapons Mosab's friend who helped him purchase inoperative weapons Loai Mosab's handler in the s.h.i.+n Bet Mosab's handler in the s.h.i.+n Bet Marwan Barghouti Secretary-general of Fatah Secretary-general of Fatah Maher Odeh Hamas leader and head of Hamas security wing in prison Hamas leader and head of Hamas security wing in prison Saleh Talahme Hamas terrorist and Mosab's friend Hamas terrorist and Mosab's friend Ibrahim Hamed Head of Hamas security wing in the West Bank Head of Hamas security wing in the West Bank Sayyed al-Sheikh Qa.s.sem Hamas terrorist Hamas terrorist Hasaneen Rummanah Hamas terrorist Hamas terrorist Khalid Meshaal Head of Hamas in Damascus, Syria Head of Hamas in Damascus, Syria Abdullah Barghouti Bomb maker Bomb maker The Others (in alphabetical order) Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi Hamas leader; leader of the deportee camp in Lebanon Hamas leader; leader of the deportee camp in Lebanon Abdel-Ba.s.set Odeh Hamas suicide bomber, Park Hotel Hamas suicide bomber, Park Hotel Abu Ali Mustafa Secretary-general of PFLP; a.s.sa.s.sinated by Israel Secretary-general of PFLP; a.s.sa.s.sinated by Israel Abu Saleem Butcher; Mosab's crazy neighbor Butcher; Mosab's crazy neighbor Adib Zeyadeh Covert leader of Hamas Covert leader of Hamas Ahmad Ghandour Early leader of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades Early leader of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades Ahmad al-Faransi Aide to Marwan Barghouti Aide to Marwan Barghouti Ahmed Ya.s.sin Cofounder of Hamas in 1986; a.s.sa.s.sinated by Israel Cofounder of Hamas in 1986; a.s.sa.s.sinated by Israel Akel Sorour Friend of Mosab and fellow prison inmate Friend of Mosab and fellow prison inmate Amar Salah Diab Amarna First official Hamas suicide bomber First official Hamas suicide bomber Amer Abu Sarhan Stabbed three Israelis to death in 1989 Stabbed three Israelis to death in 1989 Amnon Jewish convert to Christianity and fellow prison inmate with Mosab Jewish convert to Christianity and fellow prison inmate with Mosab Anas Rasras Maj'd leader at Megiddo Prison Maj'd leader at Megiddo Prison Ariel Sharon Eleventh prime minister of Israel (20012006) Eleventh prime minister of Israel (20012006) Avi Dichter Head of s.h.i.+n Bet Head of s.h.i.+n Bet Ayman Abu Taha Cofounder of Hamas in 1986 Cofounder of Hamas in 1986 Aziz Kayed Covert leader of Hamas Covert leader of Hamas Baruch Goldstein American-born physician who slaughtered twenty-nine Palestinians in Hebron during Ramadan American-born physician who slaughtered twenty-nine Palestinians in Hebron during Ramadan Bilal Barghouti Cousin of Hamas bomber Abdullah Barghouti Cousin of Hamas bomber Abdullah Barghouti Bill Clinton Forty-second president of the United States Forty-second president of the United States Captain Shai Israel Defense Forces officer Israel Defense Forces officer Daya Muhammad Hussein al-Tawil French Hill suicide bomber French Hill suicide bomber Ehud Barak Tenth prime minister of Israel (19992001) Tenth prime minister of Israel (19992001) Ehud Olmert Twelfth prime minister of Israel (20062009) Twelfth prime minister of Israel (20062009) Fathi Shaqaqi Founder of Palestinian Islamic Jihad and initiator of suicide bombings Founder of Palestinian Islamic Jihad and initiator of suicide bombings Fouad s...o...b..ki PA chief financial officer for military operations PA chief financial officer for military operations Ha.s.san Salameh Friend of Yahya Ayyash, who taught him how to make bombs to kill Israelis Friend of Yahya Ayyash, who taught him how to make bombs to kill Israelis Imad Akel Leader of Al-Qa.s.sam Brigades, Hamas military wing; killed by Israelis Leader of Al-Qa.s.sam Brigades, Hamas military wing; killed by Israelis Ismail Haniyeh Elected Palestinian prime minister in 2006 Elected Palestinian prime minister in 2006 Izz al-Din Shuheil al-Masri Sbarro pizza parlor suicide bomber Sbarro pizza parlor suicide bomber Jamal al-Dura Father of twelve-year-old Mohammed al-Dura, who Palestinians say was killed by IDF soldiers during a demonstration by Palestinian security forces in Gaza Father of twelve-year-old Mohammed al-Dura, who Palestinians say was killed by IDF soldiers during a demonstration by Palestinian security forces in Gaza Jamal al-Taweel Hamas leader in the West Bank Hamas leader in the West Bank Jamal Salim Hamas leader killed in a.s.sa.s.sination of Jamal Mansour in Nablus Hamas leader killed in a.s.sa.s.sination of Jamal Mansour in Nablus Jamil Hamami Cofounder of Hamas in 1986 Cofounder of Hamas in 1986 Jibril Rajoub Head of security for the Palestinian Authority Head of security for the Palestinian Authority Juma'a Gravedigger in cemetery near Mosab's childhood home Gravedigger in cemetery near Mosab's childhood home King Hussein King of Jordan (19521999) King of Jordan (19521999) Kofi Annan Seventh secretary-general of the United Nations (19972006) Seventh secretary-general of the United Nations (19972006) Leonard Cohen Canadian singer and songwriter who wrote "First We Take Manhattan" Canadian singer and songwriter who wrote "First We Take Manhattan"

Mahmud Muslih Cofounder of Hamas in 1986 Cofounder of Hamas in 1986 Majeda Talahme Wife of Hamas terrorist Saleh Talahme Wife of Hamas terrorist Saleh Talahme Mohammad Founder of Islam Founder of Islam Mohammad Daraghmeh Palestinian journalist Palestinian journalist Mohammed al-Dura Twelve-year-old boy allegedly killed by IDF soldiers during aFatah demonstration in Gaza Twelve-year-old boy allegedly killed by IDF soldiers during aFatah demonstration in Gaza Mohammed Arman Member of Hamas terrorist cell Member of Hamas terrorist cell Mosab Talahme Oldest son of terrorist Saleh Talahme Oldest son of terrorist Saleh Talahme Muhammad Jamal al-Natsheh Cofounder of Hamas in 1986 and head of its military wing in the West Bank Cofounder of Hamas in 1986 and head of its military wing in the West Bank Muhaned Abu Halawa Member of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades Member of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades Najeh Madi Covert leader of Hamas Covert leader of Hamas Nissim Toledano Israeli border policeman killed by Hamas Israeli border policeman killed by Hamas Ofer Dekel s.h.i.+n Bet officer s.h.i.+n Bet officer Rehavam Ze'evi Israeli tourism minister a.s.sa.s.sinated by PFLP gunmen Israeli tourism minister a.s.sa.s.sinated by PFLP gunmen Saddam Hussein Iraqi dictator who invaded Kuwait in 1990 Iraqi dictator who invaded Kuwait in 1990 Saeb Erekat Palestinian cabinet minister Palestinian cabinet minister Saeed Hotari Dolphinarium suicide bomber Dolphinarium suicide bomber Salah Hussein Covert leader of Hamas Covert leader of Hamas Sami Abu Zuhri Hamas spokesman in Gaza Hamas spokesman in Gaza Shada Palestinian worker killed by mistake by an Israeli tank gunner Palestinian worker killed by mistake by an Israeli tank gunner s.h.i.+mon Peres Ninth president of Israel, who a.s.sumed office in 2007; has also served as prime minister and foreign minister Ninth president of Israel, who a.s.sumed office in 2007; has also served as prime minister and foreign minister Shlomo Sakal Israeli plastics salesman, stabbed to death in Gaza Israeli plastics salesman, stabbed to death in Gaza Tsibouktsakis Germa.n.u.s Greek Orthodox monk murdered by Ismail Radaida Greek Orthodox monk murdered by Ismail Radaida Yahya Ayyash Bomb maker credited with advancing the technique of suicide bombing in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Bomb maker credited with advancing the technique of suicide bombing in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Ya.s.ser Arafat Longtime chairman of the PLO, president of the PA; died in 2004 Longtime chairman of the PLO, president of the PA; died in 2004 Yisrael Ziv Israeli major general for the IDF Israeli major general for the IDF Yitzhak Rabin Fifth prime minister of Israel (19741977; 19921995); a.s.sa.s.sinated by right-wing Israeli radical Yigal Amir in 1995 Fifth prime minister of Israel (19741977; 19921995); a.s.sa.s.sinated by right-wing Israeli radical Yigal Amir in 1995 Zakaria Botros Coptic priest who has led countless Muslims to Christ, via satellite television, by exposing the errors in the Qur'an and revealing the truth of Scripture Coptic priest who has led countless Muslims to Christ, via satellite television, by exposing the errors in the Qur'an and revealing the truth of Scripture

Glossary abu Son of Son of adad Number Number adhan Muslim call to prayer, five times a day Muslim call to prayer, five times a day Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades Terrorist group, formed during the Second Intifada out of various resistance groups, that carries out suicide bombings and other attacks against Israeli targets Terrorist group, formed during the Second Intifada out of various resistance groups, that carries out suicide bombings and other attacks against Israeli targets Al-Aqsa Mosque Islam's third holiest site from which Muslims believe Mohammad ascended into heaven; located on the Temple Mount, Jews' holiest site and believed to be the location of the ancient Jewish Temples Islam's third holiest site from which Muslims believe Mohammad ascended into heaven; located on the Temple Mount, Jews' holiest site and believed to be the location of the ancient Jewish Temples Al-Fatihah The opening sura (pa.s.sage) of the Qur'an, read by the imam or religious leader The opening sura (pa.s.sage) of the Qur'an, read by the imam or religious leader Al-Jazeera Arab satellite television news network; based in Qatar Arab satellite television news network; based in Qatar Allah Arabic word for G.o.d Arabic word for G.o.d Allenby Bridge Bridge across the Jordan River between Jericho and Jordan; originally built by British General Edmund Allenby in 1918 Bridge across the Jordan River between Jericho and Jordan; originally built by British General Edmund Allenby in 1918 baklava Rich pastry made with layers of dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey Rich pastry made with layers of dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey Black September b.l.o.o.d.y confrontation between the Jordanian government and Palestinian organizations in September 1970 b.l.o.o.d.y confrontation between the Jordanian government and Palestinian organizations in September 1970 Caliphate Islamic political leaders.h.i.+p Islamic political leaders.h.i.+p Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) Secular Marxist-Leninist organization opposing the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Secular Marxist-Leninist organization opposing the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza dinar (dee'-nahr) Official currency of Jordan, used throughout the West Bank in addition to the Israeli shekel Official currency of Jordan, used throughout the West Bank in addition to the Israeli shekel emir Arabic for chief or commander Arabic for chief or commander Ezzedeen Al-Qa.s.sam Brigades (Eza-deen' al Kas-sam') Military wing of Hamas Military wing of Hamas Fatah Largest political faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization Largest political faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization fatwa Legal opinion or decree concerning Islamic law issued by an Islamic scholar Legal opinion or decree concerning Islamic law issued by an Islamic scholar feda'iyeen (fedai-yeen') (fedai-yeen') Freedom fighters Freedom fighters Force 17 Ya.s.ser Arafat's elite commando unit Ya.s.ser Arafat's elite commando unit hadith (hah'-dith) (hah'-dith) Oral traditions of Islam Oral traditions of Islam hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca Pilgrimage to Mecca Hamas Islamic resistance movement in the West Bank and Gaza, listed by the United States, European Union, and others as a terrorist organization Islamic resistance movement in the West Bank and Gaza, listed by the United States, European Union, and others as a terrorist organization Hezbollah Islamic political and paramilitary organization in Lebanon Islamic political and paramilitary organization in Lebanon hijab Head covering or veil worn by Muslim women in some cultures Head covering or veil worn by Muslim women in some cultures IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Israel's military force, including ground forces, air force, and navy Israel's military force, including ground forces, air force, and navy imam Islamic leader, usually of a mosque Islamic leader, usually of a mosque intifada Rebellion or uprising Rebellion or uprising Islamic Jihad Islamic resistance movement in the West Bank and Gaza, listed by the United States, European Union, and others as a terrorist organization Islamic resistance movement in the West Bank and Gaza, listed by the United States, European Union, and others as a terrorist organization jalsa Islamic study group Islamic study group jihad Literally means "struggle" but interpreted by militant Islamic groups to call for armed struggle, even terrorism Literally means "struggle" but interpreted by militant Islamic groups to call for armed struggle, even terrorism Kalashnikov Russian AK-47 a.s.sault rifle; invented by Mikhail Kalashnikov Russian AK-47 a.s.sault rifle; invented by Mikhail Kalashnikov Knesset Legislative branch of the Israeli government Legislative branch of the Israeli government Ktzi'ot Israeli tent prison in the Negev where Mosab spent time Israeli tent prison in the Negev where Mosab spent time Kurds Ethnic people group, most of whom live in Kurdistan, which covers parts of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey Ethnic people group, most of whom live in Kurdistan, which covers parts of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey Labor Party Socialist/Zionist left-wing political party of Israel Socialist/Zionist left-wing political party of Israel Likud Party Right-wing political party of Israel Right-wing political party of Israel maj'd (mah-jeed') (mah-jeed') Hamas security wing Hamas security wing Maskobiyeh (mahs-koh-bee'-yah) Israeli detention center in West Jerusalem Israeli detention center in West Jerusalem Mecca Islam's holiest site, located in Saudi Arabia, where the prophet Mohammad founded his religion Islam's holiest site, located in Saudi Arabia, where the prophet Mohammad founded his religion Medina Islam's second holiest site; the burial place of Mohammad located in Saudi Arabia Islam's second holiest site; the burial place of Mohammad located in Saudi Arabia Megiddo Prison camp in northern Israel Prison camp in northern Israel Merkava Combat tank, used by the Israeli Defense Forces Combat tank, used by the Israeli Defense Forces minaret Tall spire of a mosque from which a Muslim religious leader calls the faithful to prayer Tall spire of a mosque from which a Muslim religious leader calls the faithful to prayer mi'var At Megiddo, a processing unit where prisoners stayed before being moved into the camp population At Megiddo, a processing unit where prisoners stayed before being moved into the camp population Molotov c.o.c.ktail A petroleum bomb, usually a gasoline-filled gla.s.s bottle with a rag wick, that is ignited and thrown at a target. A petroleum bomb, usually a gasoline-filled gla.s.s bottle with a rag wick, that is ignited and thrown at a target.

mosque Muslim place of wors.h.i.+p and prayer Muslim place of wors.h.i.+p and prayer Mossad National intelligence agency of Israel, comparable to America's Central Intelligence Agency National intelligence agency of Israel, comparable to America's Central Intelligence Agency mujahid (moo-jah-ha-deed') (moo-jah-ha-deed') Muslim guerilla soldier Muslim guerilla soldier Munkar and Nakir Angels believed to torment the dead Angels believed to torment the dead occupied territories The West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights The West Bank, Gaza, and the Golan Heights Operation Defensive s.h.i.+eld Major military operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces during the Second Intifada Major military operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces during the Second Intifada Oslo Accords The 1993 agreements reached between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization The 1993 agreements reached between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization Ottoman Empire Turkish empire that lasted from about 1299 to 1923 Turkish empire that lasted from about 1299 to 1923 Palestinian Authority (PA) Formed in 1994, according to the terms of the Oslo Accords, as the governing body of the West Bank and Gaza Formed in 1994, according to the terms of the Oslo Accords, as the governing body of the West Bank and Gaza Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Political/resistance organization, led by Ya.s.ser Arafat from 1969 to 2004 Political/resistance organization, led by Ya.s.ser Arafat from 1969 to 2004 Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) Marxist-Leninist resistance organization in the West Bank and Gaza Marxist-Leninist resistance organization in the West Bank and Gaza Qur'an (kor-ahn') The holy book of Islam The holy book of Islam rak'ah Islamic sets of prayers and postures Islamic sets of prayers and postures Ramadan Month of fasting to commemorate the receipt of the Qur'an by Mohammad Month of fasting to commemorate the receipt of the Qur'an by Mohammad sawa'ed Agents for the Hamas security wing in the Israeli prison camps; threw b.a.l.l.s containing messages from one section to another Agents for the Hamas security wing in the Israeli prison camps; threw b.a.l.l.s containing messages from one section to another Scud Ballistic missile developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War Ballistic missile developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War sharia Islamic religious law Islamic religious law shaweesh A prisoner chosen to represent other inmates with the Israeli prison administrators; a "trusty" A prisoner chosen to represent other inmates with the Israeli prison administrators; a "trusty"

sheikh (shake) Muslim elder or leader Muslim elder or leader s.h.i.+'a Islam's second largest denomination after Sunni Islam's second largest denomination after Sunni s.h.i.+n Bet Israeli intelligence service, comparable to America's Federal Bureau of Investigation Israeli intelligence service, comparable to America's Federal Bureau of Investigation shurah council council In Islam, a panel of seven decision makers In Islam, a panel of seven decision makers shoter (sho-tair') (sho-tair') Hebrew for Israeli prison guard or police officer Hebrew for Israeli prison guard or police officer Six-Day War Brief war in 1967 between Israel and Egypt, Jordan, and Syria Brief war in 1967 between Israel and Egypt, Jordan, and Syria Sunni Islam's largest denomination Islam's largest denomination sura Chapter in the Qur'an Chapter in the Qur'an Temple Mount In Old Jerusalem, the location of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, the oldest Islamic building in the world; also believed to be location of First and Second Jewish Temples In Old Jerusalem, the location of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, the oldest Islamic building in the world; also believed to be location of First and Second Jewish Temples wudu Islamic ritual purification Islamic ritual purification

Time Line 1923 End of the Ottoman Empire End of the Ottoman Empire 1928 Ha.s.san al-Banna founds the Society of the Muslim Brothers Ha.s.san al-Banna founds the Society of the Muslim Brothers 1935 The Muslim Brotherhood is established in Palestine The Muslim Brotherhood is established in Palestine 1948 The Muslim Brotherhood takes violent action against the Egyptian government; Israel declares its independence; Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq invade Israel The Muslim Brotherhood takes violent action against the Egyptian government; Israel declares its independence; Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq invade Israel 1949 Ha.s.san al-Banna is a.s.sa.s.sinated; Al-Amari refugee camp established in the West Bank Ha.s.san al-Banna is a.s.sa.s.sinated; Al-Amari refugee camp established in the West Bank 1964 Palestine Liberation Organization founded Palestine Liberation Organization founded 1967 Six-Day War Six-Day War 1968 Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hijacks an El Al 707 and diverts it to Algiers; no fatalities Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hijacks an El Al 707 and diverts it to Algiers; no fatalities 1970 Black September, in which thousands of PLO fighters are killed by Jordanian troops, as Jordan expels the PLO Black September, in which thousands of PLO fighters are killed by Jordanian troops, as Jordan expels the PLO 1972 Eleven Israeli athletes killed by Black September at the Munich Olympics Eleven Israeli athletes killed by Black September at the Munich Olympics 1973 Yom Kippur War Yom Kippur War 1977 Ha.s.san Yousef marries Sabha Abu Salem Ha.s.san Yousef marries Sabha Abu Salem 1978 Mosab Ha.s.san Yousef is born; thirty-eight people are killed in a Fatah attack on Israel's Coastal Highway north of Tel Aviv Mosab Ha.s.san Yousef is born; thirty-eight people are killed in a Fatah attack on Israel's Coastal Highway north of Tel Aviv 1979 Palestinian Islamic Jihad founded Palestinian Islamic Jihad founded 1982 Israel invades Lebanon and drives out the PLO Israel invades Lebanon and drives out the PLO 1985 Ha.s.san Yousef and his family move to Al-Bireh Ha.s.san Yousef and his family move to Al-Bireh 1986 Hamas founded in Hebron Hamas founded in Hebron 1987 Ha.s.san Yousef takes a second job, teaching religion to Muslims at the Christian school in Ramallah; beginning of the First Intifada Ha.s.san Yousef takes a second job, teaching religion to Muslims at the Christian school in Ramallah; beginning of the First Intifada 1989 Ha.s.san Yousef's first arrest and imprisonment; Amer Abu Sarhan of Hamas murders three Israelis Ha.s.san Yousef's first arrest and imprisonment; Amer Abu Sarhan of Hamas murders three Israelis 1990 Saddam Hussein invades Kuwait Saddam Hussein invades Kuwait 1992 Mosab's family moves to Betunia; Ha.s.san Yousef is arrested; Hamas terrorists kidnap and murder Israeli police officer Nissim Toledano; Palestinian leaders are deported to Lebanon Mosab's family moves to Betunia; Ha.s.san Yousef is arrested; Hamas terrorists kidnap and murder Israeli police officer Nissim Toledano; Palestinian leaders are deported to Lebanon 1993 Oslo Accords Oslo Accords 1994 Baruch Goldstein kills twenty-nine Palestinians in Hebron; first official suicide bombing; Ya.s.ser Arafat returns triumphantly to Gaza to set up Palestinian Authority headquarters Baruch Goldstein kills twenty-nine Palestinians in Hebron; first official suicide bombing; Ya.s.ser Arafat returns triumphantly to Gaza to set up Palestinian Authority headquarters 1995 Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin a.s.sa.s.sinated; Ha.s.san Yousef is arrested by the Palestinian Authority; Mosab buys illegal, inoperative guns Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin a.s.sa.s.sinated; Ha.s.san Yousef is arrested by the Palestinian Authority; Mosab buys illegal, inoperative guns 1996 Hamas bomb maker Yahya Ayyash is a.s.sa.s.sinated; Mosab is arrested and imprisoned for the first time Hamas bomb maker Yahya Ayyash is a.s.sa.s.sinated; Mosab is arrested and imprisoned for the first time 1997 Mosab released from prison; Mossad unsuccessfully attempts to a.s.sa.s.sinate Khalid Meshaal Mosab released from prison; Mossad unsuccessfully attempts to a.s.sa.s.sinate Khalid Meshaal 1999 Mosab attends a Christian Bible study Mosab attends a Christian Bible study 2000 Camp David Summit; Second Intifada (also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada) begins Camp David Summit; Second Intifada (also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada) begins 2001 French Hill suicide bombing; Dolphinarium and Sbarro pizza parlor suicide bombings; PFLP secretary-general Abu Ali Mustafa a.s.sa.s.sinated by Israel; Israeli minister of tourism Rehavam Ze'evi a.s.sa.s.sinated by PFLP gunmen French Hill suicide bombing; Dolphinarium and Sbarro pizza parlor suicide bombings; PFLP secretary-general Abu Ali Mustafa a.s.sa.s.sinated by Israel; Israeli minister of tourism Rehavam Ze'evi a.s.sa.s.sinated by PFLP gunmen 2002 Israel launches Operation Defensive s.h.i.+eld; nine killed in Hebrew University attack; Mosab and his father are arrested and imprisoned Israel launches Operation Defensive s.h.i.+eld; nine killed in Hebrew University attack; Mosab and his father are arrested and imprisoned 2003 Western Coalition forces liberate Iraq; Hamas terrorists Saleh Talahme, Hasaneen Rummanah, and Sayyed al-Sheikh Qa.s.sem are killed by Israel Western Coalition forces liberate Iraq; Hamas terrorists Saleh Talahme, Hasaneen Rummanah, and Sayyed al-Sheikh Qa.s.sem are killed by Israel 2004 Death of Ya.s.ser Arafat; Ha.s.san Yousef released from prison Death of Ya.s.ser Arafat; Ha.s.san Yousef released from prison 2005 Mosab is baptized; truce ends between Hamas and Israel; Mosab's third arrest and imprisonment; Mosab released from prison Mosab is baptized; truce ends between Hamas and Israel; Mosab's third arrest and imprisonment; Mosab released from prison 2006 Ismail Haniyeh elected Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniyeh elected Palestinian prime minister 2007 Mosab leaves the occupied territories for America Mosab leaves the occupied territories for America

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Notes.

1 No one has ever had this information before. In fact, the record of history is already filled with numerous inaccuracies about the day that Hamas was born as an organization. For example, Wikipedia inaccurately claims that "Hamas was created in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Ya.s.sin, Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi and Mohammad Taha of the Palestinian wing of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood at the beginning of the First Intifada. . . ." This entry is accurate regarding only two of the seven founders, and it is off by ayear. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamas (accessed November 20, 2009). No one has ever had this information before. In fact, the record of history is already filled with numerous inaccuracies about the day that Hamas was born as an organization. For example, Wikipedia inaccurately claims that "Hamas was created in 1987 by Sheikh Ahmed Ya.s.sin, Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi and Mohammad Taha of the Palestinian wing of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood at the beginning of the First Intifada. . . ." This entry is accurate regarding only two of the seven founders, and it is off by ayear. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamas (accessed November 20, 2009).

MidEastWeb says, "Hamas was formed about February 1988 to allow partic.i.p.ation of the brotherhood in the first Intifada. Thefounding leaders of Hamas were: Ahmad Ya.s.sin, 'Abd al-Fattah Dukhan, Muhammed Shama', Ibrahim al-Yazuri, Issa al-Najjar, Salah Shehadeh (from Bayt Hanun) and 'Abd al-Aziz Rantisi. Dr.Mahmud Zahar is also usually listed as one of the original leaders.Other leaders include: Sheikh Khalil Qawqa, Isa al-Ashar, Musa Abu Marzuq, Ibrahim Ghusha, Khalid Mish'al." This is even less accurate than the Wikipedia entry. See http://www.mideastweb.org/hamas.h.i.+story.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).

2 The PLO's first high-profile plane hijacking had occurred on July 23, 1968, when PFLP activists diverted an El Al Boeing 707 to Algiers. About a dozen Israeli pa.s.sengers and ten crew members were held as hostages. There were no fatalities. But eleven Israeli athletes were killed four years later in a PLO-led terrorist attack at the Munich Olympics. And on March 11, 1978, Fatah fighters landed a boat north of Tel Aviv, hijacked a bus, and began an attack along the Coastal Highway that killed about thirty-five people-and wounded over seventy others. The PLO's first high-profile plane hijacking had occurred on July 23, 1968, when PFLP activists diverted an El Al Boeing 707 to Algiers. About a dozen Israeli pa.s.sengers and ten crew members were held as hostages. There were no fatalities. But eleven Israeli athletes were killed four years later in a PLO-led terrorist attack at the Munich Olympics. And on March 11, 1978, Fatah fighters landed a boat north of Tel Aviv, hijacked a bus, and began an attack along the Coastal Highway that killed about thirty-five people-and wounded over seventy others.

The organization had had an easy time recruiting from among the Palestinian refugees who made up two-thirds of Jordan's population. With money flooding in from other Arab countries in support of the cause, the PLO became stronger and better-armed than even the police and the Jordanian army. And it wasn't long before its leader, Ya.s.ser Arafat, was in striking distance of taking over the country and establis.h.i.+ng a Palestinian state. King Hussein of Jordan had to act quickly and decisively or lose his country. Years later, I would be amazed to learn through an unforeseeable relations.h.i.+p with the Israeli security service that Jordan's monarch had entered into a secret alliance with Israel at this time-even as every other Arab country was committed to its destruction. It was the logical thing to do, of course, because King Hussein was unable to protect his throne and Israel was unable to effectively patrol the long border between their two countries. But it would have been political and cultural suicide for the king had this information ever leaked out. King Hussein of Jordan had to act quickly and decisively or lose his country. Years later, I would be amazed to learn through an unforeseeable relations.h.i.+p with the Israeli security service that Jordan's monarch had entered into a secret alliance with Israel at this time-even as every other Arab country was committed to its destruction. It was the logical thing to do, of course, because King Hussein was unable to protect his throne and Israel was unable to effectively patrol the long border between their two countries. But it would have been political and cultural suicide for the king had this information ever leaked out.So in 1970, before the PLO could grasp any more control, King Hussein ordered its leaders and fighters out of the country. When they refused, he drove them out-with the aid of weapons provided by Israel-in a military campaign that came to be known among Palestinians as Black September. Time magazine quoted Arafat as telling sympathetic Arab leaders, "A ma.s.sacre has been committed. Thousands of people are under debris. Bodies have rotted. Hundreds of thousands of people are homeless. Our dead are scattered in the streets. Hunger and thirst are killing our remaining children, women and old men" ("The Battle Ends; The War Begins," Time, October 5, 1970). Time magazine quoted Arafat as telling sympathetic Arab leaders, "A ma.s.sacre has been committed. Thousands of people are under debris. Bodies have rotted. Hundreds of thousands of people are homeless. Our dead are scattered in the streets. Hunger and thirst are killing our remaining children, women and old men" ("The Battle Ends; The War Begins," Time, October 5, 1970).King Hussein owed a great debt to Israel, which he would try to repay in 1973 by warning Jerusalem that an Arab coalition led by Egypt and Syria was about to invade. Unfortunately, Israel did not take the warning seriously. The invasion came on Yom Kippur, and an unprepared Israel suffered heavy and unnecessary losses. This secret, too, I would learn one day from the Israelis.Following Black September, PLO survivors fled to southern Lebanon, which was still reeling from a deadly civil war. Here the organization initiated a new power grab, growing and gaining strength until it virtually became a state within a state. From its new base of operations, the PLO waged a war of attrition against Israel. Beirut was too weak to stop the endless sh.e.l.ling and missile attacks against Israel's northern communities. And in 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon, driving out the PLO in a four-month campaign. Arafat and a thousand surviving fighters went into exile in Tunisia. But even from that distance, the PLO continued to launch attacks on Israel and ama.s.s an army of fighters in the West Bank and Gaza. From its new base of operations, the PLO waged a war of attrition against Israel. Beirut was too weak to stop the endless sh.e.l.ling and missile attacks against Israel's northern communities. And in 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon, driving out the PLO in a four-month campaign. Arafat and a thousand surviving fighters went into exile in Tunisia. But even from that distance, the PLO continued to launch attacks on Israel and ama.s.s an army of fighters in the West Bank and Gaza.

3 "Arafat's Return: Unity Is 'the s.h.i.+eld of Our People,'" New York Times, July 2, 1994, http://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/02/world/arafat-in-gaza-arafat-s-return-unity-is-the-s.h.i.+eld-of-our-people.html (accessed November 23, 2009). "Arafat's Return: Unity Is 'the s.h.i.+eld of Our People,'" New York Times, July 2, 1994, http://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/02/world/arafat-in-gaza-arafat-s-return-unity-is-the-s.h.i.+eld-of-our-people.html (accessed November 23, 2009).

4 Leonard Cohen, "First We Take Manhattan" copyright 1988 Leonard Cohen Stranger Music, Inc.. Leonard Cohen, "First We Take Manhattan" copyright 1988 Leonard Cohen Stranger Music, Inc..

5 Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Suicide and Other Bombing Attacks in Israel Since the Declaration of Principles (September 1993)"; The Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs, Jerusalem, "Palestine Facts Palestine Chronology 2000, http://www.pa.s.sia.org/palestine_facts/chronology/2000.html. Seealso http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2000/11/Palestinian%20Terrorism-%20Photos%20-%20November%202000. Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Suicide and Other Bombing Attacks in Israel Since the Declaration of Principles (September 1993)"; The Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs, Jerusalem, "Palestine Facts Palestine Chronology 2000, http://www.pa.s.sia.org/palestine_facts/chronology/2000.html. Seealso http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2000/11/Palestinian%20Terrorism-%20Photos%20-%20November%202000.

6 Further confirmation of this connection would come the following year when Israel invaded Ramallah and raided Arafat's headquarters. Among other doc.u.ments, they would discover an invoice, dated September 16, 2001, from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades to Brigadier General Fouad s...o...b..ki, the PA's CFO for military operations. It requested reimburs.e.m.e.nt for explosives used in bombings in Israeli cities and asked for money to build more bombs and to cover the cost of propaganda posters promoting suicide bombers. Yael Shahar, "Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades-APolitical Tool with an Edge," April 3, 2002, International Inst.i.tute for Counter-Terrorism, IDC Herzliya. Further confirmation of this connection would come the following year when Israel invaded Ramallah and raided Arafat's headquarters. Among other doc.u.ments, they would discover an invoice, dated September 16, 2001, from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades to Brigadier General Fouad s...o...b..ki, the PA's CFO for military operations. It requested reimburs.e.m.e.nt for explosives used in bombings in Israeli cities and asked for money to build more bombs and to cover the cost of propaganda posters promoting suicide bombers. Yael Shahar, "Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades-APolitical Tool with an Edge," April 3, 2002, International Inst.i.tute for Counter-Terrorism, IDC Herzliya.

7 Leonard Cole, Terror: How Israel Has Coped and What America Can Learn (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2007), 8. Leonard Cole, Terror: How Israel Has Coped and What America Can Learn (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2007), 8.

8 "Obituary: Rehavam Zeevi," BBC News, October 17, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1603857.stm (accessed November 24, 2009). "Obituary: Rehavam Zeevi," BBC News, October 17, 2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1603857.stm (accessed November 24, 2009).

9 "Annan Criticizes Israel, Palestinians for Targeting Civilians," U.N. Wire, March 12, 2002, http://www.unwire.org/unwire/20020312/24582_story.asp (accessed October 23, 2009). "Annan Criticizes Israel, Palestinians for Targeting Civilians," U.N. Wire, March 12, 2002, http://www.unwire.org/unwire/20020312/24582_story.asp (accessed October 23, 2009).

10 European Union, "Declaration of Barcelona on the Middle East," March 16, 2002, http://europa.eu/bulletin/en/200203/i1055.htm. European Union, "Declaration of Barcelona on the Middle East," March 16, 2002, http://europa.eu/bulletin/en/200203/i1055.htm.

11 An interesting sidenote about Colonel Jibril Rajoub: This man had taken advantage of his position as protective security chief in the West Bank to build his own little kingdom, making his officers bow and sc.r.a.pe as though he was heir to a throne. I have seen his breakfast table groan under the weight of fifty different dishes, prepared just to show everyone how important he was. I have also seen that Rajoub was rude and careless and that he behaved more like a gangster than a leader. When Arafat rounded up as many Hamas leaders and members as he could back in 1995, Rajoub tortured them without mercy. Several times, Hamas had threatened to a.s.sa.s.sinate him, prompting him to buy a bulletproof, explosion-proof car. Even Arafat didn't have anything like it. An interesting sidenote about Colonel Jibril Rajoub: This man had taken advantage of his position as protective security chief in the West Bank to build his own little kingdom, making his officers bow and sc.r.a.pe as though he was heir to a throne. I have seen his breakfast table groan under the weight of fifty different dishes, prepared just to show everyone how important he was. I have also seen that Rajoub was rude and careless and that he behaved more like a gangster than a leader. When Arafat rounded up as many Hamas leaders and members as he could back in 1995, Rajoub tortured them without mercy. Several times, Hamas had threatened to a.s.sa.s.sinate him, prompting him to buy a bulletproof, explosion-proof car. Even Arafat didn't have anything like it.

12 a.s.sociated Press, "Palestinian Bombmaker Gets 67 Life Terms," MSNBC, November 30, 2004, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6625081/. a.s.sociated Press, "Palestinian Bombmaker Gets 67 Life Terms," MSNBC, November 30, 2004, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6625081/.

13 Danny Rubinstein, "Hamas Leader: You Can't Get Rid of Us," Haaretz, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=565084&contra.s.sID=2&subContra.s.sID=4&sbSubContra.s.sID=0. Danny Rubinstein, "Hamas Leader: You Can't Get Rid of Us," Haaretz, http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/ShArt.jhtml?itemNo=565084&contra.s.sID=2&subContra.s.sID=4&sbSubContra.s.sID=0.

14 "Israel Vows to 'Crush' Hamas after Attack," Fox News, September 25, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170304,00.html (accessed October 5, 2009). "Israel Vows to 'Crush' Hamas after Attack," Fox News, September 25, 2005, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170304,00.html (accessed October 5, 2009).