Mosab Hassan Yousef

Mosab Hassan Yousef
مصعب حسن يوسف‎
Yousef at the 2019 Budapest Demographic Summit
Born (1978-05-05) 5 May 1978 (age 46)[1]
Ramallah, West Bank[1]
CitizenshipUnited States
Occupation(s)Spy, advocate, author
EmployerShin Bet (1997–2007)
OrganizationHamas (1987–2007)
Known forCovert defection to Israel in 1997 and conversion to Christianity from Islam in 1999
Notable workSon of Hamas (2010), The Green Prince (2014)
FatherSheikh Hassan Yousef

Mosab Hassan Yousef (Arabic: مصعب حسن يوسف; born 5 May 1978) is an ex–Palestinian militant who defected to Israel in 1997, thereafter working as an Israeli spy for the Shin Bet until he moved to the United States in 2007. His father is Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a co-founder of Hamas. A New York Times bestselling author, he is known for his outspoken criticisms of Hamas and Islam.[2][3]

The Shin Bet considered Yousef to be Israel's most valuable source within the Hamas leadership: the information he supplied allowed Israel to successfully thwart dozens of Palestinian suicide attacks and prevent the assassinations of many Israelis; exposed numerous Hamas cells; and assisted Israeli authorities in hunting down Palestinian militants. His efforts also culminated in the incarceration of his father, who had served as a leading figure for Hamas operations from the West Bank.[4][5] In March 2010, Yousef published his autobiography, titled Son of Hamas.[6]

In 1999, Yousef converted to Christianity from Islam, but did not disclose this fact to the public until 2008, triggering fears that his family members in Ramallah would become targets for religious persecution.[1] In 2007, he left the West Bank and moved to the United States where he applied for political asylum and had his request granted by American authorities in 2010 following Shin Bet handler Gonen Ben Itzhak testifying on his behalf.[7] Yousef has compared Islam to Nazism,[8] and said he has "zero respect for anyone who identifies as Muslim".[9] Palestinian students and community leaders at university campuses have accused him of Islamophobia, and his speeches have attracted protests.[10]

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference dt08 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Dawson, Danielle. "The group also condemned the university's actions against pro-Palestinian protestors over the last few weeks". a controversial speaker known for anti-Muslim rhetoric
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :6 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Issacharoff, Avi (24 February 2010). "Haaretz exclusive: Hamas founder's son worked for Shin Bet for years". Haaretz. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  5. ^ "Hamas leader disowns son - World news - Mideast/N. Africa - Israel-Palestinians". NBC News. 3 January 2010. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  6. ^ Yousef, Mosab Hassan; Brackin, Ron (2010). Son of Hamas. Carol Stream, Illinois: SaltRiver an imprint of Tyndale House. ISBN 978-1-4143-3307-6 – via Internet Archive.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference asylum-granted was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ "Tensions high at competing Israel, Palestine rallies at UC San Diego". ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.