Hamas Defector Warns of Islamism’s Rise in the West

Mosab Hassan Yousef, known as the son of a founding Hamas leader, is raising alarms about the growing influence of Islamism in the West. His experiences, which span a remarkable journey from being part of the militant organization to becoming a vocal critic, offer a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its implications for Western societies.

Born in Ramallah in 1978, Yousef is the eldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a prominent figure in Hamas. Initially expected to follow in his father’s footsteps, Yousef’s worldview shifted dramatically in the late 1990s after witnessing firsthand the violence perpetrated by his peers against perceived traitors. His disillusionment led him to accept an unexpected role as an informant for Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, where he operated under the code name “The Green Prince.” His undercover work over the next decade reportedly thwarted numerous terrorist plots, saving lives among both Palestinians and Israelis.

Yousef’s compelling narrative gained widespread attention with the release of his memoir, Son of Hamas, in 2010. He recently expanded on his experiences in From Hamas to America, providing insights into his life as a U.S. citizen and the complexities accompanying his conversion to Christianity.

On November 19, 2023, Yousef addressed an audience in Toronto at an event hosted by the pro-Israel organization Tafsik. He criticized recent Palestinian flag raisings in Canadian cities, labeling politicians as “hypocrites looking for votes” who support what he sees as chaos and terrorism. He characterized local protests against Israel as exploitative, accusing demonstrators of using freedoms to undermine the very freedoms they claim to defend.

Yousef described his upbringing within a “death culture,” where women are devalued and children are indoctrinated to harbor hatred under the guise of resistance. He expressed strong disdain for Islamists, referring to them as “savages” and accused them of projecting their own violent narratives onto Israel, which he claims is unjustly branded as genocidal.

In a candid interview with National Post, Yousef discussed the Canadian government’s stance on Palestine. He argued that by platforming Palestinian causes, the government perpetuates antisemitism. “They are legitimizing jihad against all Western values,” he asserted, warning that this could lead to severe consequences if left unchecked.

Yousef further elaborated on the socio-political dynamics in Gaza, asserting that while Hamas has ruled the territory for over 17 years, it has also created numerous enemies and internal divisions. He acknowledged that many Gazans harbor resentment towards Hamas, yet the majority still do not view Israel as a potential peace partner.

When asked about the potential for terror attacks in the West, Yousef noted that while jihadist groups may be politically motivated, the threat remains. He emphasized that the current landscape reflects a “diplomatic, political and financial jihad,” warning that the narrative surrounding these groups often casts them as freedom fighters while portraying Israel in a negative light.

Yousef’s comments underscore a pressing concern regarding the influence of extremist ideologies in Western politics. He cautioned that if radical elements continue to gain power, they could disrupt democratic processes and social cohesion. He described this phenomenon as a “three-piece-suit jihad,” suggesting that the threat extends beyond traditional terrorism to include political maneuvering and social influence.

In closing, Yousef urged allies of Israel and the Jewish community to defend freedom and counter the Islamist threat. He stressed the importance of unity among diverse groups, stating, “If the West is not united, then everybody is a target.” He called for a clearer understanding of the ideological battles at play, contending that many allegations against Israel, such as genocide and colonization, are unfounded.

Yousef’s experiences and warnings present a stark reminder of the complex interplay between ideology, politics, and security in today’s world. His journey from Hamas to an outspoken advocate for change reflects the profound transformations possible even in the most entrenched conflicts.