Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices

Son of Hamas contributes to the vast literature—both nonfiction and fiction—on the psychological and moral complexities involved in a life of espionage. Yousef’s offer to work for Shin Bet carried a complex set of competing priorities. His immediate consideration was that Israel was a hated enemy and that to work for them would violate everything he had learned to believe, prompting his response, “Islam forbids me from working with you” (82). At the same time, Yousef could not provide for his family from behind bars, and he took his responsibilities as the eldest son very seriously, especially given his father’s repeated imprisonment. At first, he fell back on the idea that he could work as a double agent for Hamas, leading Israel to believe that he was spying for them. However, his initial forays into the world of espionage indicate how ill-equipped he was to navigate the treacherous waters between Israeli intelligence and the various Palestinian factions ruthlessly policing each other and themselves. Ultimately, he came to accept Shin Bet’s offer relatively quickly.

After a few encounters with his handlers, who provided him with financial support and protection, he thought, “These people were being so kind. They clearly cared about me.