This episode continues our two part series on the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. In this episode, we learn the origin story of the terrorist group Hamas, told firsthand by their founder's son, Mosab Hassan Yousef. We share his perspective growing up in the Palestinian region of the West Bank, internalizing a deep hatred of Jews and their role in the Palestinian people's suffering. As he reaches his teenage years, Mosab begins to rebel and tries to get involved in the conflict himself, which lands him in prison for over a year. It was this time in prison that ended up being transformative for Mosab.

He starts to build relationships with Israelis, learning that they treat him respectfully and are willing to help him complete his studies. At this fitting time, Mosab attends a Christianity lecture on "loving your enemy", and starts to reflect on what Hamas does wrong in their leadership over the Palestinian people. Over the coming years, he became the top insider spy for Israel's Shin Bet unit, stopping numerous suicide bombings and attacks on Israeli civilians.

We close off the episode describing how Hamas has continued to inflict suffering on the Palestinian people, while terrorizing innocent Israeli civilians as well. Lastly, we touch on the tragic events of October 7th, dispelling some of the most common myths being circulated online. We hope you find this episode informative!

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Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices - Mosab Hassan Yousef

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Recommendation of the Week: When Things Fall Apart

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The Web of Ideas: Son of Hamas (my notes on the book)

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Show Notes: 4:58 - The rise of Islam

11:33 - Hamas starts to protest

18:17 - Peaceful coexistence is the last goal for Hamas

26:05 - The problem is not Israel's policies, it's Israel's right to exist...

28:42 - An eye opening time in prison

36:13 - Placing the blame on Hamas & Yasser Arafat

40:55 - The Green Prince: Israel's ultimate spy

44:12 - Hamas would never stop short of taking back all of Israel

48:19 - "The Palestinian people were as oppressed by their own leaders as they were by Israel"

49:47 - A villian more terrifying than your worst nightmare - Hamas & October 7th

1:03:46 - Free Gaza, from HAMAS