The Salvation of a Terrorist and the Cost of His Choices
The story of ex-terrorist Mosab Hassan Yousef reminded me of some of the greatest axioms of the Christian faith- that Jesus came to seek and save the lost; the blood of Jesus still cleanses the vilest of offenders; and Mercy’s hand never wearies of wrestling with the likes of Saul of Tarsus.
Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founding member of Hamas and one of its most popular leaders, grew up with an inside view of the deadly terrorist group. As the oldest son of Hamas’ founder, Mosab assisted his father for years in his political activities while being groomed to assume his legacy, politics, status, and power.
Photo: Sheikh Hassan Yousef (Hamas Leader) And Sons Mosab, Suheib Yousef
““Before the age of 21, I saw things no one should ever see: abject poverty, abuse of power, torture, and death. I witnessed the behind-the-scenes dealings of top Middle Eastern leaders who make headlines around the world. I was trusted at the highest levels of Hamas and participated in the intifada. I was held captive in the bowels of Israel‘s most feared prison facility.” (Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices)”
Everything changed when Mosab turned away from terror and violence and chose to embrace the teachings of a Jewish Rabbi- Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. Because of these choices, Mosab was dubbed a traitor by his people, disowned by his father, and suffered an agonizing separation from his family and home.
Mosab points out that few Westerners can come close to understanding the complexities of the Palestinian situation or the true face of Hamas. In a recent interview with British TV journalist Piers Morgan, Mosab exposed Hamas’ narrative as a blatantly distorted aberration, a falsehood perpetuated as an umbrella to cover the intended destruction of Israel. In his impassioned conversation with Piers, Mosab supported Israel’s war to topple Hamas’ bloody regime.
Mosab’s exposure of Hamas’ despicable practices and his stand in speaking up for Israel’s right to exist has totally alienated him from his people. Gratefully, there are some Arabs just like Mosab that have chosen to stand with Israel. But not many have been as vocal or likely paid the heavy price that Mosab has. Why has he been willing to pay such a heavy price?
There’s a saying that when truth is calling out loudly, you must answer it otherwise you will never be free. Once Mosab’s eyes were opened, he embraced truth and freedom rather than being lily-livered and staying in chains. He threw off Hamas’ tyrannical yoke and embraced the Savior’s path. For Mosab and others that love and follow Jesus, Luke 14:26-28 remains one of our loudest clarion calls- the path of discipleship is one of total surrender and a willingness to share Christ’s cross and experience, whatever the cost.
While stories like Mosab’s seem so far removed from the Western lifestyle, what we can possibly relate to, is the likelihood that at one point or another, we may be called upon to pay a price for our Christian faith and values. How will we respond?
Thank you for standing with Israel! Your courage, support, and prayers continue to make a difference.
Yasher Koach! (May your strength be firm)
Jahan
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