In a tale that feels ripped from the pages of a Hollywood blockbuster, Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a Hamas co-founder, has taken the world by storm with his shocking revelations of a life filled with “sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll” after his daring defection to Israel and eventual relocation to Hollywood. Yousef, now 46, shares his unbelievable journey in his new memoir, “From Hamas to America,” which hit the shelves today.
From the West Bank to Tinseltown
Mosab Hassan Yousef was born into a life of political turmoil as the son of Hassan Yousef, a leader of the Palestinian militant Islamist group Hamas in the West Bank. Known as the Green Prince—a nod to the Hamas flag—Mosab’s life took an unexpected turn when he defected to Israel, later seeking asylum in the United States.
His first book, “Son of Hamas,” became a bestseller in 2010, where he disclosed his decade-long role as an informant for the Israeli security agency Shin Bet. He claimed to have thwarted numerous attacks, including a 2001 plot to assassinate then-Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres.
Hollywood Beckons
Following the success of “Son of Hamas,” Yousef was bombarded with offers from Hollywood to turn his dramatic story into a film. Embracing his new identity, he moved to the glamorous Hollywood Tower apartment building, diving headfirst into a lifestyle he once never dreamed of.
A Taste of the High Life
Yousef’s initial days in America were modest, with his first major purchase being a Ford Mustang. However, as his fame grew, so did his taste for luxury. “After all the drama of the asylum hearing, I walked into a Porsche dealership, traded my Mustang, and drove away in a new Porsche,” he recalls.
Living the high life, Yousef indulged in everything Hollywood had to offer. “Sex, drugs, rock’n’roll—check, check, check. Going to a party could mean a night of all three,” he writes. His sudden fame attracted attention from actresses, Playboy bunnies, and numerous Hollywood hopefuls.
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The Great Gatsby of Hollywood
Mosab likens his Hollywood existence to that of Jay Gatsby, enveloped in mystery and intrigue. He attended countless parties where drugs were abundant, although he steered clear of cocaine, fearing it would ruin him.
A Tale of Disillusionment
Despite the wild lifestyle and the fame, Yousef faced disillusionment. His first book was adapted into the documentary “The Green Prince,” which won the audience award for world cinema at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival but fell short of an Oscar nomination. Reflecting on this, Yousef writes, “The great lesson I’ve learned is that no movie, no book, no ten books, can convey the truth but only the shadow of truth.”
A Dark Context: The Ongoing Conflict
Yousef’s transformation and revelations come against the backdrop of the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict. The October 7 attacks, which saw nearly 1,200 Israelis killed and over 200 captured, prompted a massive Israeli counter-attack. According to Hamas-run health ministry reports, over 39,000 Palestinians have since been killed, with more than 70 percent being women and children.
Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians as “human shields,” while Hamas alleges that Israel deliberately targets civilians. Both sides face accusations of war crimes, and in January, the United Nations formally charged Israel with genocide—a charge that the Israeli leadership vehemently denies.
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FAQs
Who is Mosab Hassan Yousef?
Mosab Hassan Yousef is the son of Hamas co-founder Hassan Yousef. He defected to Israel and later moved to the United States, where he became an author and public figure.
What is Mosab Hassan Yousef’s new memoir about?
His new memoir, “From Hamas to America,” details his life after defecting from Hamas, including his experiences in Hollywood and his transformation from a militant leader’s son to a Hollywood celebrity.
What did Mosab Hassan Yousef reveal in his memoir?
Yousef revealed his indulgent lifestyle in Hollywood, filled with “sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll,” and his disillusionment with fame and the entertainment industry.
What was Mosab Hassan Yousef’s role in Israel?
He served as an informant for the Israeli security agency Shin Bet for over a decade, thwarting numerous attacks, including a plot to assassinate Israeli politician Shimon Peres.
How has Mosab Hassan Yousef’s story impacted the public?
Yousef’s story has attracted significant attention, shedding light on the complexities of his life and the broader Hamas-Israel conflict, sparking discussions on the political and social issues involved.
What are the current accusations against Israel and Hamas?
Both Israel and Hamas have been accused of war crimes. Israel is accused of using disproportionate force and targeting civilians, while Hamas is accused of using civilians as human shields.
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