Plot
The son of a founding leader in the Palestinian organization, Hamas, becomes a spy for the Israelis.

Release Year: 2014

Rating: 7.4/10 (180 voted)

Critic's Score: 57/100

Director: Nadav Schirman

Stars: Mosab Hassan Yousef, Gonen Ben Yitzhak, Sheikh Hassan Yousef

Storyline
A Palestinian in Ramallah, Mosab Hassan Yousef grows up angry and ready to fight Israel. Arrested for smuggling guns at the age of 17, he's interrogated by the Shin Bet, Israel's security service, and sent to prison. But shocked by Hamas's ruthless tactics in the prison and the organization's escalating campaign of suicide bombings outside, Mosab agrees to spy for Israel. For him, there is no greater shame. For his Shin Bet handler, Gonen, there is no greater prize: "operating" the oldest son of a founding member of Hamas.

Writers: Nadav Schirman, Nadav Schirman

Cast:
Mosab Hassan Yousef - Himself
Gonen Ben Yitzhak - Himself
Sheikh Hassan Yousef - Himself

Country: Germany, USA, UK, Israel

Language: English, Hebrew

Release Date: 5 December 2014

Runtime: 95 min

Author:

Rating: 9/10

This was the opening film at the 34th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, and what a good choice it was! It is a documentary, of which there were quite a few in this edition of the festival, however, this was not a regular documentary - it left a very strong impact.

Before the film the Director, Nadav Schirman, came on stage and explained that this is a film about two people who have learnt to trust each other. Of course it is much more than that - it is an eye opener! But this is for each of us to reflect upon.

From the first shot of Mosab on screen looking straight at the audience with his piercing, expressive eyes I was mesmerized.

After the film, the two main personalities came on stage: Mosab Hassan Yousef, the author of the book "Son of Hamas" on which this film was based, and Gonen Ben Yitzhak, his spy handler.

The film moved back and forth in time, recounting the events of a ten-year period, since Mosab was seventeen. A time in which he was constantly in danger or in prison. After the film screening, Mosab Hassan Yousef explained that he was striving to avoid unnecessary killings saying: "We are all children of the Devine".

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