Mosab Hassan Youssef, also known as the “Green Prince,” is an author and speaker who has achieved international recognition following a unique and controversial journey from the son of Hamas’ founding leader to becoming an informant for Israel’s security agency Shin Bet.
His story is detailed in his autobiography Son of Hamas and documentaries Green Princewhich reveals the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his transformation from activist to peace advocate.
Youssef’s outspoken criticism of Hamas and radical Islam, coupled with his conversion to Christianity, has further thrust him into the global spotlight as a speaker and activist.
contour
- Full name: Mosab Hassan Yousef
- Nickname: Green Prince
- Date of Birth: May 5, 1978
- Age: 46
- Sex: Male
- Birthplace: Ramallah, West Bank
- Nationality: Palestinian (later became a U.S. resident)
- Occupation: Writer, speaker, frontline worker
- Height: Unknown
- Parents: Hassan Yusuf (father), Saba Abu Salim (mother)
- Siblings: Several, including Suheib Hassan Yousef
- Spouse: No
- Children: None
- Relationship status: None
- Religion: Converted from Islam to Christianity
- Ethnicity: Arab Palestinian
- Net worth: $5 million
Early life and education
Mosab Hassan Youssef, 46, was born in Ramallah, West Bank, on May 5, 1978. He is the eldest son of Sheikh Hassan Youssef, the famous founder of Hamas.
Growing up in the West Bank, Youssef was immersed in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict from an early age. His father’s involvement in the Hamas movement had a profound impact on his early life, allowing him to experience firsthand the harsh realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite the turmoil around him, Yusuf attended local schools in Ramallah. The specific details of his higher education are not widely documented, but his formative years were dominated by political and activism.
personal life
Yusuf converted to Christianity in 2005, a decision he kept secret for years out of fear of possible repercussions. His conversion and subsequent departure from Hamas alienated him from his family, and in 2010 his father publicly disowned him.
Yusuf has lived in the United States since 2007, where he sought political asylum due to threats to his life following his public revelations. He has not disclosed any details about his marriage or children, instead focusing on his advocacy work and public speaking activities.
Profession
Mosab Hassan Youssef’s career underwent a dramatic transformation from militant involvement to peace advocate and informant. He was arrested by the Israeli army in 1997 and subsequently recruited by the Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency.
For more than a decade, Yusuf has provided vital intelligence that has helped prevent multiple terrorist attacks and saved countless lives. His work with the Shin Bet earned him the nickname “Green Prince.”
After moving to the United States, Yusuf wrote his autobiography Son of Hamas A detailed account of his experiences and the reasons for his defection.
The book attracted widespread attention and was later adapted into a documentary Green Prince in 2014. Today, Youssef is a sought-after speaker on terrorism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the potential for peace in the Middle East.
net worth
Mosab Hassan Youssef’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His wealth is mainly derived from his book sales, public speaking, and appearances in documentaries.
dispute
Musab Hassan Youssef’s life and career have been shrouded in controversy. His decision to work with the Shin Bet and then break away from Hamas sparked a backlash from both the Palestinian and wider Arab communities.
He has been outspoken in his view that Islam is a violent ideology, for which he has been accused of Islamophobia. Yusuf has repeatedly said that Islam needs reform and has been vocal about the dangers he sees in radical Islamic movements.
In 2010, Youssef’s asylum application was rejected because statements in his book were interpreted as providing material support to Hamas, and he was at risk of deportation. However, his case received widespread attention and support, especially from his former Shin Bet manager, who testified on Youssef’s behalf. Ultimately, Youssef was allowed to stay in the United States.
Youssef’s public statements continue to stir controversy. He has been criticized for comments equating Islam with Nazism and for suggesting that the IDF should take extreme measures against Hamas. These comments have sparked protests and backlash, particularly from the Muslim community and organizations advocating for religious tolerance.
Despite the controversy, Youssef remains a prominent figure in discussions about terrorism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and is frequently invited to speak at universities, international forums and in the media.
social media
- Instagram: No
- Twitter: No
Filmography
books
- Sons of Hamas: A gripping story of terror, betrayal, political intrigue, and unimaginable choices (year 2010)
