LA JOLLA — Born into terrorism, Mosab Yousef was an integral part of Hamas, the organization to which many suicide attacks on Israel are attributed. He’s the eldest son of Hamas founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, and he’s been jailed multiple times since the age of 18 by the Israeli intelligence service Shin Bet. The West Bank native will be in La Jolla Nov. 3 to tell his story, but not from the angle of someone who withstood years of torture in an Israeli prison, but from the angle of a changed man who discovered the message of loving one’s enemies. He’s now working hand-in-hand with the Shin Bet to promote peace in Palestine, and his memoir will be a highlight at this year’s San Diego Jewish Book Fair. Presented by the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture, the fair will feature a number of acclaimed Jewish authors and events, all taking place at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Jacobs Family Campus, located at 4126 Executive Drive. Events will take place from Nov. 3 through Nov. 15, and tickets of varying prices can be purchased at www.sdjbf.org or (858) 362-1348. Ross Becker, a 15-time Emmy-nominated journalist from KUSI-TV, will interview Yousef at the event, and attendees will be able to purchase a pre-signed copy of the book “Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue and Unthinkable Choices.” Yousef was trusted by the highest levels of Hamas, and before the age of 21, saw abject poverty, torture and death. He witnessed the behind-the-scenes dealings of top Middle Eastern who makes headlines around the world. In an Israeli prison, he started to question who his enemies were, and began a six-year quest that jeopardized Hamas, endangered his family and threatened his life. He has become a traitor to his family, and has sought political asylum in the United States. 16th annual Jewish Book Fair upcoming events Thursday, Nov. 4 10 a.m. — Coffee with Jerry Muller, author of the new release, “Capitalism and the Jews” noon — Steven Pease discusses “The Golden Age of Jewish Achievement: The Compendium of a Culture, a People and Their Stunning Performance.” 2 p.m. — Talk with Former Washington Post reporter and renowned journalist Marilyn Berger regarding her book abut Rick Hodes, who has been dubbed “the Jewish Mother Theresa” 4 p.m. — Tea and talk with Cathleen Schine on her latest novel, “The Three Weissmanns of Westport,” an homage to Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility” 7:30 p.m. — Join left activist Todd Gitlin as he discusses and signs his latest book, which examines the U.S.-Israel relationship. Friday, Nov. 5 10 a.m. — Meet San Diego’s own Jeff Rossman, chef and owner of Hillcrest’s Terra restaurant, when he presents his new cookbook, “From Terra’s Table,” which features 140 dishes and shares sustainable ways to eat. 11 a.m. — Accomplished metalsmith Lisa Slovis Mandel shares her passion for pewter in a talk about her new book “Pewter Studio.” Noon — “Lunch and laugh” event with movie producer and writer Sam Hoffman, who will sign his book “Old Jews Telling Jokes” Complete event listing available at www.sdjbf.org.
