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. He’s also been jailed multiple times since the age of 18 by the Israeli intelligence service Shin Bet. The West Bank native was in La Jolla on Wednesday, Nov. 3, to tell his story — but not from the angle of someone who withstood years of torture in an Israeli prison. Rather, he spoke 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 is a highlight of this year’s San Diego Jewish Book Fair, which runs through Nov. 16. Presented by the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture, the fair is featuring a number of acclaimed Jewish authors and events at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Jacobs Family Campus, located at 4126 Executive Drive. 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 interviewed Yousef at the event, and attendees purchase pre-signed copies of his 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 behind-the-scenes dealings of top Middle Eastern leaders who make 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. Because of his philosophical metamorphosis, Yousef is now viewed as a traitor to his family and has sought political asylum in the United States. 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 leftist activist Todd Gitlin as he discusses and signs his latest book, which examines the U.S.-Israel relationship. 16th annual Jewish Book Fair highlights Friday, Nov. 5 • 10 a.m. — Meet San Diegan 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” Saturday, Nov. 6 • 6 p.m. — Exclusive underwriter reception and talk with Gary Shteyngart, author of “A Super Sad True Love Story” and Mark Oppenheimer, whose “Wisenheimer: A Childhood Subject to Debate” tells his true-life tale of finding an outlet for his precocious hyperarticulation. Sunday, Nov. 7 • 11 a.m. — “Family Day,” featuring games, a community mural, crafts, food making and tasting and a reading by Sylvia Rouss, author of “Sammy Spider’s First Trip to Israel” • 2 p.m. — Author, pastry chef and cooking instructor Paula Shoyer present her book “60 Dairy-free Recipes from Traditional to Trendy,” a compilation of dairy-free kosher recipes. • 3 p.m. — Noah Hadas invites you to learn what the Talmud is, why it is important and how to study it as he presents “Talmud for Dummies.” Noah is the Director of Community Adult Education at the Agency for Jewish Education in San Diego County. • 4 p.m. — Tribute to Yitzhak Rabin, the late prime minister of Israel • 6:30 p.m. — Enjoy a special evening of comedy with Joel Chasnoff, who cut his comedy teeth opening up for Jon Stewart and Lewis Black of The Daily Show. Monday, Nov. 8 • 10 a.m. — Coffee and conversation with Naomi Levy, author of “Hope Will Find You: My Search for the Wisdom to Stop Waiting and Start Living” Tuesday, Nov. 9 • 4 p.m. — Laurie Strongin, author of “Saving Henry: A Mother’s Journey,” talks about joining Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi to urge Congress to pass the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act • 5 p.m. — Dr. Lawrence Goldstein discusses “Stem Cells for Dummies” Tuesday, Nov. 16 • 7:30 p.m. — Author of “Awesome Recipes & Kitchen Shortcuts,” San Diego’s cooking star Sam Zien — better known as “Sam the Cooking Guy” — will offer food and conversation. For a complete event listing, locations and admission fees, visit www.sdjbf.org.
