Once an Arafat Man

A "Once" Story: A New Bed-time Read

I received this email from Deanna in Alaska. I was literally drawn to tears hearing how Once an Arafat Man has impacted her family.  Thank you Deanna for sharing how the book has made an impression on you.

Mr. Saada,

Thank you for writing your story.  A dear friend gave me the book for my birthday.  She and her husband of 52 years are faithful followers of Christ and also lovers of Israel.  Her husband is there right now with a grandson.  Anyway, after skimming quickly through your story, I decided it would be great to read to the kids, twins Ethan and Ruth (12) and Paige (13).  So it has been our bedtime reading for the last week.  Although all have professed faith, only Ruth was excited about this initially.  However, after the second night, Ethan took the book to his room and instead of doing his math (we homeschool), read ahead the next five chapters.

After finding your blog and reading back through to the 9/11 post, I have decided that we will conclude our nightly chapter by praying for you.  We will be reading chapter 10 tonight. 

I have one question.  Even amid nearly daily reports of violence by Muslims, there is an undercurrent in the news (maybe I should call it a counter-current) along the lines of "this is not typical of Islam, but just Muslim radicals".  It seems to be an attempt to legitimize the religion of Islam, perhaps so it will gain more acceptance in the U.S. as it has in other parts of the Western world.  I am so concerned about this attitude and it doesn't seem to be supported in your book.  Even Muslims in your book, such as your parents, who weren't personally involved in killing, still seemed to support it ideologically and financially.  What do you think about this?

Thank you again for sharing your (you and your wife's) story.  It is so encouraging to be able to share with our children the continuing work of Christ, especially in these politically tense times.

Deanna
Anchorage, Alaska

"Once" Reviewed on Consuming Worship

This review in from Jeff Miller of ConsumingWorship.com

Once an Arafat Man’s sub-title couldn’t be a better synopsis of the book in general, “The true story of how a PLO sniper found a new life.” The opening sequence of the book reads like some of the best action oriented fiction out there, but you have to keep in mind that not only are the related events actual parts of our world history, but they are also a first-hand account of the man writing the book.

I don’t want to give away a ton of what goes on in the book and steal that pleasure from you, but the book is a real eye-opener for someone like me who has always been a firm (sometimes zealous) supporter of Israel. When you peek into the life of a Palestinian born in a tent near the beginnings of the last century’s conflict between Jews and Arabs, you cannot help but have your worldview shifted somewhat—maybe not so much a shift in thought but an increased clarity because of learning about the other side of the issue....

Read the full review

"Once" Reviewed on BlogCritics.org

Here's a recent review by Jennifer Bogart on www.BlogCritics.org.

Taysir (Tass) Saada grew up a Palestinian refugee. Tossed by the winds of change, his family suffered mistreatment and ridicule in a culture that equates land ownership with honor. His family’s treatment as second-class citizens and the lack of control over their own destiny provided the fuel for young Taysir’s rebellion against authority and his hatred towards the Jewish people from a young age. This volatile combination propelled him into the ranks of a Palestinian liberation movement -- Fatah -- at a young age. He was soon engaged in guerilla tactics against the Israeli Armed Forces, served as a sniper, and under his own initiative attempted an assassination of a Jordanian prince. As a personal vendetta he casually tossed grenades into the homes of Christians when notified of their presence. Taysir Saada was a man filled with rage.

Read the full review.

"Once" Reviewed by Dr. Jeff Adams

The reviews are slowly rolling out to the blogosphere. If you've read the book and have written a review, please let me know and I'll be sure to link back to your blog post

Thank you to Dr. Jeff Adams from the Kansas City Baptist Temple for his kind words. You can read the review here.