Customer Reviews

Once an Arafat Man: The True Story of How a PLO Sniper Found a New Life

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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.

Make no mistake, just as Tass Saada affirms in latter parts of his autobiography, Israel has a right to exist, and the Lord Himself promised them the land. But, also make no mistake that the Palestinian people have been abused, treated as non-entities at times, and used as political pawns by forces on all sides of the conflict. That's enough to make any people group be filled with animosity and hatred.

I think Once an Arafat Man is a book we should be paying close attention to, especially in our current, post-9/11 world. If you want some insight as to how a young child can go from being a mother's sweet little boy to someone willing to give their very life for a cause--willing to kill everyone who stands in their way--then you need to read the story of Taysir Abu Saada.

In some ways, Tass's story struck me how closely it parallels that of Paul the apostle at some points. Here is a man who not only served as a sniper for Arafat's Fatah, but in his spare time he personally persecuted Christ-followers in Jordan. Yet, for all of that, you can read the hand of God upon him throughout his life, protecting him from death and harm when, by all rights, he should have died many times over.

Once and Arafat Man is, from beginning to end, a story of redemption. Again, like Paul, Tass Abu Saada was not a good man, something he admits to himself in the book. Here is the story of a man who could easily be totally broken today. A man who, because of the choices he made in life, could find himself completely alone and bereft of everything--family, fortune, faith--and again by all rights should probably find himself there. Such is the transforming and redemptive power of Christ.

Even when Tass is tricked by his own family into leaving Fatah, his dabbling with learning the French language, and eventual exodus to snowy Missouri, were all part of God's leading on his life. It seems, in hindsight, that step by step over time, God purposefully led Tass away from his hate-filled life among his people into a very personal experience with Jesus Christ.

Tass's conversion to Christ is in of itself extraordinary, and the subsequent transformation of not only himself, but his entire family was a wonder to read. It was very similar to some of the stories you read about in the book of Acts, how God gets ahold of and transforms an entire family. Most importantly, you can see that the transformation of heart in the Abu Saada family was complete as you see where each of them are today, years after their conversions. There's not a one of them who is not actively ministering in some way today. (It was pretty cool to learn more about Ben and read a little bit of his part of the family's story.)

One of the most interesting parts of the book for me was to read a former Muslim's take on Scripture, specifically how an Arab saw the book of Genesis. Folks, I think we Westerners have to admit that sometimes our viewpoints on the Bible are skewed, just as Tass learned his own view had been colored by his background and education.

Split into three sections, the book brings us through Tass's life all the way up to the present, telling about where he is now and what he is doing with his life. Tass has a vision of reconciliation between Arabs and Jews, something that has met with nothing but failure for decades, if not centuries. It is only through Jesus Christ and His love expressed through His people that true reconciliation will be found.

Go back and do a careful reading of Genesis with "Palestinian" eyes and get a glimpse of God's plan for the Arabs and Jews. It's a beautiful thing. The children of Issac and Ishmael living together in peace and harmony in the land God promised them all. Only something that could be done through God's work through Jesus Christ.

Of interest in view of current events, something we should pay very close attention to in the coming days, is learning something of the mindset of the Arab/Muslim world. Here's a quote from pages 197-198:

This pattern of finessing the truth, of saying one thing but doing another, is epidemic in Middle Eastern politics. It explains why progress is often so excruciatingly slow. It also illustrates the desperate need on all levels, from high government halls to the common street, to speak honestly and accurately about one's intentions.

There is a cultural problem here, in that lying is viewed within Islam as an acceptable tactic if it advances the goals of the religion. To help the cause of Allah by misleading an infidel is perfectly noble. Thus, Arab leaders are infamous for duplicity with Israel and the Western nations.

In fact, they even practice it among themselves.

I could go on and on about this book, but then there would be no point in you buying it and reading it yourself. I would encourage you to click one of the links above and buy this book from Amazon, you won't regret it, and your eyes will be opened to the Arab mindset and the grace of God in ways you've never seen before.

I'd also encourage you to follow the Once An Arafat Man blog for updates about the book, news about Tass's ministry in Palestine, and more insight into the goings on in the Middle East.

I bought this book immediately after hearing the author (Tass Saada) speak in person at a messianic congregation up in Dallas. I had no idea who the guest speaker was that day.

Within 5 minutes of his talk, I knew something was very different about this man. He spoke with incredible sincerity when he asked the Jewish people present for forgiveness because of what Palestinians like him had done. He talked about about some of his history, the work he had been doing in the Middle East, his message of reconciliation. Tears came to my eyes and many others during the course of his talk. When he mentioned that he had been a sniper and had actually killed people, and how the faces of those he had killed still haunted him to this day; you could hear a pin drop in the room. I was reminded of the Apostle Paul, who once persecuted the Church, but was struck down by a blinding vision and helped change the course of history. Tass had a similar life changing experience, and seeing him in person give his story was an incredible experience. He is genuine, his conversion is sincere. He stood in front of a group of mostly Jewish Christians and asked them for forgiveness, and is now friends with a former Israeli soldier in the congregation. To think that at one point these two people hated each other's guts, but now because of the love of God they have forgiven each other and consider themselves to be brothers, just amazes me.

So I bought the book and had Tass sign it, and I just finished reading it. At first I was a little disappointed because the writing style seemed to be very "Reader's Digesty". That is, it was very simple to read, the facts were stated without too much elaboration, etc. The little boxes on the pages highlighting a quote from the same page also reminded me of Reader's Digest. But, I decided to continue reading and to ignore that. Trust me, the book gets extremely interesting very fast, so don't put it down. He has an incredibly testimony. I realized that first, his first language is not English. Second, this book was originally published in the German language, and was translated from German to English with a little bit of journalistic revision. It was written for a very broad audience (hence the easy reading style), which is very good because everyone needs to hear this story. It will touch and inspire you.

To summarize the entire book, it is simply this: Only Christ can bring true reconciliation between groups of people that have hated each other for ages. The only times I have seen sincere repentance, shedding of tears, embracing, between Jews and Arabs, is when both parties have accepted Christ into their hearts. He is the Prince of Peace, and only He can bring about true peace. This is the greatest truth of this book.

This book has great personal meaning for me. There was a time when I knew Tass only as Ben's dad. Ben was the boyfriend, then husband, of our youngest daughter's best friend. Ben was a bright, dedicated member of our church. He now serves as worship pastor at a local church we helped to start some years ago. I also knew Tass, as did many in Kansas City, as a highly respected restaurateur.

We knew that Tass was of Palestinian origin, but he had lived for many years in our city and seemed perfectly adapted to his new homeland. Little did we know that Tass had a past as a Palestinian warrior/sniper and former aide to Yasser Arafat. This book is the story of how he came to faith only a few months after his son Ben, on a separate but parallel track under the supernatural guidance of a loving God.

When Ben came to Christ in his late teens, he was naturally fearful of how his Muslim dad would react. Some in our church started a 24/7 prayer chain for him, and three months later Tass experienced a truly amazing encounter with Jesus that you can read about in this book.

Once I started this book I literally could not put it down. The first part of the book is candid and can be disturbing as Tass shares his background as a displaced Palestinian and the resulting build up of anger and bitterness that pushed him into his life as a terrorist. Like Saul of Tarsus, he sincerely thought he was doing God and his people a favor by killing the enemy. As interesting as you might find this section of the story, the account of his journey to faith in Christ is even more so. If you are a resident of Kansas City, you will immediately be drawn to places and people you know. The story will leap with life off the pages. Anyone, though, will find this book an emotional, educational and edifying read.

Though I read an early release of the book, I have waited until today to write this review. This morning in our church services we had a homecoming with Tass and his family. Tass and Karen now minister in Israel, and it has been a number of years since we have seen them. I can only tell you that his testimony is genuine, authentic and anointed. He is no slick, professional "Christian" celebrity or superstar with a a personal agenda and inflated ego. Tass is the real deal. You must read this book. His transformation is as genuine as that of Saul of Tarsus.

Being sorely ignorant of the background of current tensions in the Middle East, the first portion of the book served to fill in yawning chasms in my understanding of the situation. As I'm not a military or political aficionado, I moved through these pages slowly, despite the down to earth writing style.

In his mid-forties Tass came to know Jesus as his Lord in a dramatic, instantaneous conversion experience, the likes of which I've never read.

While the first parts of the book read slowly, I was spellbound by the changes God worked in Saada's life following his new birth. I was able to see God reaching into this man's life, into his heart and changing him, dissolving his rage, kindling his love and igniting a passion to see Jews, Muslims, and Christians reconciled under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Once a highly trained guerilla under the command of Yasser Arafat, Saada transformed into a spiritual warrior under the command of God most high.

After experiencing God's radical grace and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus/Yasooa/Yeshua, a work was begun in Tass Saada. This work is broad, deep, and a part of it is expressed through this book. By reading of God's work through the Holy Spirit in this man's life I was encouraged, educated and led to examine the scriptures pertaining to the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael in a new light.

This vibrant, relevant understanding comes from the collision of God's word with a life spent in service in the hot-spots: the Gaza Strip, the West Bank. Saada knows what he's talking about; he's been there, experienced life as a Palestinian refugee and returned as a believer in Christ to re-examine, to seek answers, to find a way.

While Once an Arafat Man is vitally important reading for believers who are ignorant of the struggle over the Holy Land, anyone with a heart for peace in the Middle East should read Saada's work. The combination of first-hand experience, wisdom of years, and a new, reflective perspective provide illuminating insight and hope for the future.

This book is an incredible biography of the son of a Palestinian businessman with some influence. Although born in Gaza, his family moved to Qutar while he was quite young. His father had some connections and young Taysir (Tass) had some of life's privileges. He grew up to hate Israel and had a desire to help eradicate Israel from the map.

His exploits led him to become a Fatah insider with access to Yassir Arafat. The actions of Tass were horrific, that's all I say. His story after that... you'll have to read. By the time you are done reading, your horror will turn to tears. A story dripping with God's grace in spite of all Tass' weaknesses. The redemption story is one of a kind and his love for the nation and people of Israel sincere.

His meeting with Yassir Arafat shortly before Arafat's death... well- you just have to read.

The book ends with some very practical observations about how bridges could be built in the Middle East. I highly doubt that Islam would ever accept the ideas proposed but some Muslims will. I admire him for taking a dangerous position in a dangerous part of the world. Surely a calling from God.

Once an Arafat Man by Tass Saada and Dean Merrill is the kind of powerful book that makes you re-evaluate your life, how you view the world, and your faith. And then you want to share the story with everyone you know. Tass Saada was born in the Gaza Strip shortly before his family was forcibly removed first to Saudi Arabia and then Qatar. He was angry, even as a young child, at the unfairness in the treatment to his family and their fellow Palestinians. As a child and young man, he was impetuous, bullying, and violent. As soon as he was able to slip away from his protective family, he joined forces with Yasser Arafat's Fatah and was trained as a sniper. Saada was everything that Jews and Christians fear about Palestinians: driven, angry, and without remorse about what he had to do to restore his people to their land. His life began to change when he came to the US to live with a cousin. He quickly married an American woman to get her green card and raised her son as his own. Saada worked his way up through several high-priced restaurants and hotels, but his family life suffered, and he felt a hole deep inside. Until a business associate talked to him about Jesus, and overnight Saada was changed into a force for spreading the truth about love and forgiveness and reconciliation in Israel. Saada writes uncompromisingly, never pulling any punches when it comes to the sins and crimes he's committed. God has brought him to an amazing faith that leads him to bring his wife and children to God, testifying to the dangers of Islam in the United States, speaking with groups around the world, and ultimately, moving his family back to the Gaza Strip and creating a humanitarian organization to serve the people there. Saada has a strong understanding of both the Bible and the Koran, so he is able to discuss both intelligently and without malice. He reminds readers that the Muslim people are also descendants of Abraham, through his son Ishmael, and that God has a plan and a promise of love for them, just as much as for Jews and Christians. This is a message that needs to be heard! I have no idea how Saada and Merrill managed to pack this much story in such a small package, but I was left breathless and stunned by Saada's love for God, his humility, and his vision for the Arabic people. Impossible to put down once you pick it up, you'll find yourself talking about it for days after you're finished with it. God has done an astounding work in this man, and this book testifies to that here.

My husband grabbed "Once An Arafat Man" from my to be read pile as soon as I received the book. Tass Saada and Dean Merrill tell a gripping and insightful story about how a Muslim on the inside of the PLO came to faith in Christ. Although more insight into the organization and belief system would have been appreciated, this novel was still an incredible read! It brought my husband to a greater understanding of Ishmael's contribution to the world as we know it today. I highly recommend this book!

An incredible, inspiring story of how one man came from pure hatred for the Jewish people into the light of love through the power of a new found faith that is based on forgiveness.

The book was easy to read and was in fact a real page turner. This comes from a person who is not easily engaged in books. Yet I am interested in the Middle East, history and this strange religious struggle that has perplexed our world since the Crusades.

Read this book. You won't be disappointed and in fact, you'll gain some keen insight for the world in which we now live.

In these days of continual bad news and a seemingly never ending cycle of threats and retaliation, "Once An Arafat Man" presents a story of hope. Its writing style is engaging and easy to read, but the message of redemption sinks deep. The central theme is not the ability of a man to pull himself out of his circumstances, but rather to lay down his life at the cross of Jesus and see reconciliation come where it would seem impossible. After reading this book you will have a deeper insight into both the political mindset of the Palestinian movement and a glimpse at the hope of peace that can come only through Jesus Christ. Highly recommended.

I learned several historical and cultural things from this book, but the thing I appreciated most was reading the story of someone who found Jesus' love and was transformed by it. I never get tired of hearing how God changes lives when people come face to face with truth! When Tass talks about "How I learned to love" there are lessons for everyone, not just descendents of Isaac and Ishmael. The examples of love, acceptance and humility along with the emphasis on forgiveness are things that all of us need to learn to live. I recommend this book.