Former Gaza Muslim Warns West of Rising Islamist Ideology

Dor Shachar, a former Muslim from Gaza who converted to Judaism, is sounding alarm bells about the rise of Islamist ideology in the West. Born Ayman Abu Soobuch in 1977 in Khan Younis, he experienced firsthand the pervasive hatred towards Jews in a region dominated by groups like Hamas. Now living in Tel Aviv, Shachar believes that the West is ignoring the dangerous implications of this ideology.

Shachar recalls his childhood, where he grew up surrounded by the culture of violence that propelled Hamas into power in Gaza. He reflects, “Who chose Hamas? The majority chose Hamas,” emphasizing that the ideology is not limited to armed militants but is deeply rooted in the community’s mindset. His earliest encounters with Jews were paradoxical, as his grandfather would invite them for coffee while simultaneously inciting hatred against them.

His memories of Khan Younis include vivid scenes of brutality. Shachar describes witnessing violent acts committed by figures who would later become notorious terrorists, including Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. He recounts a chilling incident where a suspected collaborator’s head was displayed in the market, a moment that left a lasting impression on him.

The indoctrination he experienced in schools and mosques was stark. Children were taught that Jews were “pigs” and “dogs,” and violence against them was glorified. Shachar recalls, “Every child learned how to throw stones at Jews because they teach it.” He also describes how this education was paired with a façade of normalcy, where teachers would instruct students to act as if they were studying while secretly promoting violence.

Despite growing up in this environment, Shachar’s views began to shift as he sought a different path. He eventually made his way into Israel during his teenage years, where he initially served as an informant for Israeli security. His journey towards conversion was fraught with challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and suspicions from both Israelis and his own community.

In a pivotal moment, Shachar changed his name to Dor Shachar, meaning “generation dawn,” symbolizing his new identity and hope. He articulated his motivations, stating, “I wanted to be a Jew because I chose life, I chose love and not hatred.” This decision, however, came at a great personal cost, as it meant severing ties with his radicalized family and friends.

Shachar’s conversion led him to face significant adversity, including imprisonment in Gaza, where he endured torture and abuse. He was eventually deported back but managed to escape and re-enter Israel. His experiences shaped his perspective on the ongoing conflict and the rise of Hamas.

The events of October 7, 2023, which included a significant attack by Hamas, further reinforced Shachar’s belief in the pervasive ideology that he argues has taken hold in Gaza. He observed, “No Gazan helped a single Jew,” illustrating the depth of animosity he perceives. He warns that the consequences of this ideology extend beyond the region, urging Western nations to take heed.

Shachar has become an outspoken advocate, warning countries like Canada against the dangers of importing large numbers of individuals from Gaza. “You’ll see chaos,” he insists, reflecting on what he perceives as a growing threat. He believes that the West is reluctant to recognize the conflict as one rooted in religious ideology, and he urges citizens to speak out against policies he views as lenient towards groups like Hamas.

His memoir, titled “From Gaza to Tel Aviv: The Unbelievable True Story of a Muslim Palestinian Who Escaped to Israel and Became a Jew,” was released in September 2025. Through lectures and social media, Shachar continues to share his message, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexities of Islamist ideology and its potential impact on societies worldwide.

Concluding his thoughts, Shachar stated, “I walked in my truth in order to raise our children in shalom — in peace — to live.” His insights reflect a deep commitment to fostering understanding and preventing further violence in a world that often chooses to overlook the roots of conflict.