Son of Terrorist Rejects Father’s Legacy, Chooses Peace

The son of a famous terrorist shares his life story in the hope of teaching others that radicalism is wrong and that “there is a better way.”

Zak Ebrahim, the son of an Islamic terrorist, has publicly renounced his father’s course of action and has chosen to embrace the path of peace. His father, Al-Qaeda terrorist El Sayid Nossair, is the mastermind of the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993 and the murderer of Israeli Member of Knesset Rabbi Meir Kahane. Today, Ebrahim lectures on tolerance, acceptance of “the other” and comes out against radicalism.

Life’s Journey Away from Bigotry

Ebrahim shares his life story and tells of his dramatic journey away from Islamic radicalism on Ted’s Talks.

He tells of a childhood in the shadow of a terrorist who is responsible for the death of seven people and the wounding of more than a thousand others. He talks of instability, having terrorists as company and growing up in a bigoted home.

He was expected to continue his father’s legacy, but he chose not to do so.

After befriending a Jew at a convention and being exposed to other people he had been taught to hate, he decided he wanted no part in his father’s hateful ideology. “I realized there is no natural animosity between us,” he conceded. “I felt a sense of pride in having been able to overcome a barrier that, for the most of my life, I had been led to believe was insurmountable.”

His world view broadened through various experiences, and his previous misconceptions were constantly challenged.

Life Story Becomes Life Quest

The family had changed their name to avoid being associated with Nossair, but Ebrahim chose to “out” himself in the hope that other people influenced by extremism and violence would be inspired and realize that “there is a better way.”

“I choose to use my experience to fight back against terrorism, against the bigotry. I do it for the victims of terrorism and their loved ones… for the terrible pain and loss that terrorism has forced upon their lives. For the victims of terrorism I will speak out against these senseless acts and condemn my father’s acts.”

Author: Aryeh Savir
Staff Writer, United with Israel