Under Fire

A DRAMATIC AND HEART-WRENCHING TRUE LIFE RESCUE STORY FROM THE FORMER FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND

A deeply affecting story
The Guardian

Weve never been more under fire than we are now. Humzas book is important and timely. I would encourage everyone to read it
Gary Lineker

A brave and moving book of impressive moral clarity
William Dalrymple
_____________

When Scotlands First Minister, Humza Yousaf, got a call from Gaza on the morning of 7 October 2023, he feared the worst. His wifes parents, Elizabeth and Maged, had been visiting the Palestinian territory to see Mageds sick Palestinian mother. Now, after the Hamas terrorist attack, they were caught in Israels furious onslaught.

Under Fire tells the story of Yousafs month-long nightmare as he tried desperately to get his in-laws out of Gaza and back home to Dundee. With the British government ignoring his pleas for help, he had to coordinate with other countries to get Elizabeth and Maged across the Rafah border into Egypt. While supporting his wife and children as they waited for daily updates from Elizabeth on her battle for survival, Yousaf also had to lead the whole of Scotland - as well as reassure the nations traumatised Jewish community. All while responding to online attacks.

As well as documenting his in-laws escape from Gaza, Under Fire also tells the story of how a son of immigrants grew up to become the first Muslim leader of a Western European country. Yousaf also tells of his fears on the rise of far-right populism and how to combat the forces that seek to divide us. The book draws back the curtain to give an honest account of how true leadership means reconciling personal loyalties with public duty, and how, in a world riven with conflict, it is more important than ever that leaders under pressure maintain their humanity and empathy for all.
_____________

PRAISE FOR UNDER FIRE . . .

Deeply moving
Annie Lennox

Under Fire reminds us that beyond borders, politics and identities lies our shared humanity. Everyone should read this book to understand the deep human connection between people in the West and in Palestine - Ahmed Alnaouq, co-author of We Are Not Numbers

Gripping... vigorous and sometimes inspiringThe Scotsman

A shattering account narrated with frankness, emotional intelligence and political courage Rachel Shabi, author of Off-White: The Truth About Antisemitism

This book is a powerful testimony to what fortitude looks like and what courage can be when cowardice surrounds you. What love looks like when hate is rewarded. Under Fire is an essential read for all of us right now Misan Harriman

Important and painfully honestNew Statesman

A must for anyone who cares about the humans behind the headlinesNicola Thorp