In a recent StandWithUs TV Special Briefing hosted by Michael Dixon, Hassan-Nahoum offered profound insights into the immediate and long-term impacts of October 7th, revealing how crisis can catalyze unexpected unity and strengthen global partnerships in ways that seemed impossible before the attacks.
The Transformation of Israeli Society: A Loss of Innocence
Hassan-Nahoum’s analysis of post-October 7th Israel begins with what she describes as a fundamental “loss of innocence” that has permanently altered the national psyche. This transformation extends far beyond the immediate trauma of the attacks themselves, touching every aspect of Israeli society and reshaping how citizens view their place in the region.
“The events of October 7th created a profound shift in how we see ourselves and our challenges,” Hassan-Nahoum explains. “What emerged from this tragedy was something we hadn’t seen before—a unity that transcended political divisions and brought together communities that had been at odds for years.”
This transformation has been particularly evident in how Hassan-Nahoum describes the breakdown of traditional political barriers. Where once Israeli society was deeply divided along ideological lines, the attacks created a shared recognition that extremist threats posed a far greater danger than internal disagreements.
Unity Across Political Divides
As someone who has navigated Jerusalem’s complex political landscape as deputy mayor, Hassan-Nahoum is uniquely positioned to understand the significance of this shift. She describes witnessing former political opponents working together, Arab and Jewish citizens finding common ground, and marginalized communities stepping forward to support the national effort.
“We saw Arab citizens of Israel, communities that had felt excluded from mainstream Israeli society, and political factions that had been bitter enemies suddenly recognizing that we face a common threat,” she notes. “This wasn’t manufactured unity—it was organic, born from the recognition that extremism threatens everyone who believes in democratic values and peaceful coexistence.”
Hassan-Nahoum’s Media Strategy: Fighting Misinformation
One of the most significant aspects of Hassan-Nahoum’s post-October 7th work has been her intensified media advocacy. Drawing on her experience in international business and diplomacy, she has emerged as a leading voice in combating misinformation and ensuring that Israel’s narrative reaches global audiences.
“The battle for accurate information became as crucial as any physical confrontation,” Hassan-Nahoum explains. “We realized that the way the world understood what happened to us would determine not just immediate support, but long-term relationships and diplomatic possibilities.”
Her approach to media advocacy reflects her business background and diplomatic experience. Rather than simply responding to criticism, Hassan-Nahoum has proactively engaged with international media, policymakers, and business leaders to provide context and counter false narratives about the attacks and Israel’s response.
Grassroots Advocacy Movement
Hassan-Nahoum describes witnessing an extraordinary phenomenon: ordinary Israeli citizens stepping forward to become media advocates. People who had never before engaged in public discourse suddenly felt compelled to share their stories and counter misinformation.
“Citizens became proactive advocates, understanding that accurate information is crucial for maintaining international support and understanding,” she notes. “This wasn’t coordinated from above—it was a grassroots movement of people who realized that their voices mattered in the global conversation.”
This citizen-led effort has been particularly important in social media spaces, where Hassan-Nahoum notes that misinformation can spread rapidly and shape public opinion before official responses can be formulated.
Discovering Unexpected Global Allies
Perhaps one of the most surprising developments that Hassan-Nahoum has witnessed since October 7th is the emergence of support from unexpected quarters. Her work as co-founder of the UAE-Israel Business Council positioned her to observe how the Abraham Accords network responded to the crisis, but she has also been struck by support from communities that had not previously been vocal Israel advocates.
“We’ve seen remarkable courage from evangelical communities and moderate Muslim allies who have stepped forward to advocate for Israel, often at personal risk,” Hassan-Nahoum observes. “These are people who are willing to speak out despite potential backlash in their own communities.”
This global network of support has been particularly important in Hassan-Nahoum’s diplomatic work. As someone who has spent years building business relationships across the Middle East, she understands the significance of having allies who are willing to publicly support Israel during times of crisis.
The Role of Business Networks
Hassan-Nahoum’s background in international business has proven invaluable in maintaining and strengthening relationships during this difficult period. Her work with the UAE-Israel Business Council has demonstrated how economic partnerships can provide stability even during political turbulence.
“Business relationships often survive political crises because they’re built on mutual benefit and trust,” she explains. “The connections we’ve built through trade and investment have created a foundation of understanding that goes beyond political rhetoric.”
The Abraham Accords: Resilience Under Pressure
As co-founder of the UAE-Israel Business Council, Hassan-Nahoum has had a front-row seat to observe how the Abraham Accords have weathered the storm of October 7th. Her assessment is cautiously optimistic, noting that the agreements have demonstrated remarkable resilience.
“The Abraham Accords have successfully withstood pressures from extremist groups,” Hassan-Nahoum states with evident satisfaction. “Member countries did not withdraw their support for Israel despite the violence. In fact, we’ve seen concrete examples of cooperation during the crisis that prove these relationships are built on solid foundations.”
Hassan-Nahoum points to specific instances where Abraham Accords countries provided practical support during the crisis, from facilitating evacuations to maintaining business relationships. These actions, she argues, demonstrate that the agreements represent more than symbolic gestures—they reflect genuine partnerships based on shared interests and values.
Expanding the Circle of Peace
Looking forward, Hassan-Nahoum anticipates that additional nations will join the Abraham Accords framework. Her optimism is based on what she sees as a growing regional recognition that cooperation and moderation offer more benefits than conflict and extremism.
“We’re seeing interest from countries that recognize the benefits of normalization,” she explains. “The Abraham Accords have created a model for how Middle Eastern nations can work together while maintaining their distinct identities and interests.”
This expansion potential is particularly important to Hassan-Nahoum’s vision for regional stability. As someone who has worked extensively in international business, she understands how economic cooperation can create incentives for political stability and peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the Challenge of Misinformed Activism
Hassan-Nahoum has been particularly vocal in addressing what she sees as misinformed activism, particularly among those who may not fully understand the implications of their support for organizations that promote violence. Her approach is not to dismiss opposition voices but to encourage more thoughtful engagement with the complexities of the situation.
“Many people who protest may not fully understand the implications of their support for organizations that promote violence and hatred,” Hassan-Nahoum observes. “We need to ask ourselves: Are our actions bringing us closer to peace or driving us further apart?”
Her message to activists is rooted in her diplomatic experience and business background. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the practical consequences of political positions and considering whether advocacy efforts contribute to constructive solutions or simply amplify existing problems.
The Importance of Informed Dialogue
Hassan-Nahoum’s approach to engaging with critics reflects her belief that genuine dialogue requires informed participants. She encourages people to move beyond surface-level narratives and engage with the historical and current complexities that shape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“Real dialogue requires real knowledge,” she explains. “We can’t build lasting solutions on the foundation of slogans and oversimplified narratives. People need to understand the full context if they want to contribute to meaningful change.”
Hassan-Nahoum’s Vision for the Future
As Israel’s Special Envoy, Hassan-Nahoum’s work extends beyond crisis management to building long-term relationships that can withstand future challenges. Her vision for the future is grounded in her experience as a businesswoman, diplomat, and former Jerusalem deputy mayor.
“We need to build relationships that are based on mutual respect, shared interests, and genuine understanding,” she explains. “The kind of partnerships that can weather political storms because they’re built on solid foundations of trust and cooperation.”
This vision encompasses several key elements that reflect Hassan-Nahoum’s multifaceted experience:
Economic Cooperation as a Peace Foundation
Drawing from her business background, Hassan-Nahoum emphasizes the role of economic cooperation in building lasting peace. She argues that business relationships create incentives for stability and provide practical benefits that make conflict less attractive.
“When people have economic stakes in peace, they become advocates for stability,” she notes. “The UAE-Israel Business Council demonstrates how economic partnerships can create constituencies for peace in both countries.”
Diplomatic Engagement Beyond Politics
Hassan-Nahoum’s approach to diplomacy extends beyond traditional government-to-government relations. She emphasizes the importance of people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, and professional relationships that can maintain communication channels even during political difficulties.
“Diplomacy isn’t just about officials meeting in conference rooms,” she explains. “It’s about creating networks of relationships that can function even when political relations are strained.”
Building Coalitions for Moderation
Perhaps most importantly, Hassan-Nahoum sees her role as building coalitions of moderate voices that can counter extremist narratives on all sides. This work requires engaging with diverse communities and finding common ground among people who may have different political views but share commitments to peaceful coexistence.
“Extremists on all sides benefit from conflict and division,” she observes. “Our job is to strengthen the voices of moderation and create alternatives to the narratives of hatred and violence.”
The Path Forward: Hassan-Nahoum’s Call to Action
Hassan-Nahoum’s message for moving forward is both practical and aspirational. Drawing from her diverse experience in business, diplomacy, and local government, she offers a roadmap that emphasizes sustained engagement, strategic thinking, and genuine commitment to peaceful solutions.
Her approach centers on three fundamental principles:
Strategic Engagement: Building relationships that can withstand political turbulence by focusing on shared interests and mutual benefits rather than just political agreements.
Informed Advocacy: Encouraging deeper understanding of complex issues and moving beyond simplistic narratives to engage with the full context of regional challenges.
Practical Cooperation: Focusing on concrete projects and initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to all parties, creating incentives for continued collaboration.
Conclusion: A Leader’s Perspective on Crisis and Opportunity
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum’s response to the October 7th attacks demonstrates how experienced leaders can transform crisis into opportunity. Her work as Israel’s Special Envoy, combined with her background in business and local government, has positioned her to offer unique insights into how nations and communities can respond to tragedy with resilience and strategic thinking.
Her message is ultimately one of cautious optimism: while the attacks brought tragedy and trauma, they also revealed the capacity for unity, the strength of international partnerships, and the potential for building a more stable and cooperative future. Through her diplomatic work, media advocacy, and coalition-building efforts, Hassan-Nahoum continues to demonstrate that even in the darkest moments, there are opportunities to build bridges and create pathways toward peace.
As Israel continues to navigate the complex aftermath of October 7th, Hassan-Nahoum’s voice offers both sobering realism about the challenges ahead and hopeful vision for what strategic diplomacy and genuine partnership can achieve. Her work reminds us that the response to extremism and violence is not just military or political, but also diplomatic, economic, and fundamentally human—requiring the kind of sustained, thoughtful engagement that she has spent her career developing.
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