“I’m not surprised,” said Bassili, speaking of the emerging political shifts between Lebanon and Israel that have recently captured the world’s attention. “That’s the reason why I started this whole journey.” Six years ago, Bassili posted on social media that peace was coming — a declaration rooted not in politics, but in faith. “The Lord showed me it’s going to happen in the next few years,” she recounted. “God promised me, you will go back to your country, just trust me.”

“I see shifts happening,” she adds with quiet confidence. “There are definitely a lot of changes I’ve noticed.”

One of the most seismic of those shifts: a Lebanese news station, Al Jadeed, broadcasting with an Israeli and a Lebanese flag side by side in the studio — equal in size and prominence. Until very recently, that was simply unthinkable.

Setting the Record Straight: Hezbollah Did Not Protect Christians

Frustrated at the disinformation circulating in the media, Bassili is determined to put the record straight about the relationship between Hezbollah and Lebanese Christians.

Bassili speaks from direct, lived experience. She grew up in what she describes as “a very hot zone” — on the line between Hezbollah territory and the Christian area of Beirut.

Peace, Yes — But Not a Warm Welcome for Israelis Yet

Though many Lebanese people are in favor of peace with Israel, Bassili is careful to distinguish that from feeling positively about the Jewish state. Many are simply exhausted by Hezbollah — by the destruction, the wars, the fear — and want it gone. But that does not yet translate into open arms for Israeli visitors.

Establishing a diplomatic relationship is the essential first step. From there, Bassili sketches out a careful, phased vision of reconciliation — one that begins not with grand gestures, but with personal experience.

A Divine Call Through Music

It took time for Bassili herself to develop a love for Israel. She recalls wrestling with God’s call at the beginning of her journey as a Lebanese musician and Israel advocate.

Bassili’s Arabic rendition of Israel’s Eurovision song about the October 7 attack — “Hurricane” — reached audiences across the region. Her songs have been played in countries throughout the Middle East. Now, a new song based on Isaiah 62 is being released — though in some ways it is not new at all.

The inspiration came before the Hamas attack three years ago. She felt that she should not release it then, but wait. Now, she says, is the time.

An Arab Voice Singing for Zion

The new song was recorded in Hebrew, English and Arabic. But unlike previous recordings, no Jewish people took part in this rendition.

That strategic choice — an Arab voice, from Israel, singing for Zion — captures the essence of Carine Bassili’s unusual ministry: bridging what seems unbridgeable, through song and through spirit.

Courage is contagious. When brave people like Carine take a bold stand, as Billy Graham famously said, the spines of others are stiffened.