Carine Bassili, a Lebanese singer living in California, can never return to her homeland. Lebanon banned her for life because she supports Israel. Her bold stand has cost her family ties and friendships. But she says God called her to fight for peace between Lebanon and Israel.
Bassili grew up in Beirut during Lebanon’s civil war. She survived bombings and years hiding in crumbling shelters. The trauma stuck with her. As a Christian, she turned to faith for healing. She believes the Bible commands support for Israel. “Bless those who bless you,” she says. That’s why she sings with Israeli artists, even though it’s illegal in Lebanon.
Her music breaks barriers. She released the first-ever Lebanese-Israeli duet in 2021. The song “God of Israel” went viral. Millions listened, including Jews moved by her courage. She later covered Israel’s Eurovision song “Hurricane” in Arabic to back singer Eden Golan. Golan faced bullying at the contest for representing Israel. Bassili called the backlash unfair.
In October 2024, Bassili dropped an Arabic version of “October Rain.” Israel’s original song was barred from Eurovision for being “too political.” She filmed the video at a memorial for Hamas’ victims. “Silence in the face of evil is evil,” she said. The track honors those killed on October 7th. Critics call her a traitor. Supporters say she’s a peacemaker.
Lebanon’s government, influenced by Hezbollah, won’t tolerate her message. Hezbollah terrorists fire rockets at Israel daily. Bassili blames Iran for funding this violence. She says Lebanon’s leaders steal from their people while starting wars. “They’re the real criminals,” she argues. Her family in Lebanon cut ties to stay safe. Friends ghosted her. Still, she refuses to quit.
Bassili co-founded the Christian and Jewish Alliance. The group rallies Christians to defend Israel. Their motto comes from Isaiah: “For Zion’s sake, I will not stay silent.” They’ve organized pro-Israel marches and prayer meetings. Bassili performs at these events, mixing worship with calls for unity.
Some Lebanese Christians secretly cheer her on. They message her, too scared to speak publicly. “We’ve prayed for someone like you,” they write. Bassili hopes her courage inspires others. She dreams of Lebanon and Israel making peace, like Egypt and Jordan did. But with Hezbollah in charge, she knows it’s a long road.
Radical groups won’t silence her. Bassili keeps singing, praying, and rallying. She believes God will protect Israel and save Lebanon from ruin. “You can’t curse Israel and expect blessings,” she warns. Her story shows the high cost of taking a stand—and the power of faith to light the way.
