Hero # 60 Tom Wegner’s Vision: Healing the Middle East with Faith and Friendship

By Justine Zwerling

Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Initiative Launched in Rahat with Ground breaking Visit

Shalom, Salaam, Hello – In case you’re losing hope in Muslims, Christians, Jews, Druze & people of all faiths – in humanity – PLEASE DON’T! سلام שלום

We decided not to wait until after this horrific war, with 50 of our hostages still being held by terrorists for 664 days, before recognizing true leaders & unsung heroes. We are honoring, thanking, and celebrating our brothers and sisters of all faiths, who bravely stand by our side through this darkness, hand in hand, day and night. Our 120 heroes and builders of the Middle East, and our Globe, bring light, hope, truth, & wisdom. The number 120 in Judaism means life—a full life.

Drum Roll for our 60th Hero Tom Wegner founder of Israel’s Middle East Center, bestselling author of Cannabis Wars, and Global Books Award gold medalist

His name is of Aramaic origin תֹּם . A shortened version of Thomas, this name translates to twin. And stands for completeness and integrity.

His wise words; “Marking the beginning of the expansion of the Jewish-Muslim Beit Midrash’s activities: from Jewish-Muslim discussions on our YouTube channel to physical, on-the-ground meetings. This isn’t just a whim – from the ground in the Arab sector inside Israel, we are hearing a great outcry. The moderate elders in the Israeli Arab sector are very concerned not only about the war but also about the internal consequences. This is especially true regarding the younger generation, which grows up exposed to blatant anti-Semitic incitement on Arabic social media but is not exposed to Jews as human beings. Before October 7th, many Jews would enter Arab towns for shopping or to eat; the younger generation would meet them as people. Today, that has almost stopped, and the community leaders in the Arab sector are very worried about the implications for the future generation.
Together with our partners in the Arab sector, we are working to create a nationwide program that will both create a series of encounters between Jews and Arabs within Israel and also document them to create moderate, Abrahamic media that shows the possibility of coexistence and friendship – in both Arabic and Hebrew”

With our hearts broken, terror, missiles, & antisemitism surrounding us, our resolve to Live, Love, & Build a better future is resolute. We are building a new future together, based on peace, friendship, culture, shared values, coexistence, & mutual respect.

Tom, may your light, voice, & wisdom continue to shine, heal, & inspire the world. Mabrouk مبروك, Mazel Tov מזל טוב Thank you! 120 Heroes