The Abrahamic Movement in Syria has a new chief executive. Tom Wegner, an Israeli strategic consultant, author and peace activist, announced on X that the Council of the Abrahamic Movement Syria has chosen Sami Nofal, a Damascus-trained actor and director, to lead the organization. Wegner said he “embraces” the Council’s choice.

The announcement was published in a post on X by Tom Wegner. FFN reproduces it below in full, word for word, followed by the Global Abrahamic Movement’s ratification statement, background on the appointee and what the choice signals.

The announcement, in full

Ratified by the Global Abrahamic Movement

The appointment has now been formally ratified at the global level. In a leadership update, the Global Abrahamic Movement announced that Sami Nofal is confirmed as Chief Executive Officer of the Abrahamic Movement in Syria, backed by the Syria Branch Council. The statement, reproduced in full below, says Nofal takes on full executive and operational leadership of the movement’s work in the country.

Tribute to the founding leader

The statement pays tribute to Eng. Jamal Sabbagh, describing his “historic efforts in establishing the movement in Syria.” It says the movement honors his “personal decision to pause his official activities,” and adds that its dedication to the Syrian people and to peace “remains constant, active, and uninterrupted.”

A career built on stage, screen and institutions

According to Wegner’s post, Nofal graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus and has worked since 2007 as an actor and director across film, theatre and television, in both Syrian and wider Arab productions. His short film Salsal (Clay), which he wrote and directed, took gold at the first Damascus Cinema Days festival, and at the Syrian Opera House he created the epic dance operetta Watan (Homeland).

His work beyond performance is institutional. Wegner notes that Nofal headed the association for Syria’s dubbing profession, served as secretary of the central drama bodies of the Syrian Artists’ Syndicate, and chaired the opening committee of the national “Syrian Icon” project. “He knows how to lead people and build institutions,” Wegner wrote.

Sami Nofal

CEO, Abrahamic Movement in Syria. Actor, director and writer; graduate of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, Damascus; winner of gold at the first Damascus Cinema Days festival for Salsal.

What the Abrahamic Movement Syria is expected to do

Wegner describes the Abrahamic Movement as having “established itself as a central player representing the Syrian peace camp,” and says millions of Syrians want to take part. He expects Nofal’s “energy and execution capabilities,” together with his “absolute commitment to the vision of Abrahamic peace crafted by the movement’s founding generation,” to help the movement expand its influence and stabilize the organization. The stated goal is to become “a household name across Syria as the mass movement creating peace on the ground.”

“Before peace is signed on paper, it must be written in the hearts of a people.”

Wegner presented the choice of a cultural figure as deliberate. “It is no coincidence that a man of culture is stepping up to this role,” he wrote, arguing that anyone who has devoted a life to the stage understands that peace begins in public feeling before it reaches a signed text. He closed by inviting followers to congratulate Nofal: “Welcome, Sami!”