Hit Netflix Series 'Fauda' Star to Address Connecticut Benefit for Israeli Soldiers

“Fauda” co-creator and star Lior Raz addressing over 200 FIDF supporters in Beverly Hills, California, in May 2017 (Photo Credit: Jonathan Gabbai).

STAMFORD, Conn. – Lior Raz, the co-creator and star of the hit Israeli Netflix series “Fauda,” will address some 350 Connecticut community leaders on Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Connecticut Annual Dinner at The Capitol Theater.

The dinner will also give FIDF supporters the chance to celebrate – and meet – Israel’s brave men and women in uniform, helping to deepen their connection to Israel’s defenders, and to learn about FIDF’s well-being and educational programs for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers.

“Fauda” focuses on the story of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from opposing perspectives. Viewers follow the riveting story of a commander in an undercover IDF unit trying to locate Hamas terrorist Abu-Ahmed, who has murdered 143 Israelis.

Raz, whose experience as an undercover counterterrorism operative in the IDF inspired the hit show, said, “‘Fauda’ is a window for people abroad to see the conflict in Israel.” Netflix has said it believes “Fauda” will rival the success of the hit Showtime series “Homeland.”

“It is our honor to host Lior and give our supporters the chance to hear his story and get an inside look into this incredible, complex show,” said Avi Kaner, who will preside as the dinner’s master of ceremonies. “As a former IDF soldier who led a double life as a counterterrorist, Raz understands just how important it is to support the heroes who defend the State of Israel.”

Also speaking will be active-duty and former IDF soldiers, including Yaakov Daniel, who plays the part of Eli in “Fauda” and whose college education was sponsored by Art and Barbara Wernicke of Norwalk, Connecticut, through the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program for combat soldiers of modest means. Staff Sgt. Rino, an American Lone Soldier – one who immigrates to Israel without immediate family in order to enlist in the IDF – will tell the audience about how he finished his high school education during his military service thanks to FIDF.

Distinguished guests will include FIDF National President Peter Weintraub and his wife Ellen; FIDF Connecticut Board Members Alexander and Ella Gurevich; FIDF Connecticut Board Members Alan and Barbara Phillips; FIDF Connecticut Board Members Brad and Naomi Berman; FIDF Connecticut Dinner Master of Ceremonies Avi Kaner and his wife Liz; FIDF National Board Member Marc Jason and his wife Dana; FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta; and FIDF Westchester and Connecticut Director Anat Chavkin.

The evening will begin with a 5 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the program at 5:30 p.m. The funds raised at this event will go toward FIDF well-being and educational programs for IDF soldiers, wounded veterans, and the families of fallen soldiers. For more information or to support FIDF, please visit: https://fidf.org/CTGala2017.