Hit Netflix Series 'Fauda' Stars Address Connecticut Benefit

STAMFORD, Conn. – Lior Raz, the co-creator and star of the hit Israeli Netflix series “Fauda,” and cast mate Yaakov Daniel, addressed some 300 Connecticut community leaders last week at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Connecticut Annual Dinner, Oct. 29, at the Stamford Marriott Hotel.

Daniel, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veteran whose college education was sponsored through the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program, took a moment Monday night to thank Art and Barbara Wernicke of Norwalk, Connecticut, who allowed him to pursue a higher education.

“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 IDF undercover counterterrorism operative 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 was our honor to host Lior and Yaakov and to give our supporters the chance to hear his story and get an inside look into this incredible, complex show,” said Avi Kaner, who presided as the dinner’s master of ceremonies. “The dinner also gave us the chance to meet and celebrate the IDF’s brave soldiers and learn about the tremendous impact FIDF’s well-being and educational programs have on their lives.”

Also speaking was Israeli Navy Capt. Yotam, the grandson of a Polish Holocaust survivor and who, thanks to FIDF, was able to take part in the Witnesses in Uniform program, which brings Israeli soldiers and officers to Poland to commemorate and learn about the Holocaust.

Distinguished guests included FIDF Connecticut Board Members Alexander and Ella Gurevich; FIDF Connecticut Board Members Alan and Barbara Phillips; FIDF Connecticut Board Members Brad and Naomi Berman and Robyn and Russell Greenberg; FIDF Connecticut Dinner Master of Ceremonies Avi Kaner and his wife Liz; Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir; FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta; and FIDF Westchester and Connecticut Director Anat Chavkin.

Photo #1: “Fauda” co-creator and star Lior Raz speaking at the Oct. 29 FIDF Connecticut Annual Dinner (Photo credit: Photography by Aviva Maller).

Photo #2: (From left) IDF 1st Lt. Don; “Fauda” co-creator and star Lior Raz; IDF Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir; Yaakov Daniel; FIDF Westchester and Connecticut Director Anat Chavkin; FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta; and Israeli Navy Cpl. Matan (Photo credit: Photography by Aviva Maller).

Photo #3: Yaakov Daniel (center, right) with “Fauda” co-creator and star Lior Raz (center, left) and the couple who sponsored his college education, Art (left) and Barbara Wernicke (right) at the Oct. 26 FIDF Westchester Annual Dinner (Photo credits: Laura Massa/Michael Priest Photography).

Photo #4: (From left) FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta; IDF Pvt. Shir; IDF Cpl. Itamar; IDF Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir; Sylvia and Arthur Stark, who is FIDF’s national chairman; IDF Cpl. Jenny; FIDF Connecticut Board Members Alexander and Ella Gurevich; IDF Sgt. Ofir; and FIDF Westchester and Connecticut Director Anat Chavkin (Photo credit: Photography by Aviva Maller).

Photo #5: (From left) FIDF Tri-State Executive Director Galit Brichta; FIDF supporter Robin Fischel; IDF 1st Lt. Don; FIDF Westchester and Connecticut Director Anat Chavkin; FIDF supporters Toby Lazarus, Stella Cohen, and Elise Klein; Fauda” co-creator and star Lior Raz; Yaakov Daniel; FIDF supporters Eleanor and Mort Lowenthal and Judy and Mort Sloan; FIDF Connecticut Dinner Emcee Avi Kaner; and Israeli Navy Cpl. Matan (Photo credit: Photography by Aviva Maller).