Hit Netflix Series 'Fauda' Star to Address Westchester 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).

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. – Lior Raz, the co-creator and star of the hit Israeli Netflix series “Fauda,” will address some 350 leaders from the Westchester community on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Westchester Annual Dinner at The Capitol Theater.

The dinner, chaired by Hyla and Steven Ruby, 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.”

“We are so honored to be hosting Lior and give our supporters the chance to hear his story and get an inside look into this incredible, complex show,” said Mrs. Ruby. “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. Daniel will be reunited with the Wernickes at the gala.

Distinguished guests will include FIDF National President Peter Weintraub and his wife Ellen; FIDF National Board Member Wendy Moskowitz and her husband Dan; FIDF Westchester Board Member Bede Levinson; 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 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the program at 7 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/WestGala2017.