GREENWICH, Conn. – The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Westchester/Connecticut Annual Gala, A Night to Salute Our Heroes, held at the Hyatt in Greenwich, brought together its most dedicated supporters to honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of Israel’s soldiers. Headlining the evening was Lior Raz, creator and star of the acclaimed series Fauda and a former IDF commando, who delivered a deeply personal reflection on service, loss, and recovery, and the critical role FIDF plays in supporting Israel’s defenders.
Raz opened his address by speaking candidly about the lasting impact of trauma among IDF soldiers, including his own experiences and those of friends who have benefited from FIDF’s pioneering mental-health programs. He shared how one close friend received an FIDF-sponsored PTSD service dog, underscoring how the organization’s reach goes far beyond traditional therapy.
When Israel was attacked on October 7, 2023, Raz was abroad. He recounted waking up to frantic messages from his sister, who was hiding in Kibbutz Erez, before rushing home to join fellow IDF veterans volunteering in the south to evacuate civilians under fire. His firsthand testimony brought the reality of modern warfare, and the emotional toll it takes, into sharp focus.
“Before Oct. 7, we were brainstorming for Season 5 of Fauda — imagining the ‘worst-case scenario’ for Israel,” Raz told the audience. “We thought of a terrorist takeover of a community, hostages, attacks launched from within, and my partner said it could never happen. A few months later, it became our reality.”
Raz revealed that the next season of Fauda will explore the personal and collective aftermath of October 7. Some of it will take place outside Israel, in Marseille, France, a storyline focused on highlighting how extremist networks extend far beyond the Middle East and into European communities.
Raz emphasized that FIDF is leading Israel’s fight to confront the hidden wounds of war. Investing more than $118 to date for mental-health recovery, FIDF works hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Defense and top medical partners to provide a complete continuum of care, from early intervention during service to long-term rehabilitation, ensuring that no soldier is left to face trauma alone.
Through its comprehensive PTSD care model, FIDF addresses trauma at every stage. Its approach includes:
· Prevention Training for Commanders to identify and manage trauma within combat units.
· The National Center for Mental Health and Resilience in Netanya, providing treatment for active-duty soldiers.
· Therapist Training Programs and the expansion of Sheba Medical Center’s psychiatric facilities, doubling national treatment capacity.
· Satellite Clinics in six cities across Israel to reach veterans in remote areas.
· Clinics for veterans and their families.
· The Lone Soldier Resilience Center, offering tailored therapy for international soldiers.
· PTSD Therapy Dogs for Veterans, providing emotional and functional support for those living with combat trauma.
Additionally, FIDF offers support for Bereaved Families, offering therapy, family retreats in Israel and Cyprus, youth “Legacy” programs, and emotional support dogs to help loved ones of fallen soldiers find healing, connection, and renewed hope.
The evening also featured moving performances by Israeli singer and IDF reservist Noam Buskila, and emotional stories from soldiers and bereaved families whose lives have been transformed through FIDF programs.
“We are deeply grateful to those who joined us in saluting and supporting our heroes on the battlefield and those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the Jewish state,” said FIDF Westchester and Connecticut Chapter Executive Director Anat Chavkin. “Their generosity ensures that soldiers, veterans and the families of the fallen receive the care, support and resources they need – from mental health services and rehabilitation to scholarships and emergency assistance.”