Fauda Super Soldier Lior Raz Joins Reservists Fighting Terrorists in Gaza

In a remarkable turn of events, Lior Raz, the Israeli actor renowned for his portrayal of Doron in the hit Netflix series Fauda, has returned to the frontlines, not as a special ops soldier but as a volunteer reservist. Raz, who previously served in Duvdevan, an elite unit of the Israeli armed forces, is now dedicating his efforts to rescue Israeli citizens and families trapped in the ongoing war along the Israeli border with Gaza.

Raz’s journey back to the conflict in Gaza was spurred by a heart-wrenching tragedy. Last week, Hamas operatives executed one of the most horrifying bloodbaths in Jewish history, claiming the lives of over 1,200 citizens, including children and babies, in a surprise terror attack on civilians.

This return to military service is not the first instance of terrorism impacting Lior Raz's life. In 1990, when he was barely 19, his girlfriend, Iris Azulai, was tragically stabbed to death by a Palestinian mercenary in Jerusalem. 

This devastating event galvanised Lior and numerous other reservists, who felt compelled to step up and protect their fellow countrymen. Joining the “Brothers in Arms” reservists as a volunteer, Raz has already been involved in the extraction of two families from Sderot, a town that faced the brutal onslaught of Hamas terrorists.

Sderot, situated near the Gaza border, has become a frontline battleground, with relentless shelling continuing to ravage the region. The resilience of Lior and his fellow reservists in the face of this crisis reflects their unwavering commitment to safeguarding their homeland.

In Fauda, Lior portrayed the lead character, Doron, a commander in the elite Mista’arvim unit, leading a team o special forces neutralising Hamas terrorists and foiling their viscious plans.

Raz’s journey into the world of acting was preceded by a significant military background. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and trained to become a commando in the elite undercover counter-terrorism unit known as Sayeret Duvdevan.

This return to military service is not the first instance of terrorism impacting Lior Raz’s life. In 1990, when he was barely 19, his girlfriend, Iris Azulai, was tragically stabbed to death by a Palestinian mercenary in Jerusalem. The murder convict was later released as part of the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, a move that further fueled Raz’s commitment to protecting his country and its citizens.

After completing his military service, Raz moved to the United States in 1993, where he took on the role of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s bodyguard at a security contracting firm. He returned to Israel at the age of 24, subsequently studying at the Nissan Nativ Drama School in Tel Aviv, which marked the beginning of his acting career.

In the early years of his acting journey, Lior Raz appeared in various plays and took on small roles in TV series. His talent and dedication eventually brought him to the forefront of the Israeli entertainment industry. His performance in Fauda catapulted him to international recognition and made him a symbol of a dedicated soldier. As the latest war in Gaza continues to unfold, Lior’s commitment to his homeland and fellow citizens remains steadfast, both on and off the screen.