Englewood—The co-creator and star of the hit Israeli Netflix show “Fauda,” Lior Raz, gathered with over 30 New Jersey Friends of the IDF (FIDF) supporters at the home of FIDF New Jersey Co-Chairs Jodi and Saul Scherl on Tuesday evening to help the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

“I cannot take out the warrior inside of me. I am a Zionist and I have to protect my family and friends,” Raz told the FIDF gathering.

Funds raised at the event will help construct well-being and recreational facilities for an elite IDF unit in the Negev Desert. So far, $560,000 has been raised for the project.

“We were extremely honored to host Lior and have the opportunity to hear his inspiring story,” said FIDF New Jersey Director Howard Gases. “As a former soldier, he understands the importance of projects such as the one we are sponsoring and just how critical they are in maintaining Israeli soldiers’ well-being.”

The project in the Negev is the latest initiative of the FIDF Construction Projects, which works to ease the burden of military service for IDF soldiers. The FIDF Construction Projects have helped create gyms, synagogues, auditoriums, pools and well-being centers for soldiers. This new campus project will feature a cafeteria, a garden area, a kitchen, a library and changing rooms, among other amenities.