I have watched all 59 episodes of Fauda, including the fifth season that was released a few weeks ago on Netflix. If one wants to understand Israelis, this series is a must see, especially those who focus only on the results of Israel’s just war against Hamas.

What is remarkable about the fifth season of Fauda is that the series ranks as Netflix’s top 10 across many Arab countries. In the second week of September, it was the No. 1 show in Lebanon, No. 4 in Jordan and Qatar, No. 5 in the United Arab Emirates, and No. 9 in Kuwait.

One has to wonder what is so appealing about Fauda in the Arab world. Yes, it is great television, as it is multi-layered, emotionally raw, inspiring compassion and provoking disgust. Perhaps, Israel’s experience of the Hamas massacre on 7 October has penetrated those Arab countries.

Do we need to really watch this show? I say, “Yes” lest we forget what provoked Israeli fears and its military response.

I encourage you to watch every episode, react as you will, and then reflect about the dire need for peace for both Israel and the Palestinian people, not peace at any price. Rather, peace with dignity, justice, and security for Israel and the Palestinian people so that attacks such as what Hamas did and the war that resulted can never happen again.

A disclaimer – two of the young people who were murdered by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival attended by thousands of young people, Norelle and Roya Manzuri (z’l), grew up in my synagogue’s elementary school before their family returned to Israel.

I know I am not alone. Virtually every Israeli knew someone murdered and taken as a hostage on that day, and much of the Jewish Diaspora also knew someone who lost their life or was taken into Gaza’s tunnels.

The following is a review of the series by Israel’s daily newspaper Ma’ariv Online (September 14, 2026)

Fifth season of ‘Fauda‘ sparks viral........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)