Franco-Algerian Actor Hakim Djaziri Joins Fauda Season 5 as 'Europe's Sinwar'

Franco-Algerian actor and playwright Hakim Djaziri has joined the cast of the upcoming fifth season of the Israeli television series "Fauda," where he will portray Saïd, the main antagonist described as the "Sinwar of Europe." Djaziri discussed his casting and personal journey in an interview on i24NEWS' "Défense" program. He explained that his path to the role involved a lengthy and demanding selection process across multiple countries, culminating in a dedicated effort to meet with the director, including a seven-hour round trip by train for a brief meeting. Djaziri expressed his conviction that he could embody the complex character, stating that playing a terrorist figure, especially after the October 7th attacks, was a valuable opportunity for an actor. He confirmed he had watched the previous seasons and received assurances regarding the production's artistic integrity.

Djaziri also shared his personal history, including fleeing the Algerian civil war as a child and settling in a challenging neighborhood in France. He described experiencing social marginalization and bullying, which led him to be drawn to radical Islamist ideologies in his youth, though he emphasized he was never a jihadist and never harmed anyone. He credits theater with saving him and has spent over 15 years using his work to explore the factors that lead vulnerable youth toward radicalization. He drew a parallel between the October 7th massacres and the violence he witnessed in Algeria during his childhood, noting the "same process and the same horror."

Responding to criticism labeling him a "traitor" for participating in an Israeli production, Djaziri stated he receives far more support than backlash. He defended "Fauda" as a nuanced series that humanizes Palestinian civilians while distinguishing them from terrorists. He questioned why he should refuse the role due to its Israeli origin, viewing such a refusal as an insult to his values and artistic principles. As a father, he also cited his desire to remain consistent with the open-mindedness he aims to instill in his daughter, stating that succumbing to fear would prevent him from looking her in the eye.