Michael Aloni hopes that the Hulu series “We Were the Lucky Ones” will serve as a teachable moment for younger generations who may be unfamiliar with the history of the Holocaust. Based on Georgia Hunter’s bestselling book from 2017, the show tells the true story of the Kurc family as they struggle to survive and reunite during World War II. The cast includes Lior Ashkenazi, Robin Weigert, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Joey King, Amit Rahav, Logan Lerman, and Hadas Yaron.
In an interview, Aloni emphasized the importance of telling this story, stating that it serves as a reminder of the atrocities that occurred not so long ago and the nature of hatred and evilness that should never be repeated. He believes that the show can help educate audiences who may not be familiar with this history and can provide a perspective on the human aspect of the Holocaust.
Aloni expressed that the show allows viewers to experience the events through the eyes of a family, highlighting themes of humanity, strong bonds, hope, longing, and love. He sees it as a victory of love over hate, emphasizing the resilience and strength of the human spirit despite the horrors of war and persecution. Aloni also credits author Georgia Hunter with helping him channel his character, Selim, and delve deep into the emotions of the story.
Hadas Yaron, who plays a member of the Kurc family, shared her personal connection to the Holocaust as an Israeli, stating that it is a part of their cultural DNA. She mentioned that many Israelis have family members who are Holocaust survivors, leading to a deep awareness and familiarity with the historical context of the events portrayed in the show. Yaron’s understanding of the emotions involved in playing a character from this time period stems from her upbringing.
Robin Weigert, who plays matriarch Nechuma Kurc, discussed her character’s resilience and capacity for love in the face of tragedy. She believes that Nechuma’s nurturing nature is a form of survival technique, helping her cope with the hardships she faces during the war. Weigert also highlighted the importance of having a sense of purpose, which she believes drives her character throughout the story.
Despite the heavy subject matter of the show, Weigert mentioned that the cast found ways to keep things light off-camera. They bonded over activities such as playing tennis, exploring nearby cities during breaks in filming, and enjoying meals at restaurants in Bucharest, where the series was shot. Weigert emphasized the camaraderie among the cast members and the love they shared, which helped create a positive environment during the production of “We Were the Lucky Ones.” The series is currently available for streaming on Hulu.
