Michael Aloni hopes that the Hulu limited series We Were the Lucky Ones will serve as a meaningful teaching moment for young audiences who may not be familiar with the history of the Holocaust. Based on Georgia Hunter’s bestselling 2017 book, the show tells the true story of the Kurc family as they navigate the horrors of World War II, striving to survive and reunite during the tumultuous time. The cast, including Lior Ashkenazi, Robin Weigert, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Joey King, Amit Rahav, Logan Lerman, and Hadas Yaron, bring the story to life on screen, emphasizing the importance of remembering the atrocities of the past to prevent them from happening again.
In an interview, Michael Aloni, who portrays Selim in the series, expressed the significance of sharing this story with audiences who may not be well-versed in the history of the Holocaust. He believes that the show can serve as a powerful educational tool, reminding viewers of the devastating effects of hatred and the importance of love and family bonds. Aloni emphasizes the universal themes of humanity, hope, and love that are prominent in the narrative, showing the victory of love over hate as a central message of the show.
Hadas Yaron, who plays a key role in the series, shared her personal connection to the Holocaust as an Israeli actor. Growing up in a country where the Holocaust is a prominent part of the culture and history, Yaron didn’t need to delve deep into her emotions to portray a character from that time period. She emphasized the familiarity that Israelis have with the Holocaust due to having family members who are survivors, making it a significant part of their upbringing and cultural identity.
Robin Weigert, who portrays the matriarch Nechuma Kurc, discussed the complexities of her character and the resilience she embodies throughout the story. Weigert highlighted the character’s immense capacity for love and hope, using nurturing as a form of survival to navigate through the hardships of war. She commended the character’s unwavering sense of purpose and ability to find meaning and function for herself even in the darkest moments, showcasing a powerful example of resilience and strength.
Despite the heavy subject matter of the show, the cast of We Were the Lucky Ones found ways to bond and lighten the mood off-camera. Weigert shared that the group spent time together playing tennis, exploring nearby cities during breaks in filming, and enjoying meals at local restaurants. The camaraderie and love among the cast members translated on screen, adding depth and authenticity to their portrayals of the Kurc family. We Were the Lucky Ones is currently available for streaming on Hulu, offering viewers a compelling and poignant depiction of one family’s journey through the horrors of World War II and the enduring power of love and hope in the face of adversity.
