Gideon Raff, also known as Gidi Raff, is an Israeli film director, television writer, screenwriter, and producer who has earned international recognition for creating the acclaimed Israeli drama Prisoners of War (Hatufim), which inspired the Emmy-winning American series Homeland.
His work is celebrated for its psychological depth, compelling storytelling, and exploration of war, espionage, and human resilience.
Raff has also directed feature films and written bestselling works, establishing himself as one of Israel’s most influential television creators.
| Gideon Raff | |
|---|---|
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Name: | Gideon Raff |
| Born: | September 10, 1972 (age 54 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Jerusalem, Israel |
| Nationality: | Israeli |
| Parents: | Eitan Raff, Mrs. Raff |
| Relationship: | Udi Peleg |
| Occupation: | Film Director, Television Writer, Screenwriter, Producer, Author |
| Net Worth: | $5 million |
Early Life and Education
Gidi Raff came into the world on September 10, 1972, in Jerusalem, Israel, where he was born into a Jewish family.
He is the son of Eitan Raff, a former Accountant General of Israel and banking executive, and Mrs. Raff.
Between the ages of two and six, he lived in Washington, D.C., while his father served as an economic adviser at the Israeli Embassy. Information about his siblings has not been revealed.
Gidi Raff completed his compulsory military service as a paratrooper in the Israel Defense Forces before pursuing a degree in Film at Tel Aviv University.
Seeking to refine his filmmaking skills, he later relocated to the United States and earned a graduate degree in Directing from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.
His graduation short film, The Babysitter, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and helped launch his professional career. Raff is of Jewish ethnicity and practices Judaism.
Career
Gidi Raff took his first professional steps in filmmaking after working briefly in Israel’s technology sector during the dot-com era, where he also wrote a newspaper column that was later published as a book.
After graduating from the American Film Institute, he worked as director Doug Liman‘s assistant on Mr. & Mrs. Smith before making his feature directorial debut with the psychological thriller The Killing Floor in 2007.
His international breakthrough followed with the creation, writing, and direction of the Israeli television drama Prisoners of War (Hatufim), which became one of Israel’s most successful television series.
As his reputation grew, Raff co-developed the American adaptation Homeland alongside Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa, serving as an executive producer and co-writer of the award-winning pilot episode.
The series earned multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards, while Raff himself received Emmy recognition for Outstanding Writing.
His later projects include The Red Sea Diving Resort, Tyrant, Dig, and The Spy, reflecting his lasting influence on international television and suspense storytelling.
Personal Life
Gidi Raff, born on September 10, 1972, the 53-year-old director is in a long-term relationship with Udi Peleg, with whom he resides in Los Angeles.
Raff has never been publicly reported to have been married and has no known children.
He is an advocate for animal rights and veganism, and he has supported campaigns promoting alternatives to the use of animals in military medical training.
Filmography
- 2003: The Babysitter (Short)
- 2007: The Killing Floor
- 2008: Train
- 2019: The Red Sea Diving Resort
Television
- 2009–2012: Prisoners of War (Hatufim)
- 2011–2020: Homeland (Executive Producer, Writer)
- 2015: Dig
- 2015–2016: Tyrant
- 2019: The Spy
- 2022: Suspicion
Net Worth
Gidi Raff has accumulated an estimated net worth of $5 million. The majority of his earnings can be traced to his successful career as a television creator, director, screenwriter, and producer, particularly through internationally acclaimed productions such as Prisoners of War and Homeland.