From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Freed hostage David Cunio given hero’s welcome in Yavne
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
As released hostage David Cunio is driven from the hospital to his family’s temporary home, the streets of the central city of Yavne are filled with friends and neighbors holding Israeli and American flags.
Cunio, who was taken captive from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz with his family on October 7, 2023, leans out of the car window to shake people’s hands.
His wife Sharon Alony Cunio, a former hostage herself, has been living in Yavne with her parents since she and their twin daughters were released from Hamas captivity in November 2023.
Locals lean in to hug him and wish him well as celebratory music plays in the background and people clap and cheer, particularly when the Cunios get out of the car with big smiles on their faces.
The Times of Israel Community.