Wrapped in an Israeli flag, released hostage Evyatar David arrives from the hospital to his home in Kfar Saba, where the street is crowded with neighbors and friends cheering his arrival.
Residents dance in the street, sing “Am Yisrael Chai,” and hold their cellphones up to capture the moment.
David and his family arrive in a van, accompanied by local police who try to clear the street so that the convoy can move forward.
David waves from inside the van, blowing kisses to the residents who attach balloons to the slow-moving van, and throw bouquets of flowers through the open windows.
David is escorted by police through the crowd to his family’s apartment building.
Minutes later, former prime minister Naftali Bennett arrives to greet David. The crowds remain outside, dancing and waving Israeli flags in the joyous block party.
Is our live election coverage important to you?
Are you relying on The Times of Israel for accurate and timely coverage of the 2026 Israeli election? If so, please join The Times of Israel Community. For as little as $6/month, you will:
- Support our independent journalists who are working around the clock to report political developments as they unfold;
- Read ToI with a clear, ads-free experience on our site, apps and podcasts; and
- Gain access to exclusive content shared only with the ToI Community, including our DocuNation streaming film series and weekly letters from founding editor David Horovitz.
Join The Times of Israel Community
JOIN NOW
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this