From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
In protest installation, former captives face photos of their partners still held hostage
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Former hostages Arbel Yehoud and Sharon Aloni-Cunio are taking part in a somber installation at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, as part of a day of protest opposing the government’s decision to expand the war in Gaza, and calling for a deal to bring back the remaining captives.
The two women sit facing photographs of their partners, brothers Ariel and David Cunio, who remain held by Hamas in Gaza. From loudspeakers, voice recordings of Ariel and David play into the square.
Yehoud and Aloni-Cunio are joined by the men’s mother, Sylvia Cunio, who embraces them.
Yehoud was held for 482 days after being kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz with Ariel during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. She was released in January during the most recent ceasefire deal.
Aloni-Cunio was freed in November 2023 along with her two daughters, Yuli and Emma, after more than 50 days in captivity.
The day of protest is organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents relatives of most of the hostages.
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