From the Liveblog of
Monday, February 17, 2025
Mother of 2 hostages begs for their release after 500 days of agonizing wait
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Sylvia Cunio — who survived the Hamas terrorist massacre at Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and whose two sons, David Cunio and Ariel Cunio, are being held hostage in Gaza — stands with supporters in Carmei Gat, the southern city where Nir Oz residents are living until their kibbutz is rebuilt.
“I’ve been waiting 500 days,” says Cunio. “This is the longest October 7 of my life.”
Cunio’s son David was taken hostage with his wife, Sharon Aloni-Cunio and their twin 3-year-old daughters, as well as Sharon’s sister and the latter’s young daughter. The women and children were all released in a hostage deal in November 2023.
Sylvia Cunio’s youngest son, Ariel, was also taken hostage from Nir Oz on October 7, along with his girlfriend, Arbel Yehoud. Yehoud was recently released after being held hostage in isolation in Gaza for 15 months.
“I want my sons now, now! Don’t abandon us; continue with the second stage of the talks, bring them home,” she says.
