Ariel Cunio

Ariel Cunio, 28, was taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz alongside his partner, Arbel Yehoud, and several members of his family. While his partner was released in early 2025, Ariel remained in captivity for over two years. He was eventually released and returned home on Oct. 13, 2025.

Hamas kidnapped us together, held us apart for over a year — and now we’re starting over

Antisemitism Exposed February 11

Hamas kidnapped us together, held us apart for over a year — and now we’re starting over

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, former Hamas hostages Arbel Yehoud and Ariel Cunio recount their Oct. 7 kidnapping, months in captivity, and how hope — and each other — kept them unbroken.