Freed Hostages Play Basketball With Israeli Stars in Maccabiah Gratitude Exhibition

The Jewish Agency and the Lehosheet Yad hostage-family rehabilitation organization staged a special exhibition basketball match Wednesday at the 22nd Maccabiah Games in Israel, putting freed Hamas hostages David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Bar Kupershtein, Elkana Bohbot, Eliya Cohen, Or Levy and Eitan Horn on the court alongside Israeli basketball stars and diaspora representatives. Organizers said the game was intended to express gratitude to Diaspora Jewry for the support they provided to the captive survivors and their families during captivity, and to convey the message that the long journey of rehabilitation is only just beginning. Roughly 5,000 Jewish athletes from 30 countries around the world are competing at the Games, also known as the Jewish Olympics, which continue through July 13.