Hacham David Hacohen Yehonatan, known as the Baba Siddi, was born to his mother and father, Hacham Zion Hacohen, in 1887, in Djerba.
Hacham David Hacohen Yehonatan studied Torah with Hacham Joseph Berreby and Hacham Shushan Hacohen.
He officiated as Rabbi and Dayan of the city of Zarzis, Tunisia, yet made a living from commerce.
Hacham David Hacohen Yehonatan immigrated to Israel in 1962 and settled in Ashdod.
Hacham David Hacohen Yehonatan passed away on 3 Tammuz, 5725 (1965).
The Beit David synagogue in Ashdod was built in Hacham David Hacohen Yehonatan's commemoration.
His writings were published after his decease in two books: Divrei David – sermons on the Reading Portions, and Yad David - in two volumes: on the Mishna, and Questions and Responsa.