Israel
Body of Tanzanian kibbutz worker Joshua Mollel released by Hamas
The 21-year-old agricultural intern had arrived in Israel just 19 days before the October 7 attacks
November 6, 2025 10:43
The 21-year-old agricultural intern had arrived in Israel just 19 days before the October 7 attacks
November 6, 2025 10:43Hamas has released the body of Joshua Mollel, a Tanzanian kibbutz worker killed during the October 7 attacks.
The 21-year-old was working as an agricultural intern on Kibbutz Nir Oz, in southern Israel, when it came under assault from terrorists. He had arrived just 19 days earlier.
His body was abducted and held hostage in Gaza for 760 days, but was transferred to the IDF via the Red Cross on Wednesday night.
Mollel was identified at the Abu Kabir forensic institute in Tel Aviv following a short service led by a military rabbi.
His family described him as polite, kind and hardworking, and said he sported a “big smile that never left his face”.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum also paid tribute to him, saying: “The families of the hostages and the returned embrace the family of Joshua Loitu Mollel at this difficult time, following the return of their beloved Joshua yesterday so he may be laid to rest.
"Amid their grief and the knowledge that their hearts will never fully heal, Joshua’s return offers some comfort to a family that has endured unbearable uncertainty for over two years.
“We will not rest until every hostage comes home.”
And the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office added: “The Israeli government shares in the deep sorrow of the Mollel family and of all the families of the fallen hostages.”
Mollel is survived by his parents and four siblings. May his memory be a blessing.
His return brings the number of hostages still held by Hamas down to just six. They have been named as Meny Godard, Hadar Goldin, Ran Gvili, Dror Or, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Lior Rudaeff.
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