Joseph Isangura
The remains of 21-year-old Joshua Mollel arrived at [Kilimanjaro International Airport] on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, bringing an end to months of uncertainty for his family and community.
Mollel, a native of the [Arusha Region], had traveled to Israel in 2023 under an agricultural internship programme that placed young Tanzanians in work opportunities abroad.
Joshua was stationed at a farm near the Gaza border when fighting erupted, and he was later reported missing. Authorities confirmed his death, transforming the prolonged anxiety of his family and loved ones into profound grief. At the airport, family members, government representatives, and local leaders gathered to receive his casket, observing a solemn moment of remembrance.
Representatives from Israel, including a diplomat from the embassy in Kenya, laid a wreath on Joshua’s casket, acknowledging the tragic circumstances of his passing amid the ongoing [Israeli–Palestinian conflict].
Known for his dedication and hard work, Joshua had pursued opportunities abroad to support his family and build a future in modern agriculture.
Also Read; Government Pushes Efficiency Across Water Sector
His death has prompted renewed calls for government review of overseas work-placement programmes, with advocates emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and risk assessments to protect young Tanzanians in conflict-prone regions.
Officials and community leaders reflected on the importance of safeguarding young workers, highlighting Joshua’s life as a reminder of both the aspirations and vulnerabilities faced by youths seeking opportunities abroad. “We owe it to him and others like him to ensure that every young Tanzanian can work and grow safely, whether at home or overseas,” said a senior government official.
Joshua Mollel’s story underscores the human cost of global conflict and the responsibility shared by governments, host nations, and employers in protecting young workers.
