Tanzanian Student, Clemence Mtenga, Remembered as a Respected Leader Among Classmates in Israel

Clemence Mtenga, a 22-year-old agriculture student from Tanzania, was tragically killed during the October 7 attacks in Israel. He had traveled to Israel as part of a study program just one month before the attack. His body is now being flown back to Tanzania, where his grieving family will hold a funeral ceremony in his hometown. Mr. Mtenga was described by his classmates as a humble and helpful leader, and a hardworking student. It is still unclear how he died, as his body was not among those recovered from Gaza. The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the taking of approximately 240 hostages. Israel has responded with air strikes and a ground offensive, resulting in the deaths of over 13,300 people in Gaza. The two Tanzanians killed were part of an agricultural internship program, with around 260 Tanzanians studying agriculture in Israel. Revocatus Kimario, head of the university's internship program, called Mr. Mtenga a hero who was seeking skills to develop agriculture in his home country. Another student on the program, Ezekiel Kitiku, remembered Mr. Mtenga as a fitness enthusiast and a good friend. He last heard from Mr. Mtenga on the day of the attack before losing contact. Despite the pain of the loss, Mr. Kitiku finds solace in his Christian faith and believes he will meet his friend again one day.