In a recent interview with the BBC, Tanzanian student Ezekiel Kitiku recounted the terrifying ordeal that he narrowly escaped in Israel. Kitiku and his two friends, Joshua Loitu Mollel and Clemence Felix Mtenga, had landed in Israel in September to start their agricultural internships. However, their excitement quickly turned to fear when Mollel and Mtenga were taken as hostages by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Kitiku revealed that a shift change saved him from being captured along with his friends. While he was scheduled to work on night shifts, Mollel and Mtenga were assigned to afternoon shifts at different farms. Kitiku started his shift early in the morning and had just reached the farm when he heard a massive explosion. Hamas had begun firing rockets from Gaza.
Frightened, Kitiku followed the protocol and proceeded to the nearest shelter. He tried contacting Mollel and Mtenga but realized that his messages were not being delivered. As the day progressed, rockets continued to rain down, and Kitiku was forced to stay at the farm, sleeping in the shelter. The following day, he managed to return to his kibbutz, only to find it heavily guarded by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They refused him entry, deeming it safer for him to remain at the farm.
Kitiku spent two more days in the farm shelter, surviving on minimal food, before the IDF escorted him to a safer location. As he left the farm, he saw the devastating aftermath of the attack – water systems destroyed, dead bodies on the streets. It wasn’t until three weeks later that Kitiku discovered that his friends were being held hostage in Gaza, along with other students from their program.
The situation remains dire in Gaza, with ongoing bombing and limited social services. Kitiku worries about the safety and well-being of his friends and cannot fathom the suffering they must endure. Reflecting on his own close call, he acknowledges that his psychological state has been significantly affected. However, he has chosen to continue his internship in Israel, reassured by the authorities that they are safe.
Despite the assurance, Kitiku remains torn. He has been offered assistance by the Tanzanian embassy to return home, but he cannot bear the thought of leaving without knowing the condition of his friends. This harrowing experience has undoubtedly left a heavy burden on his mind, and he’s determined to cope with the situation and support his friends.
Kitiku’s story sheds light on the harsh realities of living in conflict zones and the profound impact such events have on individuals. It serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and stability in our communities and highlights the need for global efforts to end violence and ensure the safety of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or background.
