Muluken Teshome

Muluken Teshome, also known as Muli and Mul, was born in Ethiopia on 26 Av 5755, 22 August 1995, to Haregewein and Nabiate. He grew up alongside Getahun, Yaros, Tsegenet, Mazal and Shai. In 1998 he immigrated to Israel with his family, and they made their home in Ashdod. He attended Ariel School and Makif Heh High School in the city. He loved outings, nature and meeting friends, especially watching sunsets at Gil Beach. As a teenager he adopted Don, a dog who had been abused, and cared for him even when he became seriously ill.

In 2013 he enlisted in the IDF and was assigned as an aircraft technician at Hatzor Airbase. A few months later he asked to transfer to combat service, and completed his compulsory service as a combat soldier in the Nahal Brigade's 932nd Battalion. His friends remembered the camaraderie he brought to the platoon and his ability to help and make people laugh even in difficult times. In the reserves he served as a combat soldier in the 5035th Battalion, which operated in the Jordan Valley.

After his discharge he turned to educational work with young people. He led youth leadership groups in Yesud HaMa'ala and worked with the Aharai! organization in Rosh Pina, seeking to encourage meaningful military service and personal fulfillment. He also studied electrical practical engineering and volunteered with Yedidim, providing roadside assistance. From 2021 he worked in kindergarten maintenance for Ashdod Municipality. Kindergarten teachers recalled his willingness to repair every fault with a smile and the warm bond he developed with the children.

When the war broke out on 7 October, he was called up for reserve duty. On 25 December 2023, 13 Tevet 5784, he was killed while attempting to stop terrorists who were planning an attack in Israel. He was twenty-eight and was laid to rest at the Ashdod military cemetery. He is survived by his parents and five siblings. His name was commemorated at the city's Makom Balev memorial site, and in March 2025 his family received the Beautiful Ashdod award on his behalf. May his memory be a blessing.