Mar 6, 2008 - Doron Meherete, 26, of Ashdod was one of eight students killed when a Palestinian terrorists infiltrated the Mercaz Harav Kook yeshiva in Jerusalem and opened fire in the crowded library.
On Thursday evening, the yeshiva students - mostly teenagers - had returned from prayers. They were about to begin a party celebrating the beginning of the month of Adar - a month of joy marked by the Purim holiday. Many of the students had gathered in the yeshiva library before the party when the terrorist opened fire, killing eight and wounding 11.
Doron Meherete immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia in 1991 in Operation Solomon, at the age of 8, settling with his family in Ashdod. After attending yeshiva high school in Kfar Haroeh, he came to study at Mercaz Harav at the age of 17. A student there for nine years, he was known for his trenchant mind and kind heart, challenging others intellectually and lending a helping hand whenever needed. Friends related that his face would glow with joy as he studied with them. He also served as a counselor at an after-school program for immigrant Ethiopian children.
Three years ago Doron joined the army, under a special arrangement for advanced yeshiva students, served nine months in the armored corps, and fought as a reservist in the Second Lebanon War. He was preparing to become a rabbi, and had already taken some of his ordination exams.
Doron Meherete was buried in Ashdod. He is survived by his parents, and four siblings, aged 20 to 42.