Ten years after terrorists killed close to 170 people and injured hundreds more in a series of attacks throughout the city of Mumbai, Moshe Holtzberg—the only child of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who were murdered in their Chabad House—was joined by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to unveil the plans for a state-of-the-art Living Memorial at the Nariman (Chabad) House, that commemorate all victims of the attacks.
Netanyahu was welcomed to the center by Rabbi Israel and Chaya Kozlovsky, co-directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai.
Video: Bibi Netanyahu and Moshe Holtzberg speak at memorial event
In addition to unveiling the plans for the Living Memorial, the Prime Minister also unveiled a plaque in memory of Moshe’s parents, Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg. Then Moshe Holtzberg’s two grandmothers lit an “eternal flame” in remembrance of the victims. Afterwards, the group was joined by more than 60 dignitaries from India, Israel and abroad, and heard from Kozlovsky as he outlined the vision for the Living Memorial. Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, regional director of Chabad-Lubavitch spoke about the Rebbe’s response to loss and tragedy. Netanyahu then visited the Holtzbergs’ still bullet-ridden residence.
Prior to the event, the rabbi spoke to Chabad.org about the project’s mission:
“Inspired by the universal teachings of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—the Living Memorial is designed to show how every individual has the ability and responsibility to make the world a better place,” said Kozlovsky.
Geared to educate and inspire people of all backgrounds to act for the betterment of themselves, their communities and the world, the Living Memorial will incorporate the apartment where the Holtzbergs lived, as well as the floor where most of the murders occurred, explained Koslovsky. On the top floor—where the sites of the other terror attacks that swept through Mumbai are visible—a reflection garden will offer a serene spot recognizing all the victims of the attacks.
Another Step in Rebuilding After a Tragedy
Since arriving in 2012, the Kozlovskys, based out of a small house in Mumbai, set out to re-establish Chabad’s activities and services in the region to its pre-2008 levels and rebuild Nariman House, which remained in disrepair following the terror attack and subsequent Indian commando raid. Amid much celebration, Chabad of Mumbai formally reopened Nariman House in 2014. The property of the Chabad India Trust, it serves as the nerve center for Chabad’s work in the city, as well as a home away from home for local community members and visitors from around the world.
Moshe was invited to visit his former home by Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi during the premier’s maiden visit to Israel in July. It was then that Netanyahu invited the boy to join him on this trip to India, the first by an Israeli prime minister in 15 years.
The 11-year-old has been living in Israel with his maternal grandparents since the tragedy, and studies in a yeshivah. Just 2 years old at the time of the attack, he was brought to safety by his Indian nanny, Sandra Samuel, who also resides in Israel and continues to remain close with her former charge. Moshe’s financial well-being has been ensured through a fund established by Chabad-Lubavitch that will see him into adulthood. Earlier this week, Samuel accompanied Moshe on his first visit back to his former home.
Every one had seen Moshe when he was just 2 years old baby boy in the arms of Sandra a courageous woman who managed to save the life of baby Moshe then. Now he is just grownup but still just 11 years child and emotions from his talk and eyes are really heart breaking. The best part is Israel’s PM also held with great respect Moshe and Sandra. Every one feels as if Moshe is one of their family member. GOD bless everyone.
There’s no such thing as an “unofficial shliach”. Either you are under the auspices of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch, or you’re not. Aish HaTorah do wonderful work too, but shluchim they are not.
I work with many of the “unofficial” shluchim to India, one of the things that made Gabi HY”D so special was that he maintained contact with shluchim all across the far east, regardless of politics, and always made an effort to help every Jew that passed through the area. He really believed that “hamaiseh ho haikur” when it came to bringing Jews close to Hashem.
moshiach now!!
Hakoras HaTov is forever – לעולם ועד. Sandra is forever to be remembered for the great Chesed she performed in saving little Moshe from the hands of the murderers. She certainly performed the Will of Hashem – a heroic act at a moment of extreme danger and life threatening to herself. May she forever be blessed with all that is good. וגם סנדרה זכורה לטוב.
As someone close to Gabi, it is well known he wants to build Chabad centers in various parts of india, including Deli which he spoke about just months before the tradgedy in 2008… Gabi and Rivky also had a vision to create campaigns around sheva mitzvah bnei Noach (idol worship is a part of Indian life). We need to rally all the Jews to continue their work as they intended! 15% of the world population lives in India yet there are only 2 official Chabad centers in all of India. … Numerous American Jewish billionaires have announced plans to develop… Read more »
Very moving
Extremely moving. But so special. Yes. This this the Jewish people. We mourn and we cry, but through our pain we rebuild and keep on marching. Because that is what soldiers do. We know that the end is near. Am Yisrael Chai! Moishele, the Jewish nations child! We all rooted and prayed for you and are so proud of you!
Guys don’t really get emotional but this really got too me I remember it so vividly.
Bibi was overcome with emotion. A hardened soldier politician but faced with such joy and warmth, such a joy for life, our PM is overrun with emotion
AM Yisroel Chai
I can’t help but cry through the whole video…especially the Bracha…
זה משהו ! Kol Hakavod to Netanyahu
tears to our eyes.
mechayil el choyil all of us ad bias goiel tzedek
Wow, very moving and powerful. Agree, Bibi spoke tremendously.
I can’t stop crying.
Bibi spoke magnificently!!!!!!!!!
מאד מרגש!!!
The way of the Jewish people, from ashes we rebuilt. There should be no more suffering!!!
Wow
Crying