On Tuesday Moshe Holtzberg who lost his parents in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, arrived today the morning to Mumbai. He has come for the first time since the tragedy struck the family for over nine years; he also mentioned that he is happy to visit the city, as he had planned to travel to the city when he turns 13, but the plan got preponed by two years as PM Narendra Modi gave him an open invitation during his last visit to Israel last year.
His parents, Gabi and Rivka Holtzberg were killed in Chabad House, during the 2008 terror attacks. He was barely two years old then; Moshe was saved by his nanny Sandra Samuel. Moshe has come along with his nanny Sandra Samuel, who ran out with him to safety as terrorists took control of the Chabad House during the attacks. Moshe moved to Israel after the attack took place. He stays with his maternal grandparents at Afula in northern Israel. The counselors say that the terror attack has not left any lasting impact on the boy, but he remembers Mumbai.
Moshe said, “Shalom... bahut khushi (I’m very happy).”
Moshe’s grandfather said, "It's a very special day. Thank God that Moshe could come again. Mumbai is a lot safer now.” On Thursday Moshe will be present at the Chabad House, where the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu will open a memorial for his parents all the rest of the victims of 26/11 attacks. The PM is on a six-day visit to India.
Rabbi Israel Kozlovsky, who runs the Chabad House, told, "This visit to Nariman House for him is very, very emotional. And it's very, very sensitive. We are very excited to meet Moshe, who's not a baby anymore but will always remain a baby in our hearts.”
He further added, "Living Memorial project will be situated on the top two floors and terrace of the Nariman House and will be dedicated to the victims of 26/11 attack. Part of it will have a special area which will be designed to remember the parents of Baby Moshe, Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, and his wife Rivka.”
Kozlovsky said, "We are very excited about this upcoming visit of Moshe Holtzberg with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We are heartened to see him here again in the Nariman House, the very place where his life was miraculously saved by his nanny, Sandra Samuel. We are very excited about this programme. This visit for Moshe is very emotional and sensitive as he lost his parents here. We will need the cooperation of the media and we will provide a press release at the end.”
Moshe said while meeting PM Modi, “I remember our connection to Nariman House. I hope I will be able to visit Mumbai and when I get older, live there. Dear Mr. Modi, I love you and the people in India.”
