26/11 survivor Moshe likely to visit Mumbai this year

Israeli national and 26/11 terror attack survivor Moshe Holtzberg, whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi met recently, is expected to visit Mumbai later this year.

The then two-year-old son of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and Rivka Holtzberg, Moshe (now 11) survived the LeT attack on the Chabad-Lubavitch Centre in Colaba, better known as Nariman House. He was rescued by his nanny Sandra Samuels.

The Nariman House was one of the five places targeted by terrorists between November 26 and 29, 2008. The suicide commando squad also attacked two five star hotels — Taj Mahal Palace and Tower and Oberoi Trident — popular joint Leopold Cafe and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

Moshe’s proposed visit to India was confirmed by Rabbi Israel Kozlovsky, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch, Mumbai.

“We’re glad that Prime Minister Modi met Moshe, and recognised the sacrifice of his parents... they were an exceptional couple in their service to the Jewish people, and our personal role models to establish the Chabad-Lubavitch in Mumbai,” he said.

“My wife Chaya and I are humbled to be a part of, and continue, the holy work of Rabbi Gabi (Gavriel) and Rivka Holtzberg, and are working diligently on actualising the dream of a memorial museum at the Nariman House that will help continue their legacy. We look forward to welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Mumbai with Moshe Holtzberg,” the Rabbi added.

During his recent visit to Israel, Modi embraced Moshe and told him, “Come and stay in India and Mumbai. You are most welcome. You and all your family members will get long-term visas... you can come anytime and go anywhere.”