26/11 survivor chosen to light Israel Independence Day torch

Moshe Hotzberg's grandfather, Rabbi Rosenberg, lit the torch yesterday evening on behalf of his grandchild, who was seated in the audience, and said he was doing so with the hope that "it will spread the message of love for Israel everywhere and at every place".
"May God help conquer terror and hate", Rosenberg, who is raising the child along with his wife and the courageous Indian nanny, Sandra Samuels, who risked her own life to save Moshe, said at the lighting ceremony.

Israel's Independence Day celebrations are being held under the theme, "Looking after one another – the year of mutual care."

Israel's Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs pointed out that each of the chosen beacon lighters represent the central theme of this year's ceremony.

Moshe's parents, Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, were killed during the 26/11 terror attacks on Nariman House in Mumbai.

The Indian nanny, Samuels, has been honoured by several Israeli agencies for her exemplary courage and was conferred an honorary citizenship by Israel last year.
Samuels captured worldwide attention as she barged into the Nariman House, amid shooting by terrorists all around her, and rescued the then two-year-old Moshe Holtzberg from the clutches of death.