NEW DELHI—As part of his official visit to India, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went to the Chabad House in Mumbai along with Moshe Holtzberg, who lost his parents in the 26 November 2008 terrorist attack when he was two years old.
The Prime Minister had invited Moshe – during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel last July – to join his visit to India.
Netanyahu and Moshe Holtzberg toured the latter’s former room and the site of the 2008 attack. Moshe’s late mother had indicated his height on the wall when Moshe was very young; the Prime Minister marked his present height on the wall.
The Chabad House held a special event to mark the visit. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Moshe unveiled a plaque in memory of the 2008 attack.
“I am very moved to be here with you, with you Moshe. I see that you are growing up nicely. We just measured your height. You are 11; your bar mitzvah will be soon, and afterwards when you will have a family, please invite me,’’ the Prime Minister said.
He added: ‘’The Jewish People have been with you throughout and there is a good reason for tis. What happened here expressed many things. It expressed hatred of Israel and love of Israel. Your dear parents’ love of Israel, that of the Chabad emissaries here and around the world, which embraces every Jew and has a home for every Jew everywhere including here in the heart of Mumbai.’’
Holtzberg also addressed the event: “My heart beats, my heart is moved, to return to my parents’ home, the Chabad House that has been rebuilt and refurbished. Here I was born, and here I spent two years. I have absorbed my beloved parents’ sense of mission. To leave the Promised Land on behalf of the Rebbe. From the lowest of places. The house that is open to everyone, to Jews from around the world, who sought a warm corner. My beloved parents did what they did here for the Land of Israel.’’