BABY MOSHE TO UNVEIL 26/11 MEMORIAL

MUMBAI : Moshe Holtzberg, who survived the 26/11 siege of the Jewish Centre in Mumbai during which Pakistani terrorists killed his parents, will unveil the ‘living memorial’ on January 18 along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rabbi Israel Kozolovasky, who heads the centre, said the memorial is dedicated to those killed in the November 2008 attacks.

The work on the memorial at Nariman House, Colaba, is expected to be partially complete by the 10th anniversary of the attacks, and may then open for public. Kozolovasky said the boy would be arriving soon with his grandparents and is likely to be in the city on Tuesday.

Moshe’s parents Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg were serving as directors at the centre, run by the Chabad-lubavitch group, when they were killed along with six others.

Kozolovasky said a portion of the fifth floor, with its damaged walls riddled with bullet, will be kept as it is while the fourth floor will be turned into a museum. The memorial will also comprise the apartment where the Holtzbergs lived.

Moshe was two years old when the attacks had taken place and he was saved his Indian nanny, Sandra Samuels.

Speaking about preparations ahead of his visit, Kozolovasky said the centre will prepare a special meal for the 11-year-old.

“We are excited about the programme because it is baby Moshe’s first visit to India in nine years. His visit to the Nariman House is emotional and sensitive because this is where he received the last hug from his mother and the last kiss from his father,” Kozolovasky said.

He added that Moshe is excited to visit Gateway of India. “Apart from Nariman House, the second place that Moshe wants to visit is Gateway of India,” Kozolovasky said.