President Bush’s Letter of Condolences to Chabad

WASHINGTON, DC [CHI] — U.S. President George Bush has sent a letter of condolences to the funeral of slain Mumbai Chabad Rabbi Gavriel and Mrs. Rivkah Holtzberg in Israel, today, via Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Washington director of American Friends of Lubavitch. The letter was read at the funeral by his father Rabbi Avraham Shemtov, Chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad umbrella group.

Full text of the letter in the Extended Article.

The White House

Washington

December 1, 2008

Laura and I send our condolences to the Chabad-Lubavitch family and all those honoring the lives lost in this tragedy.

The compassionate individuals of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement dedicate their lives to sharing G-d’s teachings with people throughout the world, offering strength, hope and guidance in the unique spirit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory. Through countless acts of love and kindness, the lost members of the Chabad-Lubavitch community in Mumbai represented the best of the human spirit, and their memories will live on in the hearts and souls of those they touched.

It is impossible for us to make sense of the violence of the Mumbai terrorist attack, yet we offer our deepest sympathy to the Chabad-Lubavitch community during this difficult time. We pray that you will be comforted by your fond memories of those lost, encouraged by their noble legacy, sustained by your faith, and lifted by the support of your loved ones.

May G-d bless you and all those affected by these horrific attacks.

George W Bush