CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Chabad-Lubavitch leadership called a press conference announcing the confirmation of the tragic news of the murder of the Chabad Shluchim Rabbi Gavriel and his wife Rivkah Holtzberg. Walking into the conference was Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, flanked by Police Commissioner Raymond Kelley and Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky.
More pictures in the Extended Article.
In regards to the terrible tragedy that occurred today, to the beloved directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg two very Special Neshamas that were taken from this world.
I would like to present an answer the Rebbe gave to parents of a young girl Miriam, who at six years old was killed in a car accident in Berkley, California (Erev Pesach 1989). Following the death, the parents wrote a long letter to the Rebbe with many different questions regarding the nature of these types of tragedies. The Rebbe’s response did more than comfort – it provided a new focus to the mourning family. Also included is interesting picture of the Rebbe. The Rebbe attending a funereal in the winter of 1991. to learn more about the Rebbe see: www.portraitofaleader.blogspot.com.
Just minutes ago I heard the terrible news that five Israeli hostages were found dead inside the Chabad center at Nariman house in Mumbai. Although the media hasn’t officially confirmed their identities yet, it seems quite certain that they are Chabad Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, his wife Rivka, an Israeli couple and another Israeli.
After having been glued to the news for two days straight, relentlessly combing through twitter updates, news reports, and blogs, I am totally exhausted, yet feel compelled to write something about these great people I knew.
I lived in Mumbai for six months last year, and would go to the Beit Chabad with friends for a Shabbat meal about every second week. Over the course of six months, we got to know the rabbi and his wife quite well.
Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, the beloved directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai, were killed during one of the worst terrorist attacks to strike India in recent memory.
Jewish communities around the world reacted with shock to the loss of the couple, who were killed Thursday at their Chabad House during an apparent standoff between Indian military forces and terrorists.
Their toddler son, Moshe, managed to escape with his nanny some hours before Indian commandos stormed their building, known as the Nariman House, in the popular touristy neighborhood of Colaba. The Associated Press reported that the boy was unharmed, but was wearing blood-soaked pants.
Levaya information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
Boruch Dayan Hoemes.
At this time the attention of world is turned to the city of Mumbai in India where its nearly 48 hours since terror has gripped the city, and Rabbi Gavriel and his wife Rivka Holtzberg Shluchim to the city have been believed to be trapped inside the Chabad House, Nariman House. A few months ago photographer Meir Elfasi spent some time there.
More pictures in the Extended Article.
MUMBAI, India [CHI] — Heavy gunfire reported at the Chabad House, Nariman House, less then an hour ago there was some sort of missile fired at the building blowing a hole in one of the walls and NSG Commandos swarmed in, CNN-IBN is reporting that there were 2 terrorists killed together with 5 hostages as well R”L.
It is unknown weather the Shluchim were among the 5, fighting is reported to be confined to the top floor of the Chabad House where commandong are ‘combing’ the floors for explosives and additional threats.
The condition of the Shluchim is still unknown. Please continue saying Tehillim for Gavriel Noach ben Freida Bluma, and his wife Rivka bas Yehudis.
Click the Extended Article to say Tehilim
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