Devoted Emissaries

I join my 3,500 colleagues and Jewish people the world over, in sorrow and sadness by the grave news that has just emerged from Mumbai:

Rabbi Gavriel and Mrs. Rivkah Holtzberg and at least three of their guests, who are still unnamed, have been murdered. They leave behind a son Moshe who turns two years old tomorrow.

We extend our sympathy to their families as well as to the families of all those who have died in this vicious attack. We continue to pray for a speedy and complete recovery for all those who were injured.

Rabbi Holtzberg and his wife Rivkah directed Chabad activities in Mumbai India. As a couple, they dedicated themselves to fulfill their life's dream – to serve as a Shluchim - emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

What motivates a young ultra-orthodox Jew to move with his young wife from a religious enclave in Brooklyn, New York to Mumbai in India? Clearly it wasn't a lucrative contract. It was done with one aim in mind: to help his fellow Jews. There is little material reward for a religious Jews to move to a developing country where they may end up in harm's way.

Despite the dangers, for Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivkah, living in Mumbai was worth it simply because it provided them a unique opportunity to serve the needs of others. The selflessness inherent in the work the Holzbergs were doing and in the way they lived their lives is staggering.

Today, the wound is too raw for me to share any words of consolation or explanation.

I do know what the Rebbe would say. Take an action against this senseless heinous act of terrorism.

Whatever happens, we resolve today and commit to strengthening our concern and compassion for each other by increasing our good deeds, our prayer and Torah study. We will double our effort to increase our activities with zeal and devotion.