obituary
UPDATE: Mumbai-Based Rabbi and Wife Killed in Terrorist Attacks |
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.
565 Comments Posted
I can't express how sad I was in finding this story. While their seemed to be no shortage of information, this one point hadn't yet been confirmed yet, and I held out some hope for the Rabbi and his wife.
My thoughts are with their families.
|
Oy Vey, may G-d avenge their blood. I am filled with a terrible sadness. May the Holtzbergs memories only be for a blessing and may their families, and all of us, be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. May we merit the coming of Mashiach very soon.
|
This is a loss for all of us. Blessed be their memory.
|
Dear family of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, and Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg, including dear sweet Moshe Tzvi,
I am so sorry for your loss and so sorry that these beautiful, giving individuals lost their lives. I feel close to the chabad family. My parents and I are less observant, but were immediately welcomed into a chabad shul over 20 yrs ago and pray there still.
May G-d bless your family with everything that you need to heal and go on. May Moshe's light continue to shine so bright, as I know your son and daughter's beautiful spirits live on in him
My deepest condolences,
|
This is not news, this is old history. More dead unarmed Jews.
When I got married, everyone in the wedding party, including the Rabbi, had a concealed weapon.
Please learn from these and millions of our dead kin, arm yourselves!!!!
|
Perhaps these two souls agreed to leave here in order that many of us could live and return to G-d. G-d bless their holy souls...we should each take advantage of each day G-d blesses us with and use it for His will. May we be mercifully redeemed...
|
May G-d speed Jews' salvation, Amen!
|
Looking at Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg's faces you can see the hope and optimism radiating out from their faces. Maybe a final tribute to them would be for me to stare into their gaze, and somehow absorb the goodness in humanity which they expressed, and to have them help me in this time of such sadness and despair. I have a feeling that is what they would want. God bless them and take care of them, and give strength to their beloved child....
|
Last March, I was welcomed by the Rabbi and his wife for an entire shabbat as I was in Mumbai on a business trip.
They were the purest incarnation of selflessness, entirely dedicated to providing Jews of all horizons a home in Mumbai, a beacon of Jewish light.
I remember playing with their adorable son Moishe, the happiness and the warmth of their home. They made everybody feel comfortable, and their kindness had no limit.
G-d help their son, my thoughts and prayers go to their families.
|
G-d counts each precious tear that we shed for the holy martyrs. These two precious holy people, who gave up their lives during their lives for the good of our nation, will now be in the chamber of the famous Ten Martyrs. May G-d avenge their blood and may our tears and prayers and the holy blood of their sacrifice bring Moshiach now, Amen.
|
It must be a real emotional period for your Lubabitch Community, especially when one of youngest, purist and most innocent and beautiful children have been murdered in cold blood. Especially, when it occured immediatly after the Conference of Shiluchim.
May God, with the Rebbe at his side, look out for you all and bless your families, mutiply you and keep you stronger than ever on your mission of love and kindness.
Baruch Dayen Emes!
|
We all mourn the loss of our fellow Jews in Mumbai. The rescue operation was so badly designed and performed that there was no chance of success. As a former Army NCO, I can say that if my men perfomed as the Indian troops did, I'd shoot them myself. And if they'd brought me a proposed ops plan like the one used, I'd transfer them to someplace they couldn't get anyone hurt, like postal clerk school.
|
Words fail me at this senseless tragedy.
May G-d avenge their blood and may our tears and prayers and the holy blood of their sacrifice bring Moshiach now, Amen.
|
May G-d avenge their blood
|
Hello dear brothers and sisters. My heart cries out to the Living God of Isreal. My prayers are with all those who lost their loved ones and those who were in Mumbai. Be strong take courage and trust in the Lord. May God bless Isreal. Amen.
|
I'm not even Jewish but my heart goes out to the family of this man who was just trying to share his beliefs with others in a non-violent way. The animals who did this, and those who share their beliefs, will pay for this.
|
I send the most sincere love and light to the Rabbi and his Rivka on their travels to be with G-d.
My heart aches at the loss that their child must bear. May we hold all those lost in this tragedy in our hearts and pray for the lost souls who caused it.
|
me and my whole family are deeplty hurt upon hearing the deaths of rabbi gabi and his wife rivka, over the past two years they have been teaching my family the laws of orthodox judaism, we have learnt so much from them, and people like them are truly sent by G*D and come once in a lifetime, we also pray for moshe their beloved son that he has a wonderful future ahead of him, we share with u in grief the losses of rabbi holtzberg and his wife rivka.
shalom
|
Let me add my thoughts and wishes for the their families and friends. May how they lived outshine the tragedy of how they died.
|
Since I first read about the Rabbi, his wife and child, I've prayed that they would make it out alive. My condolences to not only their immediate family, but also to the many people who were part of their extended one.
|
Such a beautiful couple. My heart goes out to the Rabbi and his family. May your name live on forever and your sacrifice & dedication inspire others. G*d bless, little Moshe.
|
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and Chabad community on the loss of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife, Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg. Faith in G-d's wisdom and goodness will prevail over hate and senselessness.
|
I am familiar with the wonderful work of Chabad in Toronto, Canada. That they appear in all corners of the world to help the Jewish nation is so amazing and loving..
So the death of the Hotzbergs, such a giving and outstanding couple, is all the more tragic and cruel.
May their families find strength and faith at this time. My heartfelt sympathy to all who are suffering now from this act of terrorism. .
Shabat Shalom.
|
My sincerest condolences to their families and the families of all who were victims of these execrable crimes. May all rest in peace and consolation soon come upon those who they leave behind, especially Gavriel and Rivka's little Moishe.
|
I am so very sorry to hear of the deaths of the Holtzbergs. They and their families, particularly their little boy, are in my thoughts and prayers. I have a little boy at home myself, so to imagine something like this...
|
My family prays for the family and for all of you.
My hope is for justice to be brought to these butchers. Hopefully, my country's new presidential administration will be fully supportive of any actions needed, and be unwavering in it's support of Israel.
|
My heart aches for the Holtzberg family. May their child be brought up with compassion and reconciliation in his heart. Bless the youngster's caregivers and know that G*d has the the Rabbi and Rebbetszin within his warm embrace.
|
This is totally devastating. We send our most sincere condolences to the Holtzberg family and pray for for the capture of these disgusting terrorist cowards. May G-d punish ALL those who hate Israel and ALL those who sympathize with these cowards! Amen.
|
Hi, I'm from Bangalore, India. I came here to mention that right now I'm feeling very bad for Moshe, the 2 year old son of the Holtzberg. It's not fair at all to inflict such a cruel wound on such an innocent life. I hope he finds peace with his grandparents in Israel and I hope Israel takes good care of him. Apologies and condolences on behalf of all Indians.
|
It is with deep sorrow that I convey my condolences to the Chabad House, and the Holtzberg family for the tragic loss of Rabbi and Rebetzin Holztbeg.
Our hearts and prayers go out to them as is our deep appreciation for their selfless work, care and compassion,
|
My deep sympaty and Condolences are with Chabad family all over the world . the victim families and the orpen son .
the rabi and his wife gave the ulimate price their life for the Love of G-D
my their soul will rest in peace .
ת.נ.צ.ב.ה
|
Our condolences and prayers are with you.
|
Sincerest condolences from Helsinki Finland
|
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and Chabad community.
As a fellow indian, i am sorry. Indians are going to avenge this. 1 billion people are going to avenge this we promise.
|
In what kind of world do we live, how do these things happen and why?
We will never understand how people do bad things without thinking about it.
It's sad to see this and how are our brothers are suffering.
|
ברוך דיין האמת
May Hashem avenge their blood, and may He comfort the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and redeem us speedily in our days, amen.
Shabbat shalom.
|
Our sincere condolences to the family and community of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg. We extend our hearts to you today and to their son and his grandparents. We join you in choosing light to fill the darkness, oh that we could learn ourselves to do this.
|
Sincerest sympathies to the Holtzbergs, especially their poor wee son, Moshe, and to all their relatives, friends and colleagues. The world does not need this; all religions should tolerate each other.
From a Gentile in UK.
|
while the writers must be congratulated for this thoughful accout, i'm deeply disappointed that they failed to mention even in passing any of the other jews who were killed in the Chabad House. Religious or not, Chabad or other, Israeli or American, they all were Jews, and should be equally mourned after their tragic death.
|
may G-d bless their souls may this tragecic event remind us once more to unite as fellow jews and continue to study torah and do mitzvas. As every jewish mother and daughter around the world light candles this sundown may we look at our spiritual flame and be reminded that we are G-d's chosen one and we will serve him forever, may moshiach come speedily.
shabbat shalom
|
My heart mourns with you, the loss of your dear children. I am aghast at what has happened in Mumbai.
I respect all of the Rebbe's and their wives who lead the Chabad- I am a Christian woman from Canada- but my daughter in Israel converted Orthodox (Lubavitch) to marry a man from Israel. I was honored that she did this and Chabad was so very good to me there in Vancouver.
A community that welcomes and teaches- your son and daughter have , then, made many memories for the people around them and have left their mark on the world.
I will pray for you all-know that there are people as far away as I am that care about you and your small grandson. And may your children, of blessed memory, rest in peace. With Love,
|
anyone who has ever interacted with chabad knows that these people live to give like no others i have ever known. their purity of spirit shines in their eyes, they don't judge you or preach to you they are simply there for you when you need it most.
may their son be blessed and live a life of joy, and may they rest peacefully.
the madmen who perpetrated this deed remind us all that as Jew's we need to be vigilant!
shalom
|
May he comfort you with all Israel morners
|
I´m neither Indian nor Jew, but my heart is feeled with saddness and sorrow....My heart is with their son and family...and pray that we can find some confort, amen
|
we mourn this terrible loss and pray for the family and the world as it is
G-d help everyone
|
As someone who has been shown much friendship and kindness in the past by the Lubavitch family.
Please, be not afraid.
Many blessings
|
What was the "reason" given by the murderers for their crimes? I know- we all know- that there is no valid logical or religious reason for murder. But it might help to know what the murderers' stated reason(s) was/were.
May G-d's peace protect the victims' son, and receive the victims' souls.
|
My prayers and sympathies go out to the rabbi, his wife, his family, and his friends. I have seen the great work of many rabbis and i am sure he just as good or better. I may have not known him, but for every jew that has their life taken, a part of me is also taken. Love to all.
|
I just read of this tragic and senseless act upon your brother and sister. We are very sorry to hear of your great loss. We offer our prayers to you and our support. We're new to the Chabad since the High Holidays, but appreciated your warm services and your community-minded spirit. May g-d's hand go out to you and give you strength in your hour of need.
|
I too am saddened by the loss of the Chabad rabbi and wife in India. It is a terrible tragedy, and few could be as innocent as the great people of Chabad.
It is, however, heartening, to see that in the midst of a situation where it would be so easy to answer hate with hate, the expressions here are of sorrow, not calls for revenge. Not expressions of hate. It makes me think that despite the horrors of individual deaths, the spirit of life will win in the end.
|
May G-d avenge their blood.
May G-d keep safe all the Chabad emissaries, our brothers, all over the world and their families.
May G-d keep safe and strong 2 yr-old Moshe, their son.
|
Watching events unfold in India I am numb with disbelief. The murders of so many people, the orphaning of at least one child. I struggle to believe that G-d takes the good and leaves the bad. What justice is served by this? Rebbe Gavi and Rivka sound such expectional people that I can't belive that their work was finished. I only hope that their families can take some comfort from their lives. I am sure that the amazing community of the Lubavitch will help in easing some of their pain. But are we back to the days of being scared because we are jewish. I pray not. My thoughts and prayers are with us all in these dark times.
|
my condolences to the family of rabbi holtzberg & his wife, rivka, as well as to the chabad community. what a tragedy to lose two persons committed to helping others. my thoughts and prayers are with you. may their memories be honored.
|
My heart is breaking with pain and am filled with deep tears by this tragic occurence.
Please god bring comfort to the rabbi and his wife's families and may their son be blessed with comfort , love and the knowledge that he is not alone...we are the nation of Israel, we cry together and we will stand together again!!
|
Over the past few years I have come to know the Chabad movement, after moving from a richly Jewish area of the US to Texas. My initial trepidations have been quashed, not by bible thumping; rather through unending LOVE which Chabad has shown to not only Jews but to the rest of the world. Today, the world has decided to repay that kindness. Again, I turn to Chabad for solace, and am relieved to read the statements are not the emotional knee jerks I have felt; they are in fact utter LOVE for fellow Jew and man. If all of us can emulate only a fraction of Chabad, the world will surely be a better place.
|
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about this tragedy. My prayers go out to their families. I lost my brother this February and Chabad was there for us to help us cope with our tragedy. If it wasn't for the people of Chabad and all the good that they do I don't know how my family would have coped. g-d bless Chabad and all the good they do for all the people they help and may Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg rest in peace and thank you both for all the good work you did again rest in peace.
|
This is tradegy beyond proportions.
This hits us deep in our hearts and souls and our prayers go out to their families.
A sad day in the life of every Jew.
|
I cannot believe the tragedy of this event. I pray for their families and for us all as a people. I cannot even fathom what I'd do if I lost my rabbi and his wife, they are a cornerstone to our existance and continuance. God bless them and all who lost their lives in this unthinkable violence. May we one day find peace.
|
My deepest condolences to the families of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg; and the community of friends that loved them. This is a tragedy.
I hope that their son's life will be filled with good health and he is surrounded always by loving people.
|
Please accept my condolences on the loss of those wonderful people. The work continues as a tribute to them.
|
Pease take the nasty picture of the terrorist out of the article, there is no need to have his picture on the same page as this beautiful couple.
|
To the whole Chabad family:
I send you my deepest condolences on the barbaric slaughter of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg in Mumbai, India. I pray for your orphaned two year old son Moshe. I will not forget him, and I will not forget you either.
My heart goes out to your family in this time of horror and sorrow for the whole Jewish nation. The slaughter marks a loss for the whole Jewish nation. I stand with you in solidarity as a fellow Jew in mourning along with you.
With deepest sympathy,
|
All of my prayers are with the families of all the innocent who lost their lives so needlessly. What a terrible tragedy. My prayers go out for their small son. My prayers go out to the entire community. What can one say in the face of such a tragedy? Jews all around the world will light their Shabbat candles tonight with heavy hearts...but we will light them. And we will remember them. And we will go on.
|
Kindly add a prayer for me
Thank you
|
Please don't just give us news. Tell us something, not to comfort us, but to reassure us.
|
We in India sheltered the Jews and never prosecuted them while they faced horrors in the rest of the world. But today I feel bad that we could not be good host and save our guests from these monsters. A guest to us is like God and these terrorist went after the tourists knowing fully well that it could hurt the pride of any self respecting Indian.
Being a mother of two year old son, my heart bleeds for the little orphan child.
|
While I too am Christian, I am praying for your lost members (and all others lost in this terrible incident) and their mission in India which seemed to be doing such positive things. I hope that their son finds a new home with relatives and with an appreciation for his parents' sacrifice, a clear path to his destiny.
|
נשמתם עדן צרורה בצרור החיים עים שאר אחינו בית ישראל כאב לב ממש
|
Why were our prayers unanswered? Why does a two year old have to celebrate his birthday tonight as an orphan?
Why do such people, committed to goodness, have to go so early?
When people like that are taken away, it is not only a boy who looses his parents, parents who are loosing their children, or siblings loosing their siblings. It is a loss for the whole world.
Our heart is with their family, specially Moshe.
|
I am not Jewish, but a Christian in Oklahoma. My heart grieves for the families of Rabbi and his wife, Rivka, who gave their lives for others.
I pray for the chabad community, and all who were touched by the Holtzbergs, and especially for their precious son. Their legacy will live on in him and in the accomplishments they made in their work.
|
My heart breaks for the youth who have died, serving Judaism.
They have lived and died in peace and innocence.
|
The person who left the first comment has said all that I am feeling as the tears roll down my cheeks. I know we aren't supposed to mourn on Shabbat but how can we not cry for this innocent child's loss of his beloved parents and for his grandparents loss of their beloved children. Life and sometimes death are such mysteries.
|
I'm deeply shocked what happened in Mumbai.
Chabad showed me what it means being Jewish...Chabad gave me so much and in today's world we know that terrorism exist, that people were killed who haven't done anything to anybody else....I was shocked after the first breaking news....and thought that this is another small terrorist attack....but now?
I don't know what I should say...but my thoughts and prayers are with Rebbe Gavi's family, the Chabad movement worldwide and the people who lost their beloved ones in the Mumbai massacre. And I still pray and hope that the people some day live in peace....together. Shabbat Shalom...we need it!
|
My prayers go out to the young boy Moshe and the family of this young couple. They looked like such nice people, trying to do good things for people. India is such a warm, friendly country that invites people of all backgrounds and religions. It is such a shame that this violent, unprovoked attack happened in such a peaceful country as India.
|
During our Thanksgiving Day we prayed for the best. We are devastated to hear of this outcome. We send our love and condolences to the families involved and the entire Jewish community.
|
it brings me to tears to hear what happened. a man and his wife committed to judaism and trying to bring more people to the religion have to die like this. as much as it pains me to hear that they have passed on, it makes me happy to know that they died because they would not stop standing up for G-d and for the rest of the jewish people. May G-d bless them in heaven. Let's just hope that the moshiach comes soon and brings us out of this terrible mess. My thoughts and prayers are with the Holtzberg family.
|
I am Indian. I am so sorry we could not protect you against these animals.
|
I am overwhelmed with grief for the entire family and all of Israel. My praying this Shobbos will be with all of you in my mind and heart. This was a the ultimate sacrifice for these two wonderful Shluchim in a very scary world. Their souls are surely in Gan Edan for eternity. We pray for Mochiach NOW so that we will all be reunited with our loved ones!
|
Why is it that a couple who are just doing good in this world are cut down like weeds without any thought. All these animals did was to kill a little bit of us all.
|
I am shocked to see that Rabbi and his wife are killed.I pray to G-D that their child has a good future and be blessed.
We Indians will take revenge for their death.
We will not leave terrorists who killed innocent and good people like Rabbi and his wife.Persons behind the attack will pay price for this.
|
I wonder what kind of religion is the one that teaches people such hatred of "infidels"...This poor family was doing nothing bad,and they were murdered just because they were jews!
It doesn't even seem the murderers and the victims believe in the same God,considered their opposite way of serving Him!
|
The loss of the Holtzbergs feel like the loss of our own family members. We need so many more people like them.
I am sure we all feel that way today. Such acts of pure evil, hurt the entire Jewish people, we all feel like a little part of us, died with them as well...
Somehow we are all related, especially when awful events target some of us...
The Holtzbergs family, their little boy and all the other victims.
Let's not be angry at all Muslims, because of the acts of some who do not even realize they are making all the other Muslims look so bad.
It would be unfair and we will not be better than the terrorists.As Jews, we know better.
We all have to concentrate now, in becoming better people. We owe this to Rabbi Holtzberg, his wife Rivka and all their friends...
Let's all enjoy this coming Shabbat, the best way we can during this painful day.
For them....
|
Could it be that we Jews as a people have sinned against G-d’s commandment that we were to be a Nation? Not a Diaspora, but a Nation. Have we become not only disparate, that by G-d’s command we are now desperate?
Have we forsaken a command we did not understand? Should we all be in Israel? I do not know, but what I do know is that we are being murdered by the very people who live not by G-d’s words.
Where do we go from here? We pray, of course, but is that enough when we see this ravenous creature destroying us handful by handful? What have we done except (as 1/4th of 1% of the human race) given science, peace, philosophy, Nobel Prizes and love to the world in a proportion far greater than our numbers?
All Jews cannot move to Israel. We have work to do elsewhere. But our survival is at stake, and as G-d has promised us, we will flourish in the land He promised us. Let us not only pray for His help, but fight as He has commanded us so many times before.
|
My heart is heavy with the news. Surely they will live on in Moshe. Bless him.
|
I never light Shabbat candles, but I will light them tonight. It breaks my heart to see the photographs of that young couple.
|
I would like to know why there was absolutely no security at site where the terrorist caused the death of the Rabbi his wife and 5 Israelis? if there had been security the terrorists might not have struck there or been so successful. I want to know what chabad is going to do in future about all there other locations outside of united States and Israel about putting security in place in form of metal detectors and armed guards. The time to do this is now before G-D forbid it happens again.
|
Even as a student of Kabbalah I am numb and at a complete loss over this atrocious and senseless slaughter. I too prayed and scanned last night for the Holtzbergs; and I am trying hard to understand while all of our prayers went unanswered. But I am certain that we have to continue forward on this path, and not let this derail us from purging chaos from the world. May little Moshe still celebrate his birthday, and always feel his parents right there with him.
|
The religion of peace strikes again.
|
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of Rabbi and Rivka Holtzberg. Every time I look at the pictures of this sweet, gentle couple, and their baby, I break into tears. However, it's clear that they were greatly loved and will not be forgotten.
|
I have big heart for Israel. I have lived there and I know the Jewish people. I am very sad about this incident. My heartfelt condolence to the rabbi’s family. I am sure god will bless Mosha with lot of blessings.
|
I have a 2yr old baby girl. I think of how strong my wife's and my love is for her. I am sure their love was equally strong for Moshe. He needs to be told that every day and I am sure he will. I am not of any denomination - however I am very spiritual. Our prayers are with the entire family and everyone in the community and world affected by this tragedy. I can't imagine anything worse happening to such good people. My heart TRULY feels like there has been a hole put in it from this story. Stay strong. I know this is not the time and place but I am outraged by this. I know it is anger and violence that caused this so I try to bury it; yet I am only human. I am SO sad for everyone involved.
|
As a Christian, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and prayers for the Hotlzberg family and all who loved them. May God grant them eternal peace and provide their child with the grace and love to know happiness despite this dreadful atrocity.
May all people of faith, goodwill, and compassion join in solemn covenant to stand against such mindless barbarity and sinful crulety. May the memory of the Holtzbergs and other martyrs inspire them to determined courage to resist hatred and violence.
The only power that can overcome the depth of human sin, as the height of divine grace and justice. Masy we all become vessels of thst grace.
Shalom
|
My condolences to the two surviving children, and all the family and friends of these good people, who were senselessly taken from this world. I find it impossible to forgive the barbarians who commited this atrocity. May God watch over these little boys.
|
We are all so saddened by this horrible tragedy to your family. We know the work they accomplished and their dedication to the Jewish Nation. May their children grow to emulate their parents and may you know no more sorrow and be comforted by the mourners of Zion and Yerushalyim.
|
My condolences go out to these two strong individuals who their faith ahead of themselves. My heart is filled with grief and my heart goes out to all affected.
|
My most heartfelt sympathies to the family of the slain Rabbi and his wife.
There are no words to describe the outrage felt at this terrible loss.
|
To the family of these wonderful and kind brave souls, please take comfort in the fact that your family memebers made a difference in other peoples lifes. Please remember to share this with their 2 young children when they are old enough to understand. May G-d bless and comfort you during this time. Shabbat Shalom
|
As always my prayers are with Moshe..May he know how great his mom was
|
A beautiful couple, they stood in the lines at the front of the war, with a message of peace and the desire to bring their message to all who seek. It was a sacrifice they knowingly made, from their hearts and souls and they know our gratitude. The survival of the smallest is a victory, light in the darkness. They shall live on through him, and he will be blessed.
|
My heart broke when I heard the news...
I grew up in Baltimore, Md... When I was twelve years old, my mom began the journey of becoming an Orthodox Jew. The local Chabad embraced my mom's journey and today she is happily remarried, living in the orthodox community, and continues to live her life by the example she was taught; from the local chabad, her first rabbi and the incredible warmth of the Jewish community. I mourn today, not only because a beautiful Jewish couple was taken to soon; but because the mission of the chabad community truly changes peoples lives for the better. A bright light has burnt out today... My deepest condolences to the family and to the entire Jewish community
|
It's extremely difficult to look at this couple and not shed some tears. How innocent and beautiful they look together. One day and I pray very soon the governments in this world will destroy these terrorists everywhere and anywhere they live. Why they haven't done so yet is unbelieveable!
|
Dear Chabad community,
I am so sorry for your loss, and even though I am not from your faith, its very sad to hear about this tragedy that happened to a religious leader. I am Muslim, and I am upset, embarrassed, and confused as to why these cowards are calling themselves Muslim.
I am praying for this community to heal, for his families success, and for peace on Earth.
|
It's a modern day tragedy that both Giby and Rivky deaths are needed to clarify and enhance expression to our most basic feeling of Jewish identiy and its importance to us as a people.
|
My prayers for the beautiful Rivka Holtzberg
|
Time to beef up security at Chabad houses in all countries.
|
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially little Moshe and his family and friends. My prayers also for his nanny. Bless her.
|
I am so sorry for your loss. We are grieving with you.
|
I am a British Anglican and wish to offer my sincere condolences for the theft of these innocent lives. The world needs to understand that people like this Rabbi and his family don't just give to people of their own faith: they provide something beautiful to the whole world, because they give of themselves without self. I am so saddened and angry by what happened in Mumbai and promise my prayers and my continuing support for Israel and Jews everywhere. Peace be with you all.
|
My heart aches in response to this tragedy. I offer my condolences to the family of Gavriel and Rivka. The loss suffered by their two children is immeasurable; I hope that one day, knowledge of their parents' good works and productive lives will provide some comfort and be the source of pride. The senseless brutality of those who committed these attrocities is impossible to understand. But talk of revenge and acts of revenge simply perpetuate this horror. People of good will, regardless of religion or nationality, should join together to fight terrorism in more productive ways. --
|
We should to remember that only God knows and sees everything. Our prayers are with their families.
|
Hard to believe these two beautiful people were murdered for their religion. Stop the violence! Hated never ceases by hated but by love alone is healed...
|
There is no name for such a brutal and criminal act. I hope the relatives will find some consolation and take care of the baby who deserves all the best in this world.
|
"Be strong and courageous! Neither fear, nor be dismayed of them, for the Lord, your God He is the One Who goes with you. He will neither fail you, nor forsake you."
Any weapon whetted against you shall not succeed, and any tongue that contends with you in judgment, you shall condemn; this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their due reward from Me, says the Lord. He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord demands of you; but to do justice, to love loving-kindness, and to walk discreetly with your God!
MOSHIACH NOW!
|
Such a terrible tragedy to the families of Gavriel and Rivkah!! All news accounts indicate that they were both very special and accomplished much in their short lives. It is just such a heart-breaking time for even those of us who did not have the honor of knowing them. They obviously were doing God's work in the service to so amny others.
Although I am, also Jewish, their families should know that millioins of people of all faiths are deeply saddened by their passing and the world has lost two very special people.
May they rest in peace and may their memory live on for eternity.
In deepest sympathy,
|
I am truly sorry for your loss. Tonight I watched members of your community speak on our local news about Rabbi Holtzberg. Their stories were encouraging despite the awful circumstances in which Rabbi Holtzberg and his wife passed.
|
My heart breaks for the loss of such dedicated and loving young people.. A young family with hope and so much to give were taken away from the world, a world that so obviously loved and appreciated them. A world that needs their energy. I looked at their faces and felt that anyone would have been blessed who had the fortune to be in their presence.
My heart breaks for their child, and for their community of family, friends. As Jewish woman this loss affects us all, whether a member of Chabad or not.
May their spirit in life be a reminder to us all to give unselfishly in a cause that gives to our world.
|
nice people going about their everyday life, never expect the worst horrors.
May their legacy make the community stronger.
|
I write this as a mother of a toddler just like Moshe, may God wrap you in his love and give you peace and strength to go on and may those who care for you gain strength and peace in their journey. The world weeps with you and prays for you. God bless you all now and always.
|
We need to look at this in a positive light. Yes, it is sad what happened to the Rabbi and his lovely wife but look at all the positve things they have done and will live on forever. The child is not orphaned. He has a wonderful family. The childs parents lives through a magnificent legacy they have left behind for the child. This child will continue the legacy once this child grows to be a strong, young, man.
|
May G-d hold the loved ones who are left behind, a bit closer to His heart during this terrible time. Our prayers go out for the vicitms and their loved ones.
|
My heart goes out to the families of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg at the loss of two precious people doing such mizvahs. I think about their two-year-old son, Moshe, and think of what he faces.
I have tears; and my heart breaks. I cry out to G-d: When will all this madness end?
|
I am so so sorry. That is all I can say through my tears.
|
...it is events such as this that truly baffle the mind and ensnare the spirit.
We will never know the reasons "why" things like this happen, but we simply must keep the faith that G-d has a plan... that there is some sort of reason. We must simply accept the fact that we will never truly know.
Much love from Cincinnati, Ohio (where our own Chabad house is filled loving people who are pure of spirit and strong in their resolve).
We will remember all the people in the Mumbai Chabad house who have been lost... if they are anything close to our local Chabad house then they will certainly be deeply missed by all who knew them.
|
The world lost two beautiful and pure people today. I am saddened by this heartless act of hate. May God Bless their son, Moshe. Brothers and Sisters,we must learn from this as a world. We must come together as Jews and Gentiles. This is only the beginning.
|
My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the Mumbai Attacks. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for you at this difficult times. My heart goes out to the young one left behind. I am so sorry
|
My condolences to the family and to the community. It is a sad day for all of humanity.
We must be thankful for small mercies: that the cook/nanny had the frame of mind to escape with the young infant is nothing short of a micricle. She should be applauded and thanked for her heroic effort - what a lady! I can only hope that his parents knew that he was safe. At least it would have brought some solace to them, knowing that should they not live, their son will...and indeed he will.
What a sad place we are at this time - we should be able to live and let other live. We should be celebrating life, not inflicting death - what sad creatures those terrorists are!
|
I'm Indian and it breaks my heart to see such senseless violence by such cowards occuring in Mumbai. India is a very diverse, peaceful and tolerant country.
Sad that innocent people have to die.
My prayers go out to Moshe. I wish nothing but good things for him. And bless his nanny for saving him.
|
It is hard to understand what compels some people to participate in unspeakable evil, and what compels others to serve others in the name of God. The Holtzbergs served God and their only concern was to help others. They died in that pursuit. I hope that their children's grief as they grow to adulthood will be tempered by that knowledge. I am a Christian, but am constantly awed by people like the Holzbergs who sacrifice so greatly for others. May God hold them close to Him.
|
God is One. How is it we cannot see this and live in peace? Sincere sympathy to the Rosenberg and Hloltzberg families. Theirs were such beautiful children.
|
Honourable Friends, I read with horror and sorrow over the murders of Rabbi Holtzberg and his lovely Wife. Although, not Jewish, I weep to read over the loss of the lives of this loving, compassionate couple who dedicated their lives, and, finally, offered up the ultimate sacrifice, for the sake of their Faith. Although not Jewish, but a Russian Orthodox Christian myself, I have been blessed with many loving Jewish friends, friends who have stood beside me in my personal joys and sorrows since we were children together in Japan, having all been either raised or both born and raised, in that beautiful land.
My profound condolences to all of the Chabad Lubavictch Community, and to the family and loved ones of the Holtzbergs. My especial thoughts and prayers go to their precious little Boy, who, thankfully, survived this horror, but who has lost his beloved Father and Mother.
|
I am a Hindu native of Bombay, married into a Jewish family and now living in the U.S. My second son will have his Bar Mitzvah next year. I have watched my beautiful city in flames and have heard news of relatives of friends, who have been killed in these attacks.
what can I say?
|
First of all my heartfelt condolences to the deceased family in Mumbai.
Secondly, my apologies to all the Jews worldwide that our commando's couldn’t save your people.
I am a Hindu and for a hindu our guests are like gods, forget killing we dont even think to insult our guests. My heart weeps out for your people more than indians. I am feeling like criminal.
Now is the time for action...India , US and Israel have common enemies...the fundamentalist Islamic terrorist who live in fools paradise and think they will be able to rule this world one day.
God is great and shall deliver justice to these foolish Islamic terrorist.
"Forgiving a terrorist should be left to god, but fixing their appointment with god is our responsibility " SO never shun this responsibility.
|
To John in Delhi, India:
We share your grief and outrage and we're counting on your people to keep that promise to help completely destroy this global metastasized cancer, John.
|
I also grieve for the Others so brutally murdered in the Chabad Lubatitcher Centre in Mumbai. In the past, I have too often misunderstood Israel. These dreadful murders in Mumbai has at last, and with great profundity, opened my foolishly blind eyes.
The Jewish people have so long, in so many places, including, which for me is a source of horror and deep personal anguish, in Orthodox Christian Russia, been tormented and brutalized for the sole reason that they wish to keep their Faith and Tradition. They have, wherever they have lived, been fountains of great contribution to the arts, sciences, philanthropy, and cultures of the nations they have lived as upright and loyal citizens.
Now, it is clear to me. The great Jewish People do NOT, as too many others do, fight or kill or shed blood except when it is necessary for self-defense. May Israel find Peace, and may the great people of Israel be covered with the Protection of Heaven.
Save us all from persons of cruel violence!
|
I am a reform convert to Judaism but I have not deeply considered my attachments to Jewish community; this senseless tragedy has deeply moved me and many others. I grieve for your loss and I pray that little Moshe will find happiness with his grandparents. Please know that every decent person mourns your loss, and prays that justice will be done. I am deeply sorry.
|
While I am in Hindu from India. I understand the great work Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg were doing for there community in India and for its members travelling to India. My heart goes out to there 2 yrs old son and the entire Jewish community on this great loss. But I know as always the fellow members of your community will continue the great work of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg
|
Scripture says that the 12 Tribes - Israel are to be a light to the Nations. From reading their obituary and earlier watching the news, The Holtzbergs completely emulated this with their lives and now in their death, they are truly an encouragement to me personally. Is there any wonder that this "Light" was deliberately sought out at the start of the month of Kislev - our Festival of Lights month? And just as in days of old, we, all Israel, must unite and stand together - Hinei Ma Tov Umanaim Shevet Achim Gam Yachad, How beautiful and sweet it is when brothers sit together. We can stand in confidence because if G-d is for us who can be against us? An extra special blessing of shalom this Shabbat to the families of these two remarkable people!
|
This is a big tragedy for both families, for the little boy who lost young parents......
I and my family are filled with sorrow.
Shabbat Shalom, and God Bless.
Amen.
|
We all have to thank a woman who risked her life to save Moshe. While none of us will ever know the exact circustances, what she did was very brave and very unselfish. And should be remembered.
|
I was in India two years ago and visited chabad in pune: god bless the people at chabad there to help with the many visitors from israel.
To all the chabad family, condolences for the rabbi and his family.
I pray for no more terror and the return of peace on earth.
|
My deepest regards to all the families and friends to the murdered human beeings in Bombay and everywhere this terrorist regard themselves as the soldiers of god. In Sweden we light our first christmas candles today. All my candles I will light is a prayer to the God who wants everyone to live with respect and love for others.
|
What a terrible tragedy and loss. I want to extend our sympathy to the families even though i dont know them. All Jews need to stand united to fight the terrible face of terrorism.
|
Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg would help anyone who came to them for assistance, Gentile or Jewish individual. These are two people who have made the world a better place and they will be very missed. We stand with the Jewish people and will help to stop these atrocities. Little Moshe is loved all over the world. We stand with him and all who have lost someone in this terrible, cowardly act of violence in the name of what? Evil.
SHALOM
|
Hi, I am from Pakistan and a muslim by my religion. I believe in the oneness of God and believe that there is no god but God. I am 29 and I have never been taught even to hurt someone let alone kill innocent people. Our sympathies are with all who have lost their lives. Being a Pakistani let me clarify to the world that its not always us who do these dreadful acts of terrorism. i would like to say that the world is seeing what happened. Lets all pray for a peaceful place to live.
|
My prayers with the community and the family of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg in this sombre moment.
Lets us not forget the Rabbi was killed only because of his faith by these Islamic terrorists. Lets hope India's political and bureaucratic shaken from its deep slumber and avail this opportunity to redeem themselves. Let the Community not be lulled into a sense of satisfaction by empty words.
|
I am deeply saddened at the death of Rabbi, his wife and other members of the Chabad House at Mumbai. As an Indian, I am very depressed that my country was targeted by the terrorists and killed such innocent, peace loving and importantly guests of my country.
|
Gavi and Rivka hosted me a few moths ago during my visit to Mumbai. I have never enjoyed such genuine out pouring and love for fellow man as this couple demonstrated for all their visitors. They did not judge, but welcomed all Jews even their Non Jewish friends, to enjoy their warmth hospitality, and teachings. Many may have abused the privileges offered, but there was never a hint of resentment. They gave so much , and many thousands must have passed through their doors like me, and knew them, who would be feeling like I do today, so sad, so proud to have known them. There can not be a person out there that would ever say that these Lubavich Jews were not the kindest and most genuine and caring people that walked this earth. I join the many Mourners of this tragedy in expressing to them and their families, my heartfelt sympathy, they will be remembered with deep sadness, and I am proud to have known them as my life is better for it.
|
My prayers are with the entire Chabad community during this time of tragedy and loss. This murder of innocents diminishes us all -- Jews and non-Jews.
May God grant comfort to those who mourn, and may He bless that precious child as he grows up without his devoted parents.
|
To the dear people of Mumbai and the Chabad House:
I send you all my most sincere condolences.
At the moment I am even beyond words in sadness and outrage at what has happened in your beauitful city. Over the weekend I will Upload a music video in the memory and honour of victims of such a viscious attack, which was more than reminiscent of the violence of the National Socialists in the time of Hitler's Third Reich in Germany beginning on November 9, 1938 (The Pogrom of Kristallnacht or "The November Pogrom")!
Your Dorothea
|
Shalom everyone and my deepest sympathy goes to Chabad for the loss of their Directors of the Lubavitch in Mumbai. may their memory be blessed. together with all that lost their lives by this agents of evil.
we should not ask questions why our prayers are not answered but we should ask why we are allowing this terrorists to live in this precious world. i do believe that there are more good people that evil ones. we should hunt them down till the last one. and we should do anything we can in order to prevent future attacks like the one in Mumbai.
best regards,
|
Words can not express the sorrow and horror of this tragedy. Perhaps the brutal deaths of the Rabbi, his wife and others can move the world to unite in love, compassion and peace. My heart goes out to their son. No one can replace the good work Chabad does all over the world. These were good people who dedicated their lives to fulfill a mission of compassion for others. May their memory be for a blessing.
|
Psa 121:4 Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Their Redeemer is mighty.
We from India and all over the World are humbled by this righteous family who trusted in the The Lord God of Israel. We pray for the protection, peace and restoration of Israel. We are all blessed because salvation has come to all of us through this chosen race, a holy nation.
Truly Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg are beacons of light shining ever so brighter in our hearts for what they believed and have stood for. Our prayers for Moshe at this moment that The Lord will be his supplier and comfort.
God Bless Israel and its children forever. Amen
|
I will never be able to fathom the mindset of people who murder. Do they really think that the higher power they believe in would condone the slaying of others? They are utterly arrogant in believing they have the power of life or death over other human beings.
I did not know this couple but they seem to be exemplars of human kindness. My heart bleeds for their family and friends, the people they so selflessly served and especially the son they left behind at such a tender age.
|
As secular and observant Jews argue amongst ourselves, we are reminded that we must stand together as one. The rest of the world surely does not make the distinctions between our various branches. We are all Jews. We are all mourning today.
|
I pray for the lost jewish couple and those that lost their lives in such a evil event. But I also pray for Moshe, who will be left behind and never see his parents again. And I know somewhere down his life, he will cry to G-D. Why did this happen to my parents? For only G-d will have the answer.
May G-d mend the hearts of those who lost their loved ones in this terrible event.
Shalom and prayers
|
i am christain and have some jewish faith,
i wanted some details on judaism and when i called the chabad house once, i spoke to the rabbis wife who was so helpful. (at that time of our phone conversation i have heard the child crying - this comes to my memory now.)
i am shocked with this incident, and i am more worried about their child
|
I have been following this story since Wednesday night. It is very sad that people who do good are taken away and two innocent children are orphaned. I have lit a candle in front of my house in Noida not only for the extraordinary commandoes and police officers (who lost their lives) but also for our 'guests' Gavriel, Rivka and others who were killed by some perverted, senseless animals from our neighbouring country. May God bless their souls !!
|
Truely my heart is full of such grief over the loss of 2 extraordinary young people who were a beacon of love and hope for all.
I have turned this same question over in my mind and have come to the conclusion that while there is always an element of evil ( which the world has witnessed ) the hand of God is still at work and does triumph over acts of violence. Their son is alive and it is truely a miracle that the nanny was able to rescue him and bring him to the safe and loving arms of his grandparents. He is the tender legacy of 2 outstanding lives and he shows to us all that God is still at work in the world.
I see hope where there is easily despair and I pray that you will too.
|
Dear God in Heaven, may the families of Gavriel Holtzberg and Rivkah Rosenberg Holtzberg never know such tragedy again in their lives. May they only know joy and peace. Heal their aching hearts and the hearts of all those suffering from the loss of loved ones as a result of this terrible event. Have mercy on us all.
|
it is indeed tragic that innocents have to pay with their lives for no fault of theirs.
the only justice we could offer them now is to bring the guilty to justice.
it cannot be done by declaring a mindless war.
Democracies of the world should get together and flush out fundamentalists who preach hatred, arm and train young people to go out and kill.
|
Gavriel and Rivka were 2 lights in the darkness of India. They were here to help people and to give them hope for their lives. They were 2 lights in Torah and now they're gone. G-D certainly knows, why they are gone, why two pure souls had been taken so young leaving an orphan. We don't know. Someone tells me that it's in G-D's accounts. Ok, but it's hard to accept. Make them rest in peace and help their little boy from where they are.
|
God bless Moshe's nanny for getting him to safety.
|
I am so sorry to hear of the tragic passing of Rabbi Gavriel and his wife Rivkak Holtzberg. It hurts me and my soul. I so love the Jewish people and I know that I would not have my religion without them. I pray for Rabbi Gavriel and his wife. I pray God's presence will be with them to help them this awful time in their lives. Also their son Moshe, God always be with him throughout his life.
|
Baruch dayan haemet!
I admire this couple! They did a really great work! May G-d give their family strength!
|
Their deaths was at the hands of monsters!
|
my heart goes out to the son who will have to grow up with out his parents May HASHEM GIVE THE GRANDPARENTS the strength to go on
THE WORLD AND THEIR PRAYES ARE WITH YOU
|
I came across memorial sites for rivka and gavriel and it looks like it could be a real comfort to their families and create a real legacy for their children. Look at yizkor.com.
|
My heart is filled with sadness at the senseless loss of this dear couple. I cannot stop crying. I hope they, and all who perished for their religion and nationality in these acts of terror didn't suffer.
May their memory be for a blessing and may we redouble our efforts to follow their examples of chesed and hospitality. In that way the terrorists won't win
|
Having spent a day in Bombay on business i was fortunate to experience the amazing hospitallity of the Holtzbergs. The food I brought with for my trip had gone off due to the heat. I have immense gratitude to have been able to have a hot filling meal meal before taking my 10 hour flight back home. May there holy souls be a Maylitz Yoisher for there family and all of Israel.
|
My heartfelt condolences to all affected by this atrocity.
I trust that retribution is sure and swift.
|
I am glad I had the opportunity to know Rav Holzberg and his wife.
I was at the Bet Chabad roughly one month and a half ago for yom kippur, and Rav Holzberg spent the night to prepare the lulav for me before I was leaving.
I wont forget him and the wonderful person he was.
He was a Rav, a friend and a family for every jew in India.
Thanks Gabi and Rivka, I wont forget you and your kindness..
|
our prayers are not always answered the way we want them to be answered. the allmighty knows better than us what is the best for us. we can only be sure that this great sacrifice wasn't a waste, there is no question that good things will come out of it. just wait and see.
אין שום ספק שהקרבן הזה לא היה לשוא
ונקיתי דמם לא נקיתי. א-ל נקמות השם
על אלה אני בוכיה עיני עיני יורדה מים
קדשו שם שמים בחייהם ובמותם
הרוגי מלכות אין כל בריה יכולה לעמוד במחיצתם
תהא נשמתם צרורה בצרור החיים ויהי רצון שבזכות הקרבן העצום הזה נזכה כולנו לראות במו עינינו את מלך המשיח בן דוד בעצמו תיכף ומיד ממש
|
To the wonderful people of Chabad:
where ever you go in the world the door is always open at chabad. This is terrible for jews all over the world; lessons have not been learnt and it is very frightening. Thank g-d for Israel and the Israeli people that despite a lack of support from the diaspora
are always there for us. G-d bless America and lets hope it will carry on being a friend to Israel.
|
May the God of Israel comfort the hearts of your community and the families of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg. My prayers are with all of you.
|
Praying for the whole family.
I just hope that the Chabad organization honors the nanny who grabbed little Moishe and got out. I pray Chabad will honor and care for her. She could have been killed just opening the door to grab the baby.
Their legacy still lives on. Little Moishe will carry on his parents legacy.
|
I have nothing but admiration for the Chabad Shluchim who do so much to bring Judaism to those who need them most. I may not be a Chabadnik but this senseless murder of a wonderful Rabbinic couple emphasizes why we need more love in the world, not more hate. And Chabad, whatever one's philosophy, provide love. “Ahavas Chinam.”
May the Ahavas Chinam of this wonderful couple inspire us all to show humanity in the face of such atrocities. Let our reaction not be revenge, or hatred, but love of humanity and a desire to spread the Jewish values they loved and spread with love, in our own lives.
Tiyhe Menuchatam Kavod, Vyhyu nismotam tzerurrot bitzerror hachayim.
|
This world will only be saved when each human being practices what Rabbi and Mrs. Holtzberg practiced...love. Pray daily, show love, display humility, eschew hatred and greed. Then G-d will triumph.
My heart hurts for the families. My prayers encompass their lives. We must learn from Rabbi and Mrs. Holtzberg...go forth and do the work of G-d.
|
I am an indian and would like to express my deepest condolence to the Holtzberg family and the Chabad community. May god give them strength in their time of grief.
|
This is a very sad event which has robbed a child of his parents and many others of their lives, i am a muslim and nowhere in our religion are such acts justified.
My thoughts are with Moshe.....
|
My love, support and prayers, though I'm not Jewish I'm in this website all the time. I was very, very upset and saddened but I have faith that their work will continue speaking even after they have left the world. May G-d bring justice but may the world also be a better place because of them.
|
Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Chabad Community, the Holtzbergs' American and Israeli families, as well as to ALL of us, the entended family.
Our hearts are broken to see the evil perpetrated on the Holzbergs, innocent and beautiful souls whose only crime was being Jewish. We must vow to be strong and never let these EVIL monsters win.
|
I am sad at the destruction of precious life at the Chabad center. Chabad has a special place in my heart.
|
How come India was so unprepared?
Will this happen again? Here in the USA?
Maybe we should get a Jewish CIA together. Apparently we are like sitting ducks everywhere.
All Jewish organizations need to have a staff of security on or near their premises. Sad but true. We need "Lookouts" all over. even at home.
|
Reading this article of this terrible tragedy has filled my eyes with tears. I wish that all terrorist networks should be destroyed before they try and strike again and kill more innocent people.
|
We should nominate the Holtzbergs and the Chabad World Wide Organization for the"Heroes" CNN. This would be an important memorial to their valiant lives and great unselfish deeds for the good of others.
All of us grieve their loss deeply with their families and with the Chabad which does such good in the world. I remember as a child the ad, with the song,"you've got to be taught to learn to hate." When will the Muslim world wake up that the ones among them teaching hate need to be stopped by their very own people?
If the terrorists had stopped only for a meal with the Holtzbergs they would have treated them with the same kindness and hospitality that all others received. Instead they killed them, never comprehending they had come into a house of peace and goodness. Where are the terrorists mothers and fathers? They did not teach love. May the memory of the Holtzbergs be a blessing for our people and their sons needs all of our love. Blessings for their brave courageous nanny.
|
I have read all these comments and my heart is warmed even with tears in my eyes. Already the love of people of goodwill is triumphing over evil. I do not mean to diminish this tragedy but the love of and for G-d is glowing from these words of faith and sympathy. I am not Jewish but I am honored to be in this company of good people. I feel safer knowing all of you are in the world.
|
My wife Leah and I watched and prayed to G-d that these two beautiful people, beloved of G-D, would be released. Our hearts our grieved and cried out to G-D enough! when will it stop with your people. Our prayer is now for the family, that G-D will give them strength in the weeks to come.
|
It was with deep sadness that I read about the fate of these beautiful people who ONLY MEANT TO DO GOOD! They are a light unto the world, a beacon of hope. My father of blessed memory and mother always taught us to be tolerant of others that were different than us, one of the many good qualities that Chabad Lubavitch teaches. Chabad never judges what type of person or Jew you are. They are there for you. My parents prayed by Chabad for many years and always received a warm welcoming from the Rabbi and his wife and their lovely family. G-d Bless the Lubavitchers, they are true Jews, out there taking care of others, putting actions to words and not just talking about what they should or could be doing to make things better. My father used to say, "Talk is cheap, DO something!" Well, Chabad does something everyday to make this a better world and bring Moshiach! To all the shluchim out there, be strong! G-d will watch over all of you and keep you safe. Amen.
|
They exemplified a great generosity of spirit and kindness. You can tell it was truly a labor of love . I hope to commit in their honor to do more acts of kindness.
However, that said , the awareness of increasing dangers in the world trouble me.
Unfortunately, world leaders are not taking them seriously enough. I bid all my good brothers and sisters of the world to stay safe and walk this world aware of some of the more unsavory possibilities that can afflict us.
|
Sadness and tears have been in my heart since the news Friday morning. They were wonderful people. You can see it on their faces. May G-d bless little Moshe. May little Moshe be blessed by the memory of his parents and be blessed by what they stood for and the sacrifice they made to care so much for our people and for all peoples.
G-d bless those families it was such a great lights gone out of this world.
|
My heart is aching at this tragedy. I went to bed on shabbos not knowing the outcome and only after shabbat was I able to find the news.
I can't help but believe that G-d knows best the reason for this tragedy and while I am sick with grief over the loss this young child has suffered, I am positive that G-d has something good in store for him.
Please remember the heroic actions of his nanny and may we honor her as a tzaddika, one who truly saved a Jewish life.
Chabad has been so kind to me and my family. It was through Chabad that I met my husband.
|
Let it be known that all the darkness in the world can never ever extinguish the flames of the Sabbath candles nor the Jews of the world! We mourn the loss of two people who did so much for not just Jews, but for all who they helped. May G-d grant you eternal peace! To Rabbi and Rivka's parents our hearts go out to you in this sad time. To Moshe may you know that your Ema And Aba did such great work and we pray that you will go forth and carry on in their footsteps in time to come. Our hearts go out to you and we pray that you will find comfort and peace. With love from all who care enough for LIFE ! ! !
|
i am saddened by this tragedy. I don't understand why people cannot live together in peace. We need to bring moshiach as well as peace. Peace among all the nations is what must happen in order for moshiach to come.
|
May we pray to G-d that today's tears of grief are replaced soon with tears of joy. I hope that this shocking tragedy, will make us all work harder for the nation of Israel. I hope and pray that Chabad continue and strengthen their work throughout the world and this does not deter them from brinigng the light of torah to places where most fear to step
My thoughts and prayers are with you
|
My deepest condolences to the families of all the departed.
I've no words to express my appreciation for the unconditional work that Chabad and all of its members do, on a daily basis, in the most unusual places were we, the Jewish people, decide to temporarily or permanently be.
Thank you.......
|
Although not of Jewish faith, I am so sorry at the loss you have suffered and pray the children will be raised to remember their loving and brave parents. Once again hatred has attacked love. But we know that God's love is bigger than hate. My thoughts are with you and all of the victims and the survivors of this tragedy. May God grant us peace and let us live as brothers and sisters.
|
My condolences to all who were hurt.
|
Our condolences to the family of Rabbi Holtzberg and his wife, Rivka, as well as to the Chabad community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May their memories be honoured. The terrorists will never win.
|
For the Soul is what’s forever in the fields of Heaven’s time
But you may not understand this, for your ways are not Mine
For the Soul is My Candle, now I will now hold these in My Arms
And they will shine forever, safe from earthly harm
These lights taken from you, shining as the stars
The Soul here within Me, One within My Heart
The Soul that I create that man cannot take apart
Yes, Moshe,
Everything is One and shines as Love within My Heart
And then the L-rd took two small pieces of Light and placed them within the One young heart of Moshe, and He knew he would be a Light among the Land.
In Lasting Memory,
|
May God provide Moshe's grand parents the patience and the strength so the child does not miss his parents. May God bless them and heal them all.
|
May G-d's light shine forth through his people, as it was by Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and all of the Chabad family. It is the only way we can chase away the darkness. To all of the grieving who have written on these pages, whether Jew, Christian, Islam, Indian or any race or religion - this is not the fault of any one people. This atrocity was caused by the darkness inside of madmen... May we all continue to pray, to do mitzvoh, to practice now keeping Shabbat in preparation for the ultimate Shabbat to come, and to remember in our prayers these self-sacrificing individuals who stood, un-armed before their attackers.
Blessed be the one true judge.
|
In my experience, the Lubavitch are warm and welcoming people. My condolences to the families.
|
My condolences to the families of those who were murdered.
The love, wisdom & justice of G-D shall prevail.
|
May the Holtzbergs find a place at the right hand of G-d. May their son gow-up to remember and treasure his parents. May their light be carried by others. G-d bless them all.
|
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Rabbi Holtzberg and to the Chabad community worldwide.
I am not Jewish but have been familiar with your work. I am also a mother of a two-year old and was praying for little Moshe's parents to be returned to him. It was not to be.
What a senseless tragedy. May G-d bring peace and love to little Moshe and your community.
|
I am absolutely sickened and beyond sadness from all of this. I pray at a Chabad center and thank G-d for these people. Without Chabad, I would find it very difficult to have any interaction with other Jews. These people are dedicated to good and to have such evil is just beyond comprehension.
I wish we could do something for little Moishe. My wife "sings him to sleep" when she is singing our own two-year-old son to sleep. It's all she feels that she can do for him, and she has barely been able to stop crying about it.
I don't understand why G-d would take Moishe's parents away (who were good people) and let other children suffer in bad family situations.
The older I get, the less I understand about this world.
|
These murders of over 180 people including 6 Chabad people in Mumbai is an outrage and a demonstration that we must be diligent in seeking out and eliminating these terrorists.
I think I share not only the Jewish perspective but all people in their outrage and their disgust at these murders of innocent people.
The Rabbi and his Rebbettzin and the other Rabbi and Jews that were murdered in the Chabad facility leaving a 2 year old child in blood is extremely disturbing and needs to be an indicator of our final resolve to this situation.
These indiscriminate murders have been perpetrated by the evil forces in the world lead by Muslim extremists. And this situation must come to an end before there is more bloodshed of innocent victims.
|
Hello,
I am a mother of 4 children 25, 22, and twin girls 10 years old.
We are observing Jews and will be happy to adopt Moshe or give him a home untill a solution will come.
We live in Los Angeles and will make sure the boy will be raised in an orthodox manner.
Please contact us if you need help.
Sincerely,
|
May G-d comfort you along with all those who mourn in Tzion.
|
It is with much sadness that write these words. The senseless loss of innocent life is beyond human understanding. At these times we must reach for a higher form of explanation, G-d. He works in strange ways.
I pray for the safety of little Moishe and his brother in Israel. We are grateful for the selfless heroism of Sandra, his family housekeeper. Her brave escape spared him from destruction.
I am proud that Israel has reached out to accept her. She has been witness to the profound example of true Judaism.
Again, with tears in my eyes, I wish to share my grief and send condolences to the families. This has brought us closer.
|
Can't stop my tears rolling out everytime I see little Moshe's picture and realize what he has lost. I am an Indian Hindu and urge all my Jewish brothers not to stop coming to India and open up hundreds of Chabad houses across the country as a fitting reply to the perpetrators of terrorism in the name of relegion.. God bless the soul of Rabbi and his wife.
|
My heart goes out to all of the families who lost their loved ones in such a brutal manner. The Holtzbergs were murdered because they were Jewish. My heart breaks for lil Moshe and their family. As a convert to be, I know what great work Chabad does for Jews & even non-Jews.
I hope hatred in the world ends NOW!!!
|
My heart is broken over this tragedy. Chabad is to be commended for setting up these outposts around the world where every Jew is welcome. What a terrible terrible disaster to take away such young and gifted people in such a senseless way. There are no words adequate to describe this horror. The tears are flowing. May the familiies of those murdered find comfort in their sorrow.
|
At Bais Menachem of North Miami Beach we started saying tehillim for for Gabbi and Rivki on Thursday, 29th of Cheshvan. Without knowing the outcome of this barbaric act, we prayed for their well being.
Members of our shul were going through emails for any information. We found out what had happened after Shabbos.
I know that CHABAD will stand strong in the face of terrorism just as we stood strong in the face of communism!
|
I've never met the couple, but like so many Jews around the world, hearing stories and watched videos of who they were - I feel very connected to them. When someone passes on they transmit a part of their divine service, their love for Israel, love for G-d, etc. This terrible occurrence means that every Jew who feels connected to them nonetheless gets some type of illumination in their divine service, even the smallest. Like I said, I never met them but after this terrible incident, I can only say that it must be inspired from them. This goes beyond adopting one mitzvah but rather an increase in all matters of mitzvos.
|
At the going down of the sun and in the morning we shall remember. Such a terrible loss, and more so for poor Moshe. May they rest in peace, and may Moshe live to honour their bravery, dedication, compassion and selflessness.
|
Let us remember that the majority of people killed were indians and non-jews. It is very important in this sad time not to make this an "us against them" issue. We are all in solidarity as a world. This was an attack on the world, jew and non-jew alike, and I am deeply saddened as well for the innocent Indian, Filipino, New Zealand and Australian lives taken. May Moshe grow to accomplish great deeds for G-d.
|
The first thought that came to my head upon hearing the news that they were murdered, was how holy their souls must have been. It is the greatest possible merit to die al kiddush Hashem (for the sanctification of G-d's name), and they surely went straight up to Gan Eden with no further questions. In their lifetime they sanctified G-d's name, and in their deaths they did that as well. The pain we feel is so enormous- I feel like I have lost a close relative, even though I never met them. May G-d transform all of our tears of pain and sadness into tears of joy with the coming of the redemption very very soon.
|
I am a Hindu and want to convey my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg's lives. May little Moishe be able to overcome the loss of his parents. It is so sad to see when good people who do selfless service fall victims to senseless violence.
What all of these teaches us is that terrorism has no borders and need to be tackled by all countries jointly. Piecemeal solutions would not work as elimination of terrorists at one place will shift them elsewhere. Also while it is not possible to police every inch of the earth, we can at least try to block all the illegal funding sources and regain the mind-share of disaffected youths from the hate-mongers.
|
I cannot believe how these people attacked like a rabid dog. It was thoughtless. The attacked all over the city and then landed onthe Chabad house and snuffled out lives there. Why? What cause or hurt is great enough to warrant such actions? There is no reason to do this ever! No ideology, no religion, no persons are so important that it can give people the right to go out and kill people. None of the people that were randomly shot deserved such a thing. The wonderful people at the Chabad house in Mumbai definitely didn't deserve it. I hope that G-d, the peers of those responsible for planning this killing spree, or the cold winds of life turn their hearts so that they will know that what they did was wrong. My heart goes out to all those who have been hurt by this horrible event
|
I put my 18 month old son to bed tonight and started crying at the thought of the little Moishe that lost his parents. I thanked G-d that all my family is in good health.
I prayed that little Moishe should have a good and happy life. I also prayed for all the other families that were affected by this terrible incident.
I hope we won't have to see these kind of incidents again, but as Churchill said: "hope for the best and prepare for the worst." All Chabad shluhim should be armed wherever the local law allows it and should be trained to respond to terrorists.
|
I was never privlidged to know the Rabbi and his Rebbitzin however, the fact that this young man learned ritual slaughter and circumcision in order to work in a far-flung Chabad house far away from family, friends, and all of the comforts we enjoy living in large Jewish communities makes him all the more amazing. I will forever be touched by the amazing stories that are already coming out about this remarkable couple. I hope that in their merit that people can take on one, however small or large, mitzvah and add it to their lives. This couple along with all of the other Jewish people who were senselessly slaughtered should never be forgotten. May they look down from heaven and receive nachas from their children. May they both grow to be living testiments to their parents and their ultimate sacrifice.
|
As an African American convert to Judaism by about 7 years, the Chabad House system has been a blessing to me and I can't imagine having a sacred place where the Rebbe of Blessed Memory's mission is brought to a halt by such senseless and meaningless bloodshed. Baruch Dayan Ha-Emet, that Rabbi Holtzberg and his wife Rivkah should rest in Gan Eden and their son Moshe should be blessed in their merit. I hope this shows the world that militant Islam is at the heart and not the periphery and has to be stopped. We need Moshiach now, esp in times like this...
|
Dearest Israeli Friends
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the death of these beautiful children of God in the hands of murderous hate filled terrorists from Pakistan
India has been a safe haven for people of all religions for thousands of years. Some of the original lost tribes of Israel found shelter and success in India. Zoroastrians persecuted by Muslims in Iran found shelter in India 100's of years ago.
I feel so sad that such good people have been tortured maimed and brutalized over the centuries -- first in Europe -- then now in the middle east.
I want to assure all my Jewish friends to know that this was the work of hate filled terrorists from Pakistan -- and not the work of Indians
We Indians not only tolerate -- but accept with love people from all faiths -- including the loving Jewish people
Please again accept our most sincere condolences
|
My heart is broken for you little child....your light dimmed but not for long... may you grow up to be a very confident and courageous young man and may you profess to the world that G-ds Love endures for ever and ever...Bless your grandparents as they prepare to take care of you and also may G-d bless Sandra your nanny who loves you and cares dearly for you. May you be at peace and much love to you little Moshe....Im very sorry this happened to you little dear.... very sorry.
|
The only way for us to fight hatred us through love- don't give up.
|
The first Chabad Rebbe said we have to live with the times, meaning look to the eternal truth of the Torah portion for insight each day. The first line of today's reading and Rashi's commentary provides a clear teaching:
"And Jacob left." Scripture had only to write: “And Jacob went to Haran.” Why did it mention his departure? But this tells [us] that the departure of a righteous man from a place makes an impression, for while the righteous man is in the city, he is its beauty, he is its splendor, he is its majesty. When he departs from there, its beauty has departed, its splendor has departed, its majesty has departed. And likewise (Ruth 1:7): “And she went forth from the place,”.
Gavriel and Rivka, you will be in our hearts forever.
|
my dear gavriel, dear rivky,
I hope you are able to read or to hear what it said now on this earth but I just want to tell you that my heart is full of pain, you look so happy in your holy occupation, a meaningful life stoped by those evil, those criminals.
I wish that our Rebbe was physically here, to explain to us what happened... Should G-d keep your soul and your wife's soul and should G-d keep your little Moshele. G-d bless you and your family
|
I am not habad but respect habad, I respect every Jew believing in G-d. I want you to know I am sure G-d gave them a place near him in Gan Eden, they were a wonderful couple. I prayed for little Moshe, that he grows up strong, and that habad will take care of him forever. I am sure Moshe will be our next leader. I hope he will have a beautiful life.
Habad please, send guns and training to your emissaries in dangerous places. King David prayed and had a sword too...
|
I've never met the Rabbi or his wife, but hearing that good people died break my heart. The world need more good people. I also want to thank the Chabad organization and to Rabbi Mintz from Colorado who knew Rabb Holtzberg for their warmth and for letting me into his Purim party for free. Thet thought me that religion it's not a scary thing and help me get closer to my Judaism.
|
I am so so saddened by this news, the loss of two amazing blessed people. I have no words, but those of gratitude for Chabad, and sincere condolences for this terrible terrible loss.
|
Gavriel Holtzberg and Rivka did nothing wrong to deserve this. The mistery of why G-d let this things occur is something not revealed to us, for the moment. They gave their lives, the most precious gift we can give. G-d bless them.
|
Like many citizens in the United States, I watched the Mumbai tragedy unfold on my TV screen. I never knew your friends, but I did pray for them to receive a miracle in their time of need. Even though many died, their little boy was spared! Praise the Almighty! As a dedicated Christian, I pray regularly for the peace of Jerusalem and her true citizens throughout the world. The Jewish community has suffered so much for so long; but yet, you have given the world so much. This week another wonderful gift was given by several of your Rabbis during interviews on various news broadcasts. How impressive and touching it was to hear the love in their hearts, even toward those who have unmercifully inflicted such horrible pain on them and their loved ones. It was the most beautiful witness of the goodness of God that the world has heard in response to the evil actions of sadistic men. Your Mumbai friends did not perish in vain, but the good Lord used this horrible tragedy to demonstrate His enormous love for mankind. I pray for you to be comforted and encouraged at this time of great loss. There are non-Jewish people who really do care about you.
|
I have no experience with them, but have always admired the work that Chabad emissaries do. However, I feel like I did know them, it has affected me so much, and what happened there will never be forgotten.
|
I was away celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday out of town and I was glued to the TV in my hotel room and in the coffee area. During the morning, I had occasion to speak with non-Jew from Tulsa, Ok.The woman and I began to speak about what was happening and she said that she could not believe that people were so mean and horrible and her heart went out to the families, especially the children of the the Rabbi in India. This woman was a woman who was very devout and it did gladden my heart a bit that other people, who are not of our faith, feel for the tragedy that has befallen us. She told me that on Sunday, when she was going to church she was going to light a special candle for the Rabbi and his wife. My conversation with this woman, gave me hope that in the midst of this terrible time that a small glimmer of tolerance might emerge. May we know no more sorrow and we have only celebrate Simchas together.
|
After the anger and desire for revenge has died down the Jewish world has responded in only the way Jews do, not by apportioning blame but by reflecting and looking at ways that we can improve our actions to merit a 'kinder' response from G-d in the future.
People have taken on to perform extra mitzvot and deeds of goodness and kindness. Every mitzvah we do brings more light and enlightenment to a bedarkened world in sore need of it.
Kudos to everyone who has already taken on to do their part in correcting the situation, and come on you others if you have not yet committed to helping.
The husband and wife team were special individuals - emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, but as the Rebbe pointed out often, every Jew is a shliach and representative of G-d in this world. After the events settle I am sure we will see many eager to fill the 'large shoes' of these two unfortunate souls who died 'Al Kiddush Hashem' - for the sanctification of G-d's Name.
May we all continue their unfinished work.
|
What we should all learn from this tragedy is that good people, be they Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, etc, need to stand together and put a stop once and for all to world terrorism. It is time to say enough to the people in our world who prey on innocent, G-d fearing men and women (and children) who are trying to do good in the world. Jews especially need to stand together! May G-d bless the families of the Holtzbergs, the nanny,and protect Moshe.
|
I was on a cruise ship when we heard about the tragedy. Because of the wonderful Chabbad family that I had the honor of knowing well for many years, I know the dedication it takes to do their work. We had services on the ship Friday night and said Kaddish for the Holtzberg's. There were Jews from England, Russia and the US...various beliefs that came together in mourning. That is the essence of Chabbad...bringing us all together as Jews. It has been incredible reading all the stories about this wonderful couple. What an amazing sacrafice the Holztzberg's made. The saddest part is Moishe will never have the memories of his parents that every child deserves. I hope when he is old enough someone haw put all these letters and articles together in a book that he can read and know how loved and awesome his parents were. There are so many people that admired your parents Moishe, yet never had honor of meeting them...
|
What a sad tragedy considering how good and selfless sacrifices that Rabbi and wife gave to communities.
May G-d comfort the families and give strength to overcome these.
|
How tragic and how incomprehensible. What harm had Rabbi and Rebbitzen Holtzberg done that they should be targeted? All they were trying to do was good, facilitating observance for the Israeli businesspeople and encouraging young Jews seeking spirituality in Eastern faiths to find it in their own. I can only square this by seeing them as examples of martyrdom for the sanctification of the name. How tragic that it still happens!
|
god bless the orphan child
|
This great tragedy is a also a triumph for Chabad and the Jewish people. I am amazed by your organization and your representatives can be serving Jews and Jewish communities throughout the world. Thanks to Chabad, Jews can live almost anywhere in the world and live as observant a life if they so choose. They can learn about our faith and teach their children. These victims did not die in vain. The world knows that Chabad is everywhere.
|
Chazak Chazak..Be strong and let us continue to strengthen one another to build and lift and cheer one another...as Rabbi Holzberg and Rivki did in Mumbi..
Shalom shalom and full comfort to the grieving families and Chabad community all over the world.
|
HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD IS OUR G-D THE ONLY ONE AND SUPRIME G-D.
We are Roman-Catholics and we love our jewish brothers, We are very sorry about this terrible lost of the Rabbi and his wife and are praying for them and their son.
|
Im a practicing Muslim and an Indian, and have friends from all over, Israel, and Pakistan included. I would like to say that I am truly saddened by the recent attacks in Mumbai. My heart reaches out to all affected, the many Hindus and Muslims and people of other faith who lost their lives.
I am also deeply saddened by the death of the young Rabbi who was working to bring the true message of the oneness of God to the Jewish people in Mumbai.
|
and indeed the entire community.
Indians and israelis have been friends for a long time - but politics has hindered a closer relationship - political or otherwise.
May the two young souls rest in peace and may their little son know their parents love and dedication from the grandparents who will raise him.
|
I am grateful to chabad.org for providing a forum for us to comment. It is heartening to see goodness and kind words from all over the world expressing sorrow and condolences to the Holtzberg and Rosenberg families. Along with so many Jews, my heart is broken.
In the words of our beloved Rebbe " Broken hearts can be repaired...with actions to build in light and goodness."
Baruch Dayen Ha Emet
|
As Rabbi Manis Friedman says regarding the ideology of the pertetrators of such violence - if something is good, it will good in the extreme. And, if someting is evil in it's extreme, it wasn't good to start with.
|
Greetings:
as a Hindu and as someone who was born in Mumbai, all mem and women of principle stand with you in your moment of pain and offer our prayers as well for the speedy healing of your community.
|
As an Indian (non-Jewish), I am saddened particularly by the targeting of Jews by these mad men. These Jews were probably the only Jews these barbarians saw in their lives. In India we grow up respecting the intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit of Jews around the world. My humble condolences to everybody who suffered and I trust that Jews would keep coming to Mumbai and other parts of India.
|
The terrorists did not win. They killed two precious lives, but they only destroyed the present. The future is alive. Moshe lives. Their child, left with a legacy of sorrow, is also left with a legacy of grace. Given to him by his parents and the example they set as Jews and as people of great commitment.
Please remember....tommorow lives and a child shall lead them. May those that perished rest in peace, and may those that survived, find resolve and focus and determination in their lives.
|
Our deepest felt condolences to the Holtzberg family and the rest of the victims families. It has been difficult for my wife and I to digest a tragedy like this befalling such a selfless family and our worldwide Chabad community.
|
I am a hindu living in Mumbai. I want to express my sorrow and apologise for the tradegy in Nariman house Mumbai, India.
|
Let me keep this short. The tragedy is so enormous. Many people in Israel have thought of Simcha Holtzberg of righteous memory when hearing about the tragedy in Bombay. Is the Gavriel Holtzberg family related to him? Simcha, "Awi Hapetsu'im", father of the wounded, was extremely well known and loved in Israel. Couuld all of this be connected to him? Thank you for your answer in advance.
|
I would like to send to the Chabad community and to all the Jewish nation, a message of strong support and encouragement, to keep on performing your service of spreading the testimony and word of the Almighty G-d in this world. Even in this moment of sad news, I am sure that the Jewish Nation WILL PREVAIL.
|
My heart goes out to the families of the Rabbi and Rebbetzen. My initial reaction to news of their death was that why should this evil be done to people who only wanted to do good in this world. May they and the others who were killed rest in peace
|
Jews all over the world have been shocked by this terrible tragedy. Perhaps their emotional energy can be harnessed for Torah study through a world-wide campaign to learn Mishnayot in memory of the victims of the attack?
|
My thoughts and prayers go to Moeshe. Seeing the images of a happy Moeshe and then seeing the images of him crying tear me up inside. What a wonderful family enviorment he would have grown up in. His parents were genourous, brave and excellent examples of parents. I hope that when moeshe grows up his family will share with him the love and support pouring out to his family in this very difficult time.
Moeshe your parents loved you more than anyones words can describe. May you always feel their love.
|
My great condolences for the death of Rabbi Goltzberg and his wife, i pray for their son to grow strong in G-d and i wish peace to the whole world. Amen.
|
A deep sadness envelops my heart - such a beautiful young couple, goodness radiates from their faces - to be so brutally cut down - having done so much in their short, young life, with so much more to do - had they been given the chance - when will the world learn to live in peace - my heart goes out to the orphan children and the parents of Gabi and Rivka- and I worry for all our children and grandchildren - G-d give us the strength and wisdom to go on and to do good deeds..
|
I felt very sad to hear the story of the Holtzberg, I was following the news that tragic day as if he was one of my family members, the truth is we all Jews are connected one another and should do something to stop this kind of abuse from happening again, Why can we just defend our self from this terrorist who are just waiting to do harm to us, until when are we just going to sit and enjoy been murder, abused, humiliated and discriminated, we should all do something to defend our self and bring Moshiach soon. May G-d keep the Holtzbergs in Gan Eden and give comfort to their son Moishe.
|
My family and I feel deep sympathy to the relatives of the victims and for the tragic loss of these wonderful people.
We hope one day happy people to live - a life with no pain and hardships.
G-d bless you all .
slavyanka and venny
|
We cannot fathom the intensity of this tragedy until we understand why people murder each other.This is not why we are here.
|
I would like to send out my prayers to all the families who were hurt by this terrible event.
|
Jewish law tells us not to place ourselves in danger, yet expects all of us to enhance G-d's light around the world, in every corner of the globe, to call to Judaism's 'lost souls'. Here is a perfect example of how brave and strong we need to be, in the face of danger, to constantly spread light, love and Jewish life into the homes of our fellows who are devoid of Torah guidance and life's blessings.
May G-d elevate the souls of this brave loyal and caring couple who impacted the lives of so many in this world and now beyond.
|
The only way to battle senseless hatred is with senseless love. The Holtzbergs are a shining example of pure unconditional love for others. We will learn the lessons they have taught and this will be the greatest way to honor them.
|
I see this tragedy has a reminder that there are people who are evil that want to hurt people that are good. People in the U.S. have short memories and treat 911 as a distant memory. The war on terror must continue and we should never undermine those willing to stand up to evil. We should never pander to people that want to destroy what is good in our world. Either you are with us in this fight or against us. There should be no wavering or pandering to terrorist. There is no excuse for these actions. We should all be united against terrorism. Judeo Christian values have been seriously violated !
|
I didn't know the rabbi's family but i feel sad like every Jew in the world for this tragedy.
God bless Jews.
|
i wish i could take him home because deep inside i know how it feels to lose someone like that because my father died in a car crash. i wish a good life even though it will be hard
|
Our deepest condolances to the whole Hertzberg family. Our prayers are for all of you and especially to little Moishele. We pray that he will recover and that Sarah Samuel will be a comfort to him and he to her.
|
Rabbi and Mrs. Hotzberg both lived and dies for the purpose of Kiddush Hashem: Sanctifying the Divine Name and Idea.
As a traditional/ Modern Orthodox Jew, I travel to numerous countries. I always check to see where the local Chabad House is, and understand my options for Shabbat, kosher meat, etc. This is Kiddush Hashem.
I do not subscribe to the beliefs held by some on Chabad about the Moshiach, politics, etc. But the role that Chabad plays -- to be the spiritual ambassadors of the Jewish people, often alongside the Israeli diplomatic presence, in place with little or no organized Jewish presence -- this is Kiddush Hashem.
|
We weep with the entire Jewish community, especially the family and close friends of the wonderful and warm people who have been taken from us in this terrible event, people who did only good, helped mankind, helped fix the world, and we ask G-d, "Why?" Perhaps this is the incident that will awaken the whole world to realize what the Jews and Israel have been enduring for centuries at the hands of these terrorists while the world turns a blind eye to their suffering.
|
May the Divine light of G-d be caused to purify this world by the loss of the beautiful light taken from this world when Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka left it.
May their memory create many angels!
|
I am a US citizen and grew up in Bombay. My ancestral home is in Cochin, Kerala and I own a home in Jew Town there. I am a hindu by birth. I live in Florida now.
I am still overcome with sadness and also anger at what these people did to my beautiful city and to destroy so many innocent lives.
I have many Jewish friends and I feel sadness that in spite of living such peaceful lives in India without any persecution etc, that most of the Jews of India migrated to Israel.
I did my part and contributed what I could to the Chabad effort and this is my earnest plea to all my Jewish brothers and sisters globally.
Go to India. We love you and will always will do so. Rebuild the Chabad house and continue doing the great work. We cannot let some misguided people destroy our lives in India, Israel or anywhere else.
In the end, victory will be ours. Long live Israel and India.
|
My husband and my children and I lived in Mumbai for two years. We know the difficulty of making a life there. Just that they could make a life and have such an impact on so many speaks volumes. My youngest son, Nathanael, was born in Mumbai and will be two in a few weeks. Little Moshe will always be in my prayers as I think of how much his mother loves him. She hears him and will let him know her love for him. I think his name is amazing given the story of Moses. Bless you all.
|
As members of Chabad in TOBC for many many years, it brings us saddness to hear of this tragedy of this young couple and the other Rabbi. Chabad has brought us so much joy, support, love, spirit. Our Rabbi Lypzc and his wife Brochy have enriched our lives and so many others. We feel so connected to Chabad and the wonderful things they do around the world. Chabad has been so welcoming to us no matter how far away from home we have been. We have so much saddness about the slaying of these wonderful people. Our community as a whole and humanity have suffered a tremedous loss but we will do mitzvot in their name. Moshiach Now!
|
As members of Chabad in TOBC for many many years, it brings us saddness to hear of this tragedy of this young couple and the other Rabbi. Chabad has brought us so much joy, support, love, spirit. Our Rabbi Lypzc and his wife Brochy have enriched our lives and so many others. We feel so connected to Chabad and the wonderful things they do around the world. Chabad has been so welcoming to us no matter how far away from home we have been. We have so much saddness about the slaying of these wonderful people. Our community as a whole and humanity have suffered a tremedous loss but we will do mitzvot in their name. Moshiach Now!
|
I do not know the Rabbi and his wife. I am not a converted Jew but I have read Torah on my own for years now. Since this has happened, my faith in G-d, prayer and the need for Torah study has only strengthened. Peace and love to their little one, in particular, and their family in this trying time.
|
My heart bleeds over the tragedy in Bombay, India. Such a waste! I did not have the pleasure to know Rabbi and Rebbetzin Holtzberg, but somehow I can mourn them as family.
|
I am an Indian (born Hindu, not very religious) and ashamed that we were not able to prevent the brutal killing of Moshe's parents. Moshe is the future of humanity and we stand as guilty for depriving him of his parents. I sincerely wish that Moshe would grow into a wonderful human being, his tears would turn into smiles, would be able to forgive us all and heal the world and make every one of us proud.
|
As an Indian, I wish to express my condolence to the Jewish community. I wish to express my solidarity with the Jewish community of India and beyond. The Jewish community has been part of the mosaic of my country India and their contribution to my city of Mumbai has been immense. I hope that the Jewish community always feels welcome in my city of Mumbai and in my country , India.
We have to stay united to win against the perpetraters of this dastardly crime.
I cannot express my grief at the loss of life of the Rabbi and his wife.
My thoughts and prayers are with their son.
May the almighty grant them peace.
|
I am an American-Muslim from Washington, DC and I wanted to express my deepest condolences to the Chabad and Jewish communities. This was an act of cowardly proportions and these men do not represent Islam. They thrive off of the exploitative brainwashings of extremist networks and they have no regard for life. My community here in the US tries so hard to represent an open and peaceful image of islam through our daily interactions with our colleagues and neighbors and we move forward ten steps in a year. The terrorists set us back 100s of steps in one day. I hope your community emerges stronger from this tragedy and i hope Muslims and Jews can work together in confidence, as children of Abraham. That will be far more damaging to the terrorists than any bomb we throw their way.
|
I dont know if Israel and India have had a longstanding and a good relationship or not but I do know that we do have many many Israelis visit India. And they are always welcome to India !!! But I would like to see India a secure safe country to travel to and live in. I would like to see them take beautiful memories of india and its hospitality and share them back home. I felt very very sad for the millions of victims of the holocaust and i felt very sad also for the victims of the mumbai attack. These people are so terrible and sick.
If there is anything I can do to help lessen the lifelong pain, I shall be very glad to do. Forever.
|
After watching, listening to, and reading endless reports of the Nariman House tragedy, the most poignant image to me was that of Rabbi & Rebbitzen Holzberg officiating at the wedding of one anonymous couple.
Who is this couple? Were they travelers through India? If so, why did they choose to get married at that time? Was it planned in advance, or, as the bride appeared in her spontaneously-planned attire, was it a spur of the moment decision? Did Gavriel and Rivka inspire them to make their relationship valid, while they were on vacation? Or, if they were living in Mumbai, did the Holtzbergs convey to them to importance of sanctifying one's relationship through marriage?
The devotion to the event that emanates from the faces of the humble rabbi and rebbitzen, as well as the anticipation that radiates from the couple, is telling. That they chose to get married in this simple manner, as opposed to the massive, obsessively planned, grand events that weddings have morphed into (& that oftentimes are the stuff of the proverbial wedding nightmare!) speaks volumes.
We don't know who the couple are, but we do know this: that something about the Holtzberg's inspired them. And now this couple will forever live with the joy and blessings that such a selfless Rabbi and Rebbitzen performed their vows.
|
May all the love and support to Moshe enable him to grow into something great in response to this tragedy. Through such pain can come a great light to fight off evil.
My condolences to the Chabad community for their great loss. I love going to Chabad and I know how much they bring to the world. I can thank them for my deeper understanding of Judaism.
|
I am sorry for all bright lights that were lost during this tragedy, during tragedies before. When, oh when will You, Our G-d, will notice our sufferings????!!! When You, Our G-d will collect the debt that is long overdue !!!!!!!!??????
|
May their names be for a blessing and may all those who mourn be comforted! this is just heartbreaking!
|
We can ask why but there just is no answer. This is simply the worst type of tragedy and the steps that the Jewish people take to fight this egregious threat I fully support and I'm sure all honest, compassionate and decent human beings do as well. The world, especially the Jews, are again dealing with subhuman, animal-like beasts. These beasts are the real untermensches. Despite their grief, the Jewish people should stand strong and unite together in peace and harmony in their own land once again. It's very pleasing and beautiful to see so many caring people from all walks of life come together and demonstrate that this world is not really so ominous but rather full of hope. G-d should bless all of you who want to make this world a better place. Lets take a lesson from this tragedy and show these animals our strong resolve by doing acts of kindness in the name of the rabbi. They were so beautiful. The soul's of the rabbi and his wife should continue to rise higher and higher HY"D.
|
There is nothing to say.... G-d has certainly taken some of our best, My prayer is for some immediate good to come from this. They were young, vibrant, optimistic and so good for the community...
The world should point their fingers at the evil that has caused this and bring forth much light.
|
I don't write this in the heat of the moment nor with any malice, however, to say that these acts perpetrated by Muslims in the name of Islam is not what Islam is about may be true theoretically, but it just doesn't ring true. Not until Islamic leaders, Imams and others en-mass publically distance themselves from similar acts and say so categorically, will statements that they are not representative of Islam impress or mean anything. If what you say is true, why do we constantly see similar acts repeated time and again in the name of Islam?
|
I don't write this in the heat of the moment nor with any malice, however, to say that these acts perpetrated by Muslims in the name of Islam is not what Islam is about may be true theoretically, but it just doesn't ring true. Not until Islamic leaders, Imams and others en-mass publically distance themselves from similar acts and say so categorically, will statements that they are not representative of Islam impress or mean anything. If what you say is true, why do we constantly see similar acts repeated time and again in the name of Islam?
|
Jews and Chabad emissaries in particular should know how to use handguns. G-d forbid, but don't think this won't make other emissaries possible targets; they are too easy to find. May we all do more mitzvot, give charity, pray and learn to use guns. I keep one handy in my home and when I travel. Call me a redneck Jew, but I can defend myself AND you!
|
I am so upset with the human race. Is there no heart, is there no thoughts, is there no remorse? G-d be with them always, and G-d stay with us, we need you to guide us to greener pastures.
|
This is a tragedy on a universal scale, and yet all too personal. Please G-d bless all the victims of the Mumbai massacres and let little Moshe have a blessed, happy life full of joy and inspiration from the example of his parents, whose own beautiful lives were cut short tragically and senselessly.
This is a hole that will never be filled.
|
Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka were true heroes. They gave their lives spreading education and Judaism...great people who I wish I had met. My husband and I join everyone in mourning these beautiful human beings in this senseless, barbaric act of hate and terrorism. May their Jewish souls be blessed and may they be remembered for their mitzvot.
|
How sad and heartbreaking for all, this shows me that we are not safe anywhere in the World!!!!
|
I have no words only tears and faith.... Today we are all Chabad...
|
May G-d avenge their blood. In order to counteract the evil and terror with which the terrorists inflicted onto this world, I take upon myself to learn Sefer Hamitzvos until 19 Kislev.
|
I am praying for their holy souls and for the welfare of their child.
|
My heart aches and I have cried as though they were my own children. Please accept my deepest condolences. May their memory be blessed Shalom
|
There are simply no words . . . our dear colleagues, brother and sister, Rabbi Gabi & Rivka Holtzberg have been murdered.
They lived the ultimate of self-sacrifice, culminated their physical lives down here on this earth with the true sanctification of G-d's name - being murdered simply because they were Jewish.
The voices of Rabbi Gabi & Rivka’s blood “is crying to me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10).
At a time so painful like this, we cannot remain silent . . we cry out to G-d and ask him to bring the pain and suffering to and end, bring an end or exterminate all fanatic terrorist, and send us our righteous Moshaich, who will usher in an era of peace and tranquility to this world.
We mourn the loss of modern-day heroes and us at Chabad, we resolve to grow strong and continue to stand as the beacon of light for the Jewish world today.
Rabbi Levi, Rivky & Chayaleh Gansburg. May G-d avenge your blood, and may your memories be a blessing.
We are crying along with all Israel.
|
For Elisa - I don't consider you a "red neck Jew", but rather an AMERICAN who will defend himself and his family and each one of us through the Second Amendment. May G-d bless you and welcome those who were slaughtered in India.
|
May G-d give favour twith our departed Jewish family, and may peace be with the families of the departed. May G-d sending an angels to guard our people through-out the world until we all return to our Home and the Temple is built to Praise our G-d. We pray that that all Jewish people meet again in Jerusalem at G-d's appointed time. .
|
A tragedy beyond the human tongue. Yet Chabad's, our, reaction is not for vengeance but for mitsvah...not for blood but for goodness. I'm so proud to be a Jew!
|
This is a tragedy for all Jews around the world. May we only get stronger and defeat the terrorist purpose. United we stand! My condolenses to the families and friends and all associates of Chabat. We all feel the pain. May the children of the terrorist feel our pain in 100 fold. Amen!
|
The tragedy in Mumbai has deeply touched me. On Sunday, as a Christian pastor, I addressed the issue of the great evil that is in the world, sharing with two congregations the story of the Holtzbergs and reading from one of Rabbi Freeman's articles on their tragic death.
At the end of the services, I lit a candle, praying to G-d that we did this act "in defiance of the darkness" that is in the world, and committing ourselves to being bearers of light.
May G-d continue to bless the work of Chabad Lubavitch in Mumbai, and may the blessed memory of the Holtzbergs inspire us all to greater service and devotion to G-d.
|
As a mother/parent , I can imagine wanting to shield my child from harm..is this what happened..Perhaps little Moshe had to crawl out from under...he was found with much blood on him.
Blessed is the nanny who took action to save this little one who will now be a very 'famous; orphan in the orphanage that his grandparents operat facilitate in Israel..
I am so sorry for our loss.
|
I have been absolutely heartbroken by this tragedy. How is it possible for human beings to be so ruthless, so completely devoid of compassion and humanity? I cannot imagine the terror and pain those poor people must have gone through during those terrible hours. And that little child---Moishe--what scars will he bear from this terrible ordeal? I pray to G-d that this terrible experience be erased from his mind. And I hope that his poor parents at least had the comfort of knowing, before they died, that their little one had been salvaged from the carnage! I cannot bear to write anymore.
|
this is a tragedy of incomprehensible dimension - based on the confession of the one terrorist captured alive their goal was to murder at least 5,000 innocent souls-so thank G-d they were prevented from accomplishing that - the Rabbi and his wife were indeed magnificent young people whose lives will be sorely missed- but so will the others whose lives were taken as mercilessly and brutally within the confines of the Chabad house and their names should be memorialized as well - I also feel that showing the photo of the survivng terrorist does noone but the murderous people who planned this horrific act any good- his face and name should be removed to let him remain anonymous in his depravity- Another unmentioned tragedy exists here- the Holtzbergs recently had a child die of Tay Sachs disease and another who is living with it in Israel- I wonder whether they had genetic counseling? My prayers,sympathy, and condolences go out to the families of all those whose lives were taken.
|
I called my dental student at the University of PA to ask if she had family in the area, and her family thankfully lives in Bangalore about 700 SE of Mumbai. She thanked me for my call, but expressed her deep sadness that Jews had been attacked. She is an Indian Christian (a very small minority in India) and she believes in the Biblical injunction that one should be kind to G-d's Chosen people, and so was very distraught about the attack on the rabbi and his family. I didn't know them personally, but I extend me deepest sympathy to them and their community.
|
Having been involved with Chabad for quite sometime, I have come to realize that the Shlichim who run Chabad house everywhere, are the most giving and most beautiful people I have ever met. this saddens me so much. There are no words to describe the loss and anger and sadness.
|
So sorry to learn of the atrocities done in Mumbai and more innocent people killed without any mercy.
These animals will surely suffer as they have made so many suffer for their insane beliefs that lead to useless murders of families and young children. My heart goes out to Moshe, he should lead a normal life after such a traumatic event in his young life. He should know how much he is loved and cared for in a time that must be confusing and difficult for him.
May Rabbi Holzberg and his wife Rivka rest in peace knowing that their child will be well looked after and may they dwell with the angels in heaven.
|
The actions of these cowardly sub-humans will only encourage other groups to do the same thing...unfortunatly, I think this is only the beginning...We must be vigilant, strong, brave and get ready to fight for our lives..With G-d's blessing, we will prevail as we have for almost 6,000 years...love our brothers and sisters no matter what their observance level is and G-d will make us victorious over our enemies and may the innocent blood of those martyrs in Mumbai be avenged quiclkly and with no mercy.
|
Baby Moishe,
I pray for you that
G-d will make whole that which
has been
torn apart
I pray that you will
remember
your parents' arms
a circle of warmth
of healing
and forget
what you saw after
their souls ascended
doves above the slaughter
I pray that the courage of
Sandra Samuel
will give birth to
courage for you
and that the love
she showed
will be
your legacy
I pray they will teach you
the ancient prayer
Yisgadal v'yisgadash ....
and to say it
without bitterness
|
It never fails me that no matter what the cause, who the fighting parties are, what part of the world, if there is a Jew in the area then there is a target of opportunity. What in the world could these children of God had done to deserve this fate. What will there little son do when calls for MOMMY. How will he ever enjoy a birthday knowing that his parents were murdered the day before?
|
Having enjoyed the hospitality of Chabad in Boston and the company of a Chabad rabbi in Israel, I find myself with a heavy heart filled with grief regarding the attacks in Mubai. May the memories of those who died at the Mubai Chabad Center be eternal.
|
Genesis 12:3: CURSE THOSE THAT CURSE ISRAEL: "And I will bless them that bless thee and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all nations of the earth be blessed."
Bomb the Al Queda mamzers back into the stone age!
|
I know the Chabad Mantra is for Moshiach and we need him - Now. Once again heretics are at our doorstep. May our prayer be answered and may justice be brought to those that have tried to steal more light from this world. May their souls be protected with our other souls that were taken for Kedushat Hashem (the sanctification of G-d’s name).
|
Myy heart is saddened for the loss of these precious souls. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families and pray that G-d gives them strength to cope. May Moshe have a long and happy life and fulfil the Torah commandments that was so tragically unable to be compleed by his pious parents, may the righteous be remembered for a blessing.
|
For years, jews felt that India is their second home. So friendly and so native.
But the attack on Chabad Rabbi make us to think otherwise.
My heartfelt condolences to Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and Rivika who lost their lives at Nariman House in Mumbai.
The two year old Moshe Holtzberg symbolises that hope is eternal.
Glorified and sanctified be G-d's great name throught the world which he will renew, reviving the dead and raising them to life eternal;
|
Steve Finson wrote:
>We cannot fathom the intensity of this
>tragedy until we understand why people
>murder each other.This is not why we
>are here.
With the greatest of respect, evil murdered these good people and we do not need to know 'why'. To "understand why people murder each other" is not what G-d and His Torah demand. Rather, we are divinely commanded to drive the evil from our midst -- It matters not a whit why these good and holy Jews died in this fashion.
On the other hand, Jews around the world are reacting in ways that honor G-d and his teaching. Acting ethically and with chesed, especially following such evil, is the greatest testament to G-d.
Peace be upon you,
|
Pressure officials at the UN and your government officials to support an official condemnation on terrorism and especially clergy sanctioned violence and suicide bombers. we must react immediately and spread the stories of the tragedy far and wide and recognize that this is another cog in the wheel of hatred felt in so many countries in communities in this world. Let us create a more compassionate world to counter the evil tying to erode it the memory of my friends brother and niece, The Scherr from Baltimore is a tragedy among thiese victims , whose lives were sustained on loving and peaceful relatonships. My daughter spent shabbat with the Hotsbergs in Mumbia last year when she worked for AJWS an spoke of how special there were. And the heroes of thei tragedy should be brought before the world courts to testify against those who created the terror. Let us honor the heros and condemn the terrorist.
|
My blessings go out to the victims of these evildoers.
|
What a waste of human life. That goes without saying. May their souls live on in the way G-d has decreed that they do.
To the families and survivors who must live with this-may G-d give you the strength you need to carry on. May your lives be as normal as possible.
For little Moishe- who will someday learn of why his folks were no longer here to see him and help him grow-may he be reared as his mother and father would have wanted with people who have the strength to teach him not to live with hate in his heart. May he know love and laughter and the ability to cry when needed and be able to smile. May he recall a little of his folks thru his own memories and remember that they were not saints but human beings who did the best they could while on earth and loved him very much, May G-d give him special strength to carry on.
Amen
|
It seems that once we are settled into our daily routines, that we think nothing can startle us. How wrong we are. Thanskgiving Day turned into a Day of Mourning . Even though this horrific attack took place thousands of miles away, in a distant land, the horror of what unfolded on t.v. was unbelievable. How dare they? How dare they? And, yet they did. Mumbai will recover, but the lives snuffed out by these brutal demons will forever impact the rest of the living. I wept bitterly for all that were lost. I think some of the best words I heard were from a young Jewish man, one of the lucky ones who managed to escape the hotel. It went something like this..."We will not let this change us, we will not let these terrorists make us afraid, intimidate us, our lives will not change. In fact we should all be buying plane tickets to Mumbai right now. We will show them they can not win."
Our condolences to all who were lost.
|
The heaviness in my heart remains, but the promise of a light in the brutal darkness comes from the words of the many Muslims, Hindus and Christians who believe as I, an observant Jew do, that only when we all join together in the common cause of peace and acceptance, will we once again be able to experience humanity on earth. Please, everyone, have the courage to stand by your words, and together, let us build a world of peace.
|
The initial appropriate response to this is silence as we learn from Aaron Hacohen (the High Priest) as it says in the Holy Torah that he kept silent upon the untimely death of his sons.
I feel like I have lost family members, even though I have never met Rabbi and Reb Holtzberg.
The only suitable consolation would be to have the resurrection of the dead right away, and the Holtzbergs and other martyrs can be reunited with their loved ones.
|
We are deeply, deeply saddened to hear of this terrible tragedy among the Jewish community in Mumbai.
|
Thank you and condolences to the wonderful people of India who have suffered so much from Islamic terror and yet have shown such tolerence to the minorities, especially the Jewish people.
May the Al-Mighty bless your nation, shield it from any pain and tribulations and grant success in your fight against the evil-doers.
|
The Chabad emissaries around the world will not be deterred in their efforts. This movement has helped energize observance and reignite flames of Jews around the world, including me. The world is a better place because of the work of Lubavitch emissaries around the world and we all need to help this movement however we can.
|
I did not know Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg , but I have now shed tears several times over the past days for them and their family and their precious son. Every time I look at pictures of the boy I am truly stricken with grief for him and for all the people of Israel. My prayer is that this boy will grow up strong and mighty in the land of Israel, and may his heart be healed of this evil crime by the enemies of Judah and Israel.
May God restore, heal, and protect the people and land of Israel.
|
Yes, I too am very sad about what happened to the Holtzbergs -- and sad for the children they left behind. But, I am equally sad for all the other families that have been torn apart in these (and other) senseless acts of terrorism. Why are they not mentioned more herein? As Jews, we can not forget these others -- especially the brave men who lost their lives trying to end this carnage -- only to be shot and killed through their "bullet-proof" vests. They all have a place in my heart and in my prayers. They deserve equal time from all of us!
|
Tears fall from my eyes as I write this. I am a mother and a grandmother. A Jew and an Israeli. A Chabadnick who tried to live according to the teachings of the Rebbe. I will not be at the funeral though all I want to do is to go. Instead I will be teaching a small class of women in a class that I give every Tuesday..this class will be dedicated to their memory. Why did it happen, I am in no place to understand why thngs happen only to realize tht to conquer the darkness we must bring light. A young man stopped by my house to say Psalms only because his life was saved by the Holzbergs. He was "off the path" no interest in anything but being "high" He learned from them what really being high is. They gave him back his life. We must all follow in their example to defeat the darkness. May their memory be for a blessing.
|
I ' an Indian living in Mumbai,. I am not Jewish. I am deeply shocked and hurt. Jews have lived in peace and safety in India for at least a thousand years; this must be the first instance of the organised killing of Jews. My heart goes out to all Jews everywhere.By becoming victims along with my countrymen, they have become my family. I shall make it a point to visit Chabad House frequentlly after it resumes functioning.
|
I am so saddened by the senseless destruction of this young Rabbi's family. As a father, my heart goes out to their young son (Moshe I believe) and the folks now taking care of him. I pray that God give them the courage and strength to overcome this terrible ordeal.
|
I broke into tears when i heard the news about Moishe. never expected that jews would be the target. My love for Moishe, forget not, G-d loves you so much.
|
I have sent messages to many Muslim and Christian families. I ask them to help stop the growing hate in my heart for people who are so intollerant as to resort to murder. I beg one Muslim friend to stand up and make a statement against this kind of horror. I find their silence so loud and clear.
My heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims of such senseless killings. When will the world stand up and support a resolution condemning suicide and other terrlorist attacks on innocent people a CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY. They are not winning friends but creating enemies.This is GENOCIDE and the victims are anybody who does not subscribe to their beliefs. I am fearful for the future generations. If we dont make a change we will have let all the children and grandchildren a bleak future.
People in different coutries should take full page advertising space and fill it with the people who are not afraid to publicly disclaim the evil being perpetrated around the world.
|
I don't know what I have to tell and write down about it. Every day each way of the world attack by terrorists or by violence. When I heard the news about two person of chabad killed by terrorist. Make me sad and make me sad. I pray for their parents and god kill the terrorists. That's my words I can tell.
|
I will enclude Chabad India in my prayers.
Sgalom from Berlin.
|
My heart goes out to your family and to all Chabad and to all of us who felt this tragedy as ours as well...May we know no more such sorrow. And may the world always know the blessings of such people as the Rabbi and Rivky.
|
To honor the lives of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg murdered in Mumbai, I am creating a memorial artwork Rotate Light Before Darkness / גולל אור מפני חשך that will be shown in the “Darkness to Light” exhibition on Chanukah at Emunah College in Jerusalem, travel to museums worldwide, and be accessible as an Internet artwork.
I am inviting synagogues throughout the world to collaborate in creating this digital artwork in which morning tefilah will be seen beginning in Jerusalem and circling around the global.
Please send a photograph of weekday morning tefilah in your shul to melalexenberg@yahoo.com as a jpg image. Since it is already Kislev, I would greatly appreciate receiving your photograph as soon as possible so that the computer-generated artwork will be ready for the Chanukah exhibition in Jerusalem.
Thank you,
Menachem Alexenberg, Professor of Art and Jewish Thought at Emunah College in Jerusalem.
|
Words cannot express my profound sorrow for all members of our beloved chabad. My rabbi attended school with this rabbi who was murdered in Mubai. I have experienced such warmth and acceptance for both me, and my autistic son through the gracious members of our chabad in Annandle, NJ. They have gone out of their way to show us kindness, and what it truly means to be a member of the Jewish community. For such souls to be taken in this mindlessly brutal manner, is beyond all rational thought. Though my dear rabbi would counsel me to reflect upon my thoughts, I can't but look to the United States and to Israel as to their response. May it be a wise and just one.
|
This tragedy has me in tears daily. I am sad to admit that it took this to call me out of a stupor that started with many personal difficulties this year. Rivka's example in life, as exemplified by so many stories and comments, was one I did not know for myself this year until this happened. It was stunning to me that the Rashi for this week's parsha (Toldot) included that Rivka (our matriarch) had encouraged her son Yaacov and told him she would take any curses in a manner which exhibited the nature of women to shield their children from any harm, even at their own peril.
I can only hope that I am able to live up to not only that but the example of keeping positive, open, and hospitable, even during times of personal difficulty. I can only imagine what was through her mind. I am so sorry she did not see that her Moishele survived.
|
Angels are messengers of the God / /
Every religion and it's angels Repa-el and Ari-el.
Angels are messengers for justice and tidings missions / /
To the birth of boys and to the work of poetry.
Angels are guards of every herb and every beast / /
They are people in the semblance,
But with different spirit, other means for creation.
Angels are gate to God, to the humans-either rich or poor / / angels to their task created, and once it done- they destroyed.
So atrocious destruction, annihilation without bridle / /
Made helpless orphans with no merci .
How come the God's scales of justice broke down//
Dying in pain while terrorist counting down.
Please, preserved on us, messengers of people in the sky / /
Rebecca and Gabriel the angels from Israel Jerusalem.
*******************
A sad day to all pepole of israel.
the written above is a translate of a hebrew poem written when the bad news arrived..
|
Cape Town, South Africa held a unity evening last night, where over 200 Jews gathered together and listened to words of strength delivered by Rabbi Goldman and Rabbi Derrin. Everyone thereafter took upon themselves Mitzvos in order to beseech mercy from G-d and to bring more light into this apparently dark world at present.
The Holtzberg's and all those Jews who unfortunately passed on to the next world are heros of Israel who are inspiring all of us to serve G-d and move forward by building stronger foundations in Torah observance.
They are all truly missed!
|
i am very sad
i cry at different times of the day thinking of these wonderful people
G-D BLESS MOSHE
|
Having enjoyed the hospitality of Chabad Houses in Los Angeles, it is especially painful to feel the loss of such kind and gentle people like Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka. May they rest in peace forever, and bring joy and happiness to those in heaven above.
|
I am a grandmother of many and one of these precious souls is in heaven with G-d. It is because of these precious souls that torah mitzvos and judaism is in my life serving mitzvos and learning more. The role of these delicious humans THE HOLTZBERGS is the reason many souls return to G-d with love compassion and a true heart. They were too young to be counted among the departed souls but they were. They will always be part of my life and memory for being able to remember my role in G-d’s world and to know the reminder of the truth can only be set by following the laws of the Torah...
I do not seem to be so blessed with loving those who do bad things in this world but am so blessed to be connected to the race of people who set standards higher than most in the world.....G-d’s world...
|
In the end good will triumph. It now seems this is the hour of darkness but the Lord has the whole world in His hands. Do not buckle under this evil, be sad yes; this is a devestating tragedy but don't let you'r hearts be hardened, this is the mystery between free will and the ever merciful providence of Him Who Loves us. May the good Lord give comfort and console all who's hearts are broken by this; the worst kind of evel man is capable of. We all mourne at your horrific loss. - Rene (a Catholic from Ireland)
|
No doubt the sanctification of G-d's name they did in India and being selfless in their mission. Chabad always is this way and we have much to learn from them. They have many merits and I ache inside about their loss especiallly for their parents and son Moishe. Their place in India was a home away from home for others who need direction or just a warm place. There is no doubt the good they did there while compromising. I wish their famiilies the courage and strength at this time.
|
All muslims aren't terrorists, but all terrorists are muslims.
The terrorists want to murder Jews and others.
Who will avenge their deaths?
|
May He who makes peace comfort all those who mourn for these martyred souls along with all those who mourn for Zion.
It grieves me greatly when any star in the universe of Israel is extinguished.
I feel so inadequate for the task of combatting such evil and call upon all my fellow Jews to do what they can to combat evil in their own sphere of influence and to redeem the world from such horrors and human atrocities by doing mitzvos and practicing charity to the strangers within our gates.
|
All Chabad Rabbis and employees in Chabad houses outside of Western countries, should be trained in self defense, and in the use of weapons.
Today, there are no longer hostages, but victims of terrorists who intend to kill until there last breaths. If we learn that the new Islamic extremists have no intention of freeing any hostages, all terrorists should be confronted with immediate opposition, whether the victims are armed or not. Violent opposition to terrorists by hostages, will serve to deter future Chabad house attacks.The nazis like their modern counterparts (Islamic extremists) had no intention of ever freeing their Jewish captives. Thus, violent opposition to any hostage situation today, is a worthy alternative to certain death, of inaction.
|
With a heavy heart, I am writing this. I am neither a Jew nor a Christian but a Hindu and Indian by birth but currently an American living in US. I feel as if I have lost a family member and would like to apologize for what has happened in the country that I love. I sincerely hope we the people will not allow cruel people to win and express my strong feeling that there cannot be a more critical time for us to unite and tackle the menace. May the souls of everyone who lost their lives, rest in peace.
|
I want to express my deepest sorrow for the victims of this horrible tragedy. I also want to express my gratiitude to Chabad for the wonderful Passover that I had in Rome 25 years ago in Rome when I was a medical student in Italy, far away from my family. Chabad allows Jewish people to connect to their roots all over the world. I have always been grateful for the generosity and kindness shown by Chabad and the sacrifice made by its Rabbis.
|
Chabad in India, like everywhere else is a force for good. It does not harm. It helps. These are people who read books and do acts of charity. They are not warriors. So naturally, they are targets.
A few weeks before, Islamic forces paid $1,300 for each teenage girl in Afghanistan who received a face burning with acid. The purpose: to teach them not to go to school.
What does one do with people like that? Reason does not work. They are enemies of reason, enemies of education, of enlightenment, of humanity, and of God. How many innocents must suffer until justice finally is served?
Chabad will not be burned away by terrorism.
Remember Akiva's words as he also was a victim of terrorism: "My dear children, do not mourn over me! I have attained what I wished for most, the sanctification of God's Name."
Fire did not destroy the Torah, terrorism will not stop the good works of Chabad.
|
Baruch Dayan Emes - may the souls of the Rabbi and his wife and other Jewish victims rest in peace.
Chabad have helped us many times and in many places. May you continue to spread the light of Judaism all over the world, without fear.
|
This is profoundly upsetting. While we wipe the tears of shock and disbelief, we must also remember that holocausts are happening all over the globe, to all peoples, all species, to Mother Earth herself.
We MUST NOT allow ourselves the comfort of revenge as we see it back-firing in Iraq, a nation that had NOTHING to do with the attacks on the WTO. We must never call for acts of violence that end up causing MORE innocent deaths of men, women, children, animals, as we see happening ALL over the globe.
We are never to jump to the conclusion that extremists, "Islamists", or any media given reason or group is responsible as the media today is , in my opinion, inciteful, complicit, and unAmerican in protecting the real culprits who operate like proxy mercenaries .
As Jews, it is our duty and obligation to do the least harm and the most to heal and repair , alleviate suffering from our plates the perameters of possibility.
The world is calling for non-violent ways of living, eating, LIFE
|
My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding Anniversary this past shobbos. Although I am still saddened at what took place in Mumbai; I have to be thankful for the wonderful friends and relatives that we were gathered around. The Rabbi at the Chabad House where I attend services made a beautiful speech in regards to this horrific tradgedy. My family and I knew Gabriel when he was 11. His parents were our landlords and my 3 older children used to play with Gavriel and his siblings. My deepest condolences to the Holtzbergs as well as the Rosenbers. I'm glad that the Nanny got Moshe out safe Yasher Koach! This is the start of Moshiach coming our way. All the letters I have read were an inspiration. 30 years ago who would have thought that there would be so many people having a strong belief in G-d let alone converting. someone has once told me that Moshiach will be coming in economical straits.
|
I pray that this horror spurs all Jews, no matter their affiliation, and all non-Jews--all thinking human beings, to see this as a human rights issue and finally stand up against the twisted scapegoating and hatred toward the Jewish people and Israel. Demand that the United Nations weed out anti-Semitic rhetoric and attitudes that they foster around the world-which now lead to the desk of the President of the General Assembly--appalling! These slanderers give cause and create fear & hatred in the minds of most of the world's population that has never even met a Jewish person! This has to stop. I urge every thinking person to look squarely at the subtle signs, the jokes, the loose comments in their own lives, and sadly, the distortions in children's history books, in art museums and even in travel books. See how the Jewish people, their contributions to the world's religions & cultures are being minimized and erased. A fertile ground for lashing out without recourse.
|
Who can really go against the G-d of Jacob? He will triumph, all violence done against the Holy People and all men of goodwill is futile.
G-d allowed this for a divine purpose to glorify His Name, however difficult and painful it must be to divine that purpose right now.
Blessed be the G-d of Israel
I, a Gentile who loves the Jews, humbly bless Israel! I bless the peace of Jerusalem!
I humbly bless the Chabad martyr of Mumbai and his family his son. Wonderful holy person.
"Ye shall go out with joy and be led forth in peace, the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you...and all the trees of the field will clap their hands..."
I bless the beloved Jews, wonderful people! In the Name of G-d, amen and amen and amen!
|
I remember the Rebbe delivering a talk about how every word and every letter in the torah are exact.
And then the Rebbe said that the torah uses an extra word to describe an animal that is "not pure" instead of just getting to the point and saying "tamei"
The phrasing that the torah uses is a lesson to us how our language should always be pure and positive.
Then I read that Rabbi Holtzberg's final words to the Israeli consulate were "the situation is not good"
Even under duress Rabbi Holtzberg preferred to say "not good" instead of saying "bad"
To me that epitomizes the heart and soul of the Rebbe's shluchim, and makes the loss that much more unbearable.
|
Such a sad ending. This is a perfect tragic example why ZIONISM must remain strong in the Jewish Community. IF we forget, IF we give up more Israeli land back to the arabs, more tragedy will continue! Chabad has brought me back from being a passive Jew, to a very involved Zionist!! Thankyou Rabbi New! Chabad is the best! We will NOT forget you Gavi and Rivky!!
|
Chabad brings goodness and light into the world while these savages bring evil and darkness. Is it any wonder why Chabad would be a target? I sincerely hope that you will continue G-d's work of bringing Jews closer, but at the same time be vigilant against the forces of evil. I hope Chabad reinforces security at all its locations.
|
For all the innocent lives and for the beautiful souls lost in Mumbai we cry and pray
|
Read more feelings on Aish.com
|
Gavriel Holzberg, ZK"L, HY"D
Rivky Holtzberg, ZK"L, HY"D
Rav Bentzion Chroman, ZK"L, HY"D
Rav Leibish Teitelbaum, ZK"L, HY"D
Norma Schwartzblatt-Rabinowitz, ZK"L, HY"D
Yocheved Orpaz, ZK"L, HY"D
May the memory of the saintly be for blessing,
May G-d avenge their blood.
|
I wanted to say how personally touched and moved and more importantly saddened I was by the events in Bombay. I think that we should pray more, give more charity and not to speak badly of others. This way as Jews, we can honor their memories. All Jews throughout the world should unite and try to help the family in any possible way. Let us never forget what happened.
|
with our heart broken, our sympathy and condolences to chabad members, Holtzberg family and all the innocent people who died in those terrible days in India.
|
Our family is saddened by the tragedy that occurred. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Holzberg family. My husband returned from Mumbai a week before the attacks and had been in the Taj Hotel. It could just as easily have been him who had been attacked and we are so thankful to
g-d that he is okay. Chabad has meant a lot to our famuly recently. My husband and I practice Conservative Judaism and our 3 sons have been relatively non-observant. Recently, my 28 year old son has become very involved with Chabad in the Philadelphia area. They have really embraced him and he has a new-found appreciation for Judaism. Thank you!
|
We Catholics mourn the loss of our fellow brothers Jews in Mumbai.
May their families find strength and faith at this time. My heartfelt sympathy to all who are suffering now from this or any other act of terrorism and hatred.
|
Gabi and Rivkah endured personal suffering but selfelssly did Mitvot from morning to night. Their lives are an inspiration to us all. Moishe is an orphan but he has millions of aunts and uncles - the Jewish people. Please let us know how we can contribute to rebuilding Chabad House.
|
Although, I never met these two magnificent people, after everything I have read about their remarkable lives, I want to express my heartfelt sadness to their families. Especially their miracle child who survived, Moshe!!!!
May they rest in peace always with G-D!!!!
Amen...........
|
we should answer very soon, on the similar way, as we did after the Munich Olympic Games 1972..,, before they kill us one-by-one! But not the terrorists only, their mothers, fathers, children! as well. Our human rights feelings and our democratic feelings will kiill us one day. All this is a theater, we can not fight on other way against them. Believe me, I kmow, what I am saying...
|
i don't know them personally, they were I'm sure the most wonderful people. My brothers are shluchim in the United States I know what a shaliach is... Maybe peeople should start looking out when they want to speak badly of others or do something bad to someone else -- how much they make people suffer! Why hurt others? The righteous suffer on the account of them...
|
I am so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful husband and wife. It's terrible that their beautiful son will have to grow up without his parents. Such a tragedy.
|
Please, please take the time to read Tehillim/Psalms 94, the Song of the Day for Wednesday, perhaps not ironically the day that the Mumbai massacres started. We Jewish men almost always mumble our way through this psalm in a rush to take off our tefillin and get to work ... but the psalm deals with exactly these issues. King David asks G-d how long will the wicked rejoice, whether or not those who commit violence can in any way be associated with G-d, and what will become of the evildoers. May we all see G-d repay the murderers in kind, and then we will sing to G-d, the rock of our salvation.
|
My deepest condolences to the Holtzberg family and the Chabad community.
|
when I read news about them it felt like family of a saint left world.. I am hindu and came thru this so wanted to post. I feel saddened by events. I am very impressed by Jewish culture and unity and sure about good future of their son..
|
Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka opened their hearts to others and cared for many. The horrible grief over seeing these two loving people slaughtered is too great. The horror of the evil ordeal is too great. Their lives were ended by those who embrace death, and yet this couple gave life with their abundant acts of kindness toward others. It is this love they gave which I hope to think of, even in the hours of grieving. May G-d bless and keep their children safe, held in arms of kindness and peace for all their days.
|
This question needs to be asked and perhaps answered by someone, even if the answer is unpleasant.
These terrorists knew exactly where, when and who they were after. Nothing they did in Mumbai was by mistake, so to speak. In other words, it does not seem that this was not a random act of Anti-Semitism.
Perhaps the Chabad Houses all over the world must speak up now and write to the public at large about their real mission, which is mainly to provide "a safe place" for people of all faiths and all manners of Jewish belief to experience Jewish Religion and Jewish Culture.
I think that many non-Jews do not understand that the Orthodox Community is quite varied in their approaches and levels of tolerance etc... It could be a good idea especially in light of these brutal attacks to stress some of these particular differences that I myself noticed in the Hasidic Community.
|
Dear All, i believe we need to have a full satellite link up of all continents and express the Chanukah message of light and of Torah as " life is given to us, not to lift or point a finger, but to extend a hand to anyone and everyone in need. There are Seven universal Laws for all Mankind, that the Rebbe, the leading educator of morality in our time, asked us to spread world wide, so that there will be the rule of Law according to mercy and Justice and belief in One, the universal G-d, the G-d of Abraham, G-d of the Jews.
Extend a hand to help another in need, whoever they may be and save, in the Name of G-d, the magnificence of His diversity".
|
Very sad indeed! But we must not lose hope... for no one can phanthom G-ds great purpose for humanity. What will be even more significant is to watch (in the coming years) what will come of their sons, or perhaps the next measures for that very chabad center?
Remembering the Holocaust our deaths were not in vain -- hence the great state of Israel could not have been born.
We are simply not to question WHY such things happen, but to continue to keep FAITH!
We must keep remembering that there is a grand purpose!
|
G-d is Love. When we are insulted and killed, I understand it to be our duty to remain silent, like dust.
We don't know all the details that has lead up to this horrific tragedy.
G-d is Truth, He knows the truth.
There is nothing that escapes the Eye of G-d, He seen everything.
This too will heal, somehow. Maybe not right now, but this too will heal.
We need to Love stronger and really love from the heart and try to really love each other. This could be anyone of us.
True Love will protect us.
|
Once again Jews were targeted and once again Jews were murdered. Once again women were put through uninmaginative circumstances prior to be murdered in front of their husbands by those creatures who believe in Islam. Once again others were murdered as well because they are "kaffirs". And once again a gentile took it upon herself to save a Jewish life.
Didn't the Holocaust teach us anything? When will we learn that the Muslim Brotherhood, the main partner of the Nazis is alive and healthy and creating this terror on innocents around the world? When do we say NO MORE and mean it?!
May Moshe's life be so different than our own in which he won't have to see the Amaleks (Nazis/Muslims) in his time. May his parents' memory never be forgotten.
|
I have listened to fellow Americans attack us. When possible I stop them in their tracks.
If I had an opportunity to take up a gun and help to erradicate ignorant hate and pointless martydom I would.
We sit back comfortable and safe, while our brothers and sisters go in harms way by just doing good.
Please let us know what we can do after we are finished wringing our hands over mindless acts against all of us.
|
I am not Jewish. But I have been to India and Mumbai many times. I am previously aware of the great work of Chabad Lubavitch; it has a fine reputation in India. It is ironic that many of the killed people in the senseless attack were people of peace and love. I, like you, struggle in my own head to work that out and hope God will provide answers. I wish you well and hope for a positive outcome to this very difficult time. God picks times like this to bring blessings.
|
The world will never change. Jews are hated and will continue to be targeted throughout the world. Only now, it is done in smaller increments but it is just a matter of time when more incidents will occur. The people that perform these acts of terror are pathetic and unhappy and will always look for blame. We are lucky to have Israel still viligilent but the terror will continue. It grieves me to say this but I believe it is true.
|
To hate with such depth that killing will not satisfy....no....they had to torture their victims as well. It saddens me even more to think what that t2 year old boy actually saw and experienced. Although he could not comprehend his experience, it will affect and haunt him forever. May G-d comfort and guide him throughout his life.
|
I too feel a great deal of anger, frustration, and resignation at the tragically misguided actions of an equally misguided group.
I am, however, equally gratified, proud, and appreciative at the peaceful, yet powerful, response of the Jewish Community to this outrage.
I fervently hope that this Response will further demonstrate to those who wish us harm our strength and resilience.
We will never forget our Fallen Heroes!
|
Unfortunately we find ourselves in the midst of a new tragedy for the Jewish people. All I would like to do at this moment is take time to pray that G-d pour out his overwhelming mercy, comfort, peace, tranquility and love on baby Moshe that survived this unbelievable tragedy. To his family I pray for strength and serenity to move on and that they may be able to transmit the love and peace that this child needs to go on in life. May G-d bless you and keep you like he has done until now for the rest of your days, Moshe.
Love, The Ramos-Montanez Family
|
With a few days passed by, I thought I would feel a little better, but I am afraid it has not been the case, there is not a minute of the day that I do not find my mind thinking about what has happened, I don't think months or years will change what I feel and many millions of us around the world I am sure will feel the same. There has to come a time were we as Jews say enough is enough, No More will we take this, this is not G-Ds will. Would it be G-Ds will to have people doing his work removed, murdered, slaughtered? No it would not, otherwise all we believe in as Jews would not be. I pray that we find the strength as a nation to unite for once and stand up to this and say NO MORE! This is a Holy war not only for Jews around the World but every so called "Infidel" as they these dirty cowardly evil disgusting terrorists refer to everyone that is non muslim. We should no longer wait for them to come to us, but we should go to them! lets not wait for another of our people to Die!
|
No word can express the pain of rabbi family and families of hundreds of others who were slaughtered or injured.
These terrorists have no religion and they should be wiped out from the face of the earth.
My deepest sympathies to the rabbi's fmly and others. Hopefully Indian govt will wake up and will not let this go as another unfortunate incidence
|
Why do Jews forget history? These murders are nothing new. Every Jewish installation in the world chould have security guards. The world puts precious little value on Jewish lives. We must look out for ourselves.
|
My sincere condolences for Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife, Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg. I pray that their son, Moshe gets all the love, care and comfort he needs from everyone around him. Everytime I see his picture crying for his parents, my heart yearns to comfort him. I wish that he gets the very best in life always. My prayers are with him.
|
I can't express how sad I am right now. even though I`m not a Jew. but I really care for the human life. no human soul deserve to be slaughtered like this way. Not Jew or Christian or Muslim.
We need to live in a peaceful world.
|
I am very sorry for your loss. These are wonderful people who continue to do great things through inspiration and I'm sure Moshe will do great things. I spent many Shabbosos in Chabad in Boston and the warmth, learning and greatness is always evident. I love Chabad and they do some of the greatest work in the world. May there be goodness for all the family, Chabad, all Jews and all of G-d's children and some day we'll all be reunited with the coming of Moshiach, may it be soon.
|
What can a human being say but that evil again showed it's ugly head, and we all pray for the family of the murder victims that G-d will give them peace. My family is Catholic, and I will go to church this week and pray for the Jewish people that they will be given some rest from relentless war against them by the Islamic world.
|
I am an Indian. I am deeply saddened by the Rabbi and his wife’s death.
I hope you all can build a thousand Chabads in India, because I have been living in the United States for 18 years and wherever there are Jewish People, there is prosperity. I like the Jewish People.
I pray to G-d for Rabbi and his wife (don't under stand why the "O" is hyphened”)
Quick Question: Can anybody become an orthodox Jew? I will appreciate an answer from somebody.
Sincerely,
|
The Rabbi and his wife and for all our brothers and sisters murdered in the criminal attack in Bombay -- may their memories be blessed. We had a special kadish for them in our synagogue in Guatemala City, and we are really sad. May G-d Bless them for ever.
|
In the aftermath of such tragedy, let us not lose sight of the meaning behind this prayer in Jewish scripture:
Grant us peace, Thy most precious gift, O thou eternal source of peace. May our nation always be a stronghold of peace and its advocate in the council of nations.
|
I am a Catholic, but I am so saddened by your loss. This wonderful little boy will never know the love and warmth of his parents as he enters into childhood and eventually adulthood. I wish he receives all the love, warmth, and care from all of those who now surround him. I hope he is taught how his parents loved him and cared for others. Hopefully he will follow in their footsteps and teach of love and peace.
Hatred is an evil act and is growing stronger every day. It is so sad to see the world growing darker and darker.
|
Dear all
It was with absolute shock and horror that I heard about the attacks on the Mumbai center
I am sure that the hopes of the world are with the victims of this senseless tragedy.
We will never forget our Fallen Heroes!
|
I never met the Holtzbergs, but I have been a frequent guest at Beit Chabad across Asia. Their loss is devastating to our community. However, I hope that the example of their love and kindness helps inspire us all.
|
ALthough i cant say Im much knowledageable of the TOrah. I beleive I have faith in G-D. and I beleieve in Forgiveness and that whomever is responsible needs to look at there own evil straight in the face. I feel so bad mostly for the immediate family, G-d will be stronger now. Let this be a motivator to bring peace among all nations. excerting our hate and anger will only exasperate the problem. we must look at the root cause. I believe love and compassion will be the way to heal those wounded .
|
This is the first time , as far as I know, that a Rebbe's Shaliach has such a tragedy.
May G-d Bles your souls.
|
We are all terribly affected by this horrific nightmare.
Besides doing Mitzvahs to counteract this, we should protect our Chabad houses with extra security as well.
I read in an Israeli newspaper that Israel will provide more security to Chabad houses.
In addition to this:
Are the Chabad rabbis receptive to carrying guns?
It seems like the Chabad houses in exotic locations will need to carry a gun besides having security. The Rebbe teaches us that we must protect ourselves. These are 2 ways of adding protection. Maybe tefillin and guns do go hand in hand after all.
To all Chabad rabbis:
Thank you for making this world a better place.
Please keep on changing the world, just add security and please carry guns for your sake our sake as well.
|
I am neither Indian nor Jewish but all lives were touched by this violent act, and I want to join my condolences with the others.
The whole world watches you, Israel, even as you mourn. We see you face challenge after challenge and still you hold to your Divine legacy and inheritance.
My thougts and prayers are with you as a friend.
|
Why do they hate us so much? How do they know to hurt us in the worst possible way? May G-O-D avenge their blood.
|
I never met them but like every other Chabad house Rabbi and Rabbi wife I am sure they were loving and kind and open hearted people, who invite you with a unique spiritual love and welcoming way to their house and life.
Because of college and travel I have been to a few Chabd houses and every house is as loving and friendly as the other.
Rock on Chabad Rock on
p.s. I will put on teffiline today remembering them
|
mourns your loss. our city was unprepared to protect them and others against the menace of terrorism. i was touched to hear of their good work in mumbai. my heart goes out to their families, especially their young son.
let the passage of time not forget their sacrifice
|
Even though not a jew, I find it terrible these attacks against jews. But Gods revenge will come....
|
My gratitude goes out to Sandra. My love goes out ot Moishe and Sandra. May the Lubavitcher community do everything it can to keep them together. She is his surrogate mother. Rivkah chose her wisely. I pray that Moishe will be taken in by a loving couple who will raise him as their own. He does not belong in an orphanage. He should not become a "mascot" for the Lubvaticher community. He needs to be raised in a normal environment, not in an institution. He needs an abba and ima.
|
I am posting again after having seen the pictures of this young couple whose lives were so tragically and senselessly truncated. The more I read about the execrable carnage that took place in Mumbay, the more my heart aches. I am a catholic and supposed to be forgiving, but I cannot forgive the bloody terrorists who took so many lives with their vile actions. May all victims rest in peace after their untimely deaths.
|
The cry of little Moshe for his mother during the funeral brought tears in my eyes.
But if we reply to hate with hate we bring ourselves down to their level.
As Mahatma Gandhi rightly said, "An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind."
So with Love we have to conquer hate.
The work and dedication of the Holtzbergs have not gone in vain. Through their death we have come to know of their Life and their works.
Let there be Peace and Love.
|
I wish to offer my condolences. I feel for dear Moshe. I hope the almightly gives him strength. I cannot understand what makes people carry out these inhuman acts. I hope that there is some mechanism in my native country India so that such acts can never happen again and all visitors feel at home and always feel welcome.
I wish to offer my condolence to the Jewish Community of India and to those of Israel.
India mourns for our own dead and for those precious guests of ours from abroad who lost their lives in my country.
A silent prayer for these souls to rest in peace and for the family members to have strength to cope with this immense tragedy.
|
...but those of prayer:
May His great Name grow exalted and sanctified in the world that He created as He willed. May He give reign to His kingship in your lifetimes and in your days, and in the lifetimes of the entire Family of Israel, swiftly and soon.
Now say: Amen. May His great Name be blessed forever and ever.
Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled, mighty, upraised, and lauded be the Name of the Holy One. Blessed is He, beyond any blessing and song, praise and consolation that are uttered in the world.
Now say: Amen.
May there be abundant peace from Heaven and life upon us and upon all Israel. Now say: Amen.
He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace, upon us and upon all Israel. Now say: Amen.
And to those who lost their loved ones, may the Omnipresent comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
|
And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
The solution is through prayers. May G-d answer ours. Not until then, will we have true peace.
|
I hope the families of the victims can take solace that so many people around the world have them in their thoughts and prayers regardless of faith, belief, or political affiliation. It is through our love for our fellow man where G-d's light shines through. My thoughts are with Moshe and his nanny, a brave, selfless woman who risked her life to save his. Let us honor her courage as well as the memory of those who perished over those three terrible days. There is nothing to be said that can make sense of this; except that we here on Earth must honor their memory.
|
I am in Indian & live in New York.
I have high regards for them.
They are in my prayers.
|
As a Hindu, I offer my deepest sympathy to the Jews murdered in this gruesome attack. Hindus and Jews have co-existed peacefully for many years and this trend will continue.
As an Indian, I offer my fullest support to the State of Israel. In this dark hour, nations like India and Israel need to stand together and face the common enemy.
May God bless the souls of all those who lost their lives in Mumbai terror attack.
|
To Chabad and its mission:
Your resiliency to bounce back from such atrocity is so typical of the energy beehind Chabad.
Deepest sympathies to the family from Bergen County , NJ
|
I am not religious, I live in London and I just wanted to express my deep sadness for all those murdered. I will carry the image of little Moshe crying for his mother for a very long time. My only consolation is knowing that he will be surrounded by love.
|
I am deeply saddened by this needless killing of innocent victims. May G-d have mercy on those who did this terrible thing. Baruch Atah '' Eloheinu Dayan Emet. May their names be for a blessing. A dark day for the Jewish People and all of Israel. I will pray for them and say Kaddish.
|
I too wish to offer offer my condolences.
I am not Jewish, but I believe that the Jews are Gods Chosen people and that Israel is His land. It is little wonder evil men despise both.
I am not a wealthy woman, but I will, with thanksgiving, send what I can to help the surviving child. And I pray that the eyes of Israel's enemies may be open, that they may at last see the peace of God.
Know this, Israel, you have many friends.
Shalom
|
What happened in Mumbai was senseless and evil. My thoughts and prayers are with little Moshe, who can grow up proud in the light of his parents' legacy.
As someone who is not particularly religious but has benefitted from the hospitality of the Chabad movement in various places throughout the world, I know exactly the kind of people Gavriel and Rivka would have been, and know that the mizvot, prayers and love expressed would have been exactly what they would have wanted. I cannot understand why anyone would choose to murder such wonderful selfless people, and I hope that those responsible are brought to justice, be it in this world or the next.
|
I did not know the Rabbi or his wife. I'm not Jewish either. But I wanted to post my condolences and sorrow about this awful senseless tragedy.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected and my heart goes out to the Rabbi's family and friends, and especially to little Moishe, who is a similar age to my own son.
G-d bless you all in these hard times.
|
May G-d comfort all who mourn; especially the family of Gabi and Rivka. Precious in G-d's sight is the passing of His beloved
|
It is so easy to forget that G-d is always with us, even during such horrific events. G-d will judge harshly the cowards who took so many innocent lives . This breaks my heart. But I do believe that even in the darkest hour those who serve the L-rd feel His arms around them, and they are comforted by His love.
|
I am still unable to believe what happened. I am very sad. My sincere condolences to the Jewish community all over the world.
Sincerely.
|
I feel deeply saddened by the loss of life in Mumbai in this recent terror attack. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the people who died in the Chabad House. I am not Jewish, but from what I know of the Chabad movement, it has deeply American roots and an attack on Chabad is an attack on all Americans. I pray that G-d will comfort the grieving, heal the injured, and give strength to all good people to bring hope and light in this dark world.
|
To the family and friends of Rabbi Gabi and Rivkah Holtzberg, my deepest condolences go out to all that were affected.
My heart especially goes out to the two beautiful children.
May we overcome these hard times and against the tyrants who want to ruin communities to gain personal gain.
|
Upon seeing images of Moishe, I want to reach out and hold him in my arms. Let that sweet little boy be a reminder of goodness and innocence in a time of such darkness and may God heal his little neshema and all the hearts and souls of those who were hurt by this tragedy.
|
I wanted to write to your community and tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Rabbi Holtzberg and his wife seem like truly precious people. I am so sorry... Thank you for the work you are doing in India. i pray God blesses you and gives you the desires of your heart.
I am not Jewish but I love the Jewish people.
|
From an Indian -- my sincere condolences to the great state of israel and especially little Moishe..my heartfelt sorrow on your enormous loss.
If there is a god (and its hard to believe theres one at times like this) i hope (s)he wreaks devastating retribution on the cretins who planned and executed this massacre..
i hope the death cult that masquerades as the "religion of peace" is exposed for the fanatic bloodthirsty hordes it nurtures.
|
There are eight degrees in giving charity, each one higher than the next:
to give grudgingly, reluctantly, or with regret:
to give less than one should, but with grace:
to give what one should, but only after being asked:
to give gefore one is asked:
to give without knowing who will receive it, although the recpient knows the identity of the giver:
to give without making know one;'s identity:
to give so that neither giver nor receiver knows the identity of the other:
to help another to become self-supporting, by means of gift, a loan, or by finding employment for the one in need.
Rabbi Gabi and Riviki Holtzberg have shown to this world it is possible to bring Light to this world with their Mitzvot.
|
I did not know Gaby and Rivky but mourn for them as the rest of Israel is- but I think these beautiful memories should be printed and saved for their son Moshe to read when he is older. Can the website managers please make sure all these wonderful posts be given to Moshe?
|
the picture of Moshe crying while being held by a caretaker has burned a hole in my heart which will remain forever. there must be a fund set up for him and i would like to help out.
|
My sympathies and condolences go the Rabbi Gavriel & Rivka Holtzberg's family.
My heart goes to their little son who will not know the joy of having his parents next to him, and share his little worries and big joy.
We are living a very scary time: we do not know when the ennemy will strike and how.
There is word in french who characterise these kind of behaviour "un vrai lache" which means a person who will attack only civilian or people without defense and by surprise. Are they afraid to face the people who do not think the same way as them or beleive to another faith....
I do hope that the world will wake up and find a way to end this violence before it is too late. We have to think of our children and grandchildren, and do not want them to experience the fear of our ancestors..
|
Dear Friends,
I'm Indian living in NJ. I was horrified by the vile acts of last week, and never believed, that a human being would be capable of taking the life of another in such a brutal, inhuman manner.
I'm truly sorry this happened in my beloved country.
My heart goes out to little Moshe. The image is seared in my heart and I'm certain he'll grow up to live by the high ideals set by his beloved parents. He is a child of Israel and symbolizes Hope.
May he be Blessed with a Long, Happy Life.
|
May G-d bless you and give you good health, comfort, happiness and may you be successful in bringing light to the world. I give you my sincere condolences and to your whole family. You should know that the work that your parents and the other chabad reps do is priceless. We love you Moshe... We are grateful Chabad.
|
I've been touched by the kindness in Rivka's eyes. I'm so sorry for the lives that have been stolen. There is something holy and sacred about her giving these people a meal while they made thier plans to harm the Holtzbergs. I hope the terrorists hard hearts could have been broken in the face of such kindness. May The Lord be blessed.
|
I am a Christian who mourns the terrible tragedy and loss of the beloved Jews in India. It is senseless and barbaric. I believe their lives will inspire people to love G-d and dedicate their lives to Him, in loving service to others.
|
I was very saddened to hear about the deaths of such wonderful people. Such hate is unimaginable, it's almost not human.
|
Worlds are changing internally,externally and soulfully. The harm is not limited to any age or those that report about it. Rather, the harms go deeper and deeper and history repeats itself re: injustices. I lit another candle on shabbos for this young dedicated couple and wish that their child will alway remember the special kindness they did extend and contrary to the norm of the times.
|
Little Moshe may be the next savior who will
bring all of man kind the salvation that it so desperately
needs and yearns for. It should be in his merit that we
rebuild the Holy Temple very soon.
The Jewish people and the entire world are in mourning for
his dear parents who were so brutally slaughtered al kidush Hashem and are also mourning all those were murdered so ruthlessly for no reason whatsoever.
The Jewish people stand together along with
all of our friends and neighbors to seek justice,
peace, and harmony in the world.
|
In this truly depressing week the Torah portion says regarding the Jewish people that, "may those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed"-Genesis 27:29. The subhuman beasts that conspired and carried out these wrongful barbaric acts are cursed and will suffer for all eternity along with the people (animals) that share the same ideologies.
For those of you, Jew and Gentile alike, who seek goodness and kindness in the world shall be blessed and G-d should grant you and your families the strength and endurance to overcome these horrific times.
May we all see the redemption and the coming of Moshiah speedily!
|
So sad to hear of the loss of the Rabbi & his wife, my condolences to their families & to their son Moshe, to Israel & all jewish communities.
May g-d watch over Moshe & I hope he has a long life.
All our sympathies to all in Israel.
|
There are no words to describe my heartfelt sorrow towards the horrible tragedy that has occurred. But i can tell you one thing: even though there's no changing what has happened we can prevent it from happening again! get up and act! do something to help make this world a better place!
|
כשליחים לשעבר בתאילנד אשר מכירים היטב את מלאכת הקודש אותה מבצעים אנשי חב"ד, ברצוננו להביע את תנחומנו הכנים לבני משפחת הולצברג על אובדנם הגדול. בעלי זכה להתארח בביתם בערב שבת באחת מנסיעותיו במומביי ולא הפסיק לשבח אותם על האירוח הנפלא ואהבת האדם. לא בכל יום זוכים להכיר אנשים שמקדישים את כל חייהם למען אחרים, שכל ייעודם הוא נתינה, קבלה ואהבה.
יהי זכרם ברוך.
|
My condolences to the remaining family members. I am not a Jew but as a fellow human being I felt terrible and saddened of what happened to this family. I also saw the picture of their orphaned son which broke my heart. May our Creator bless the family members and bless their child.
|
November 28th, Thanksgiving. I stared at the television in shocking awe. I glanced at flashing images of a country I have never visited, and of people I have never met. The tragedy of the Holtzberg family seemed unreal to me at first, the irony of the situation was shocking. It was Thanksgiving, a time that should be spent with family and appreciate what you have now, and pray that what you cherish you will have tomorrow. I could not look away from the screen, an aura of sadness had surrounded my soul. I thought about little orphan Moshe, how he will not have his 2nd birthday with his Mom and Dad, his next family seder will be spent at a table with two empty seats, and how he and his family will now have to light yahrtzeit candles on Thanksgiving. He was robbed of a childhood he could have had, his mom and dad taken from him by hate. I pray that G-d protects the Jewish people from hate and the rest of humanity.
|
My thoughts, prayers and deep sympathy are with the families of the terror victims of Mumbai. In particular I remember the families and children of those slain so cruelly in Chabad House, Mumbai. There are no words to express my sorrow and disbelief at what has happened to innocent members of the Jewish community in India. May G-d comfort, strengthen and sustain their surviving family members through this most difficult time.
"G-d is our refuge and strength,
an ever present help in trouble.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the G-d of Jacob is our Fortress.
Be still and know that I am G-d" (Ps46:1,7, 10)
|
My sincerest wish and intense prayer to our Merciful G-d is that He will send Moshiach today with the Resurrection of the Dead so that when you cry out for your Ima (mommy) she will indeed come and hold you and kiss you and tell you you don' have to worry because she and abba (daddy) are back.
|
As an Indian-American and Sikh, for what it's worth, I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. God bless you, Moshe. The world loves you more than you realize. God bless you, Sandra, for showing how beautiful humanity can be in the face of tragedy. Rest in peace to all of the victims and my condolences to the kind people of Israel.
|
I am a Christian living in Mumbai, India. I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of Rabbi Gabriel and Rivka who lost their lives in the terror attacks. The picture of little Moshe crying at his parents' funeral will continue to haunt me for a long time. His parents were good people doing good work. The mindless violence and hatred left him an orphan. He is in my thoughts and in my prayers.
|
from distant chennai in south India, I send out my heartfelt condolences fo the families of the Israelis killed in Mumbai. Of the Rabbi and his wife, India will for ever be proud that they chose our country to perform their holy work . During a visit to Israel in 2002, I was witness to a suicide attack in Jerusalem during the second intefada and know what that country has gone through.
|
The brutal terrorism acts in Mumbai are widely critisized, not only by leaders of the world but also the people worldwide. Though I've never went through a real life situation as in Mumbai, though I'll never comprehend what the victims went through, I offer my deepest condolences to them. As for the attacks, it will never end unless the terrorists and potential terrorists have a sense of realization of the circumstances of their irresponsible act. Hence, TERRORISM can be defined as an act of TOTAL STUPIDITY and ZERO PROFESSIONALISM.
It's hard to believe that in this globalized world, there are still primitive beings attached to fake notions and understandings that lead to these attacks. Islamic terrorists claimed they fight for Allah s.w.t. but they are the ones who swayed from their own teachings. Peace is the main concept of Islam and war for enlarging their power/ empire is strictly forbidden.
In this case, they are turning not just Islam, but also other teachings upside down.
|
Baby Moshe's cries deeply hurt me. It is just not fair that such a child has to undergo this mental trauma at such a young age. I sincerely pray to god that he shower his choicest blessings on this young child and take special care of this young one, henceforth. My prayers for this wonderful couple. May their souls rest in peace.
|
My heart aches at the tradgic loss of life of such a wonderful couple. I hope and pray that darling Moshe should have a secure and fulfilled life in the care of his dear grandparents. May G-g bless the Holtzberg family with only happy times in the future.
|
This gruesome attack on all innocent people, in Mumbai, which include Rabbi Gavriel and his wife Rivkah Holtzberg, leaves us all very saddened. Our profound sympathies to their families in their hour of grief. We pray that little Moshe will grow up to be a brave young man, and continue to do the good work that his parents had been doing in their lifetime
|
This tragedy is mind-blowing; I could not believe what I saw on TV and read on the Internet. I just want to hold that little boy and hug him. I cannot believe a scene from a horror movie just happened in 2008 in a centralized, busy city, out in the open. It is something unimaginable, a mother and a father losing their lives and a child witnessing their death. I pray that this child will not remember the horror scene that took place last week in Mumbai. I pray that he grows up to be a good human being in spite of all the difficulties he will endure overcoming this tragedy as he gets older. I pray that the world will wake up and see that we are all slowly destroying ourselves and some of us have lost the ability to feel remorse, pain, and just be plain human beings. Whoever did this cannot be called a human being. My heart keeps breaking into little pieces every time I look at a picture of what was this beautiful Jewish family; a mother with little Moshe in her arms. HOW SAD.
|
Dear Brothers and sisters,
On behalf of myself and all of us in Anglican Friends of Israel, I wish to offer
our heartfelt condolences on the murder of Rabbi Gabriel Holtzberg z"l and Rebbitsen Rivka Holtzberg z"l to their family and to all their friends in Chabad.
We who are Anglican Friends of Israel are full of admiration for the very good work that Chabad does around the world and which is a model of Biblical selflessness and community service.
The fact that Rabbi and Mrs Holtzberg were murdered in the course of their
service is a matter which chills our hearts and causes us , as friends of the Jewish people,
immense pain.
We shall pray for the welfare of young Moshe Holtzberg, whose loss must be
so hard to bear. May Hashem comfort and strengthen him and wipe away the tears of
the bereaved!
Yours, in fellowship and solidarity,
Simon McIlwaine
CEO Anglican Friends of Israel
www.anglicanfriendsofisrael.com
|
A FINAL ACT OF LOVE
('until death do us part')
WHILE HE HIM/SELF WAS DYING,
HE WRAPPED THE BODY OF HIS WIFE
IN THE GARMENT HE DAILY PRAYED
TO OUR G-D OF MERCY AND JUSTICE,
HE PREPARED HER FOR THE BURIAL HE
WOULD NEVER ATTEND, FOR A LIFE
THEY WOULD NO LONGER SHARE, BUT
HIS LOVE STILL SHIELDED HER SOUL
AS IT BEGAN ITS JOURNEY BACK HOME
TO THE WORLD OF SOULS, TO WHAT
WE CALL THE GARDEN OF EDEN, A PLACE
AS CLOSE AS THIS SONG OR YOUR HEART,
NOW G-D WILL RAISE THEIR BLOOD AND
TAKE WHAT VENGENCE ONLY G-D KNOWS
IS RIGHT, WHILE WE STILL HERE IN THIS
WORLD OF ACTION WILL PLACE ONE FOOT
AFTER AN/OTHER AND CONTINUE OUR WAY
AS BEST WE CAN IN A WORLD OF ILLUSION
WHERE SADNESS CAN STILL BE COUNTERED
WITH LOVE AND LAUGHTER AND LEARNED WORDS
AT A TABLE SURROUNDED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS
BURNING WITH LIGHTS EVERY SEVENTH DAY,
NOW PRAISE IS A STRANGE THING TO OFFER
IN A PRAYER FOR THE DEAD, BUT TO HONOR
THIS LOVE, THIS SACRIFICE, THIS MYSTERY,
WE, WHO SURVIVE, GIVE WHAT WE CAN,
WITH AN ACT OF KINDNESS OR A BULLET,
WITH WHAT/EVER G-D TELLS IS THE WAY
December 1, 2008 - 4 Kislev 5769
Nachlaot/Jerusalem
c 2008 Moshe Scholnick
|
We are spiritually joined with our brothers who are not physically here. Now more than ever our faith grows strong to transmutate hate to love, war to peace and death to resurrection. JAZAK
|
Every time I think about the Mumbai victims, tears come to my eyes. What a waste of precious lives. The fact that Israeli, Mexican and American Jews were slaughtered in cold blood in India makes it an International tragedy. It brings us all together in mourning.
|
May G-d grant the Holtzberg family a peace that passes all understanding as they come to terms with this terrible, terrible loss.
May God bring swift punishment to those who did this.
My heart broke after watching the video of the Holtzberg's work in Mumbai.
|
A song in tribute to the Holtzbergs HY"D
www.myspace.com/thesheichet
1st song on top "soldiers"
|
I would like to share my condolences and prayers to Holtzberg family. Still cant forget the face of the baby . I cant even imagine how badly he misses his mother. May the almighty shower his grace on him . when will these terrorists undertands what is love and compassion.
|
I certainly agree with one of the comments above that Jews should really arm themselves. Not only with weapons, but also self defense technique and knowledge. Work on a solution together on how to face the future and protect younger generations. They should have an understanding on the violent world.
Violence will only be repayed by violence. Usually, the victims of massacre are always haunted with the anger and hatred that lead to revenge. It would be best for Moshe to join the IDF in the future. Not for the sake of revenging, but for the sake of protecting the Jews from another Holocaust.
We should make it clear to the terrorists that they have no rights to take anybody's lives especially innocent ones. Draw out battle plans and strike when we gain the most advantage.
TERRORIZE THEM BEFORE THEY TERRORIZE US.
|
I am a Hindu born in India, now a citizen of the U.S. I grieve at the senseless killing of Jews in Mumbai, as I numbly contemplate the death of innocent Indians and foreigners there.
India has been home to a branch of Jews for nearly 2,700 years, and with peaceful and mutually beneficial results. This is the first time a Jew was killed in India because he was a Jew.
It is time for Hindus and Jews to come together to face the common terrorist enemy.
|
The child's cries for his imma was heart wrenching to watch. Where is his nanny? Per the video, it appeared they were in an airport , and the child clearly was "relaxed" and happy, in the arms of Ms Samuels, the only person now , who he can identify with at this time . Not to say it will not change, after he has "time" to adjust to being with his grandparents and other family members . My question is: where is Ms Samuels , she was not present (per the video) to console this poor child. It was another person holding him, as he struggled , and was clearly not consoled by anyone there.
|
To become an Orthodox Jew is a very long and extremely difficult process.......IT IS NOT EASY there is lots to know......
|
This unspeakable tragedy happened on the one hand due to the fact that now nobody can deny that the terrorist had been well prepared and they had been informed by someone where the Chabad Center was, on the other hand due to the general oversight and misconception of the security issues ( especially in muslim countries). To protect the Shluchim, their families and the Chabad Centers IS #1 PRIORITY - I hope NOW everybody understands this. The next step is where to get the money. I have an idea based on my personal experience. Chabad spends hundreds of thousands / millions dollars on outreach programs - this is great. BUT THE AUTHORITIES WHO DISTRIBUTE THE FUNDS NEED TO BE MORE CAUTIOUS AND WATCHFUL WHERE THE MONEY GOES. I have half-Jewish relatives in Moscow, Russia who not only work and earn big money being officially retired, they bought apartments, foreign cars, expensive clothing and jewelry.
|
(continued)I have half-Jewish relatives in Moscow, Russia who not only work and earn big money being officially retired, they bought apartments, foreign cars, expensive clothing and jewelry. Still they registered at one of the Chabad Houses and keep getting financial assistance and food packages for the holidays not only for themselves, but they were offered second packages for their 100% Russian husbands.Why?! This is totally irrational, and waste of donors' money. My relatives are not the only ones who not being truly impoverished get help from Chabad, because the criteria used by Chabad are very formal "are you retired? here's our help for you". I don't have any ideas on how to sift the clients-I don't have any experience in social services on how to handle this matter. My point at this tragic time is to draw attention of the community to the security issues of Jewish people living/staying in this country and abroad. SAVE THE MONEY ON DOUBTFUL PROJECTS AND PUSH THE SECURITY TASKS.
|
My wife Jolee and I greive concerning the Holtzberg's murders and for little Moishe. As evangelical Christians we pray that the Holtzberg's family will be comforted and avenged.
The Mumbai murders are yet another call to a vigilant stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters against a malignant international threat.
|
I know. because I'm a cold-hearted kind of guy. But reading these comments is making me want to cry.
|
I am not Jewish but I am appalled by the scenes in Mumbai, especially the targeting of the Jewish Centre. This act alone reveals the true source of such terror. My condolences to all the families affected. May God answer this challenge to the righteous. May our hearts remain dedicated to him regardless.
|
In memory of Rav Gabi and Rabbetzen Rivki of righteous memory. Moishe, you are in my prayers
It is sometimes hard to remember
That sunlight breaks even the darkest night
When a child is crying for his murdered mother
And the enemy destroyed is a man of G-d
Black hats and fingered fringes wave to and fro
In prayer, broken hearts and tired voices wail
“We shall fight them with torches” says a broken voice
Yet the world has lost two brilliant lights
Where is the justice in the taking of an innocent life?
What is the point of another child orphaned?
But we pick up the torch and fight the darkness
For even this darkness must surrender to the light
Push the darkness away
Heal your hearts with prayer
Spread the light to those souls
Where darkness does not end
|
First of all, my prayer goes to the bereaved family of the Rabbi and his wife who were killed by the terrorists in Mumbai during last week. Basically, I am a hindu from India and we have lot of jewish people living in and around our town. They are very friendly and warm people. It's a great society and people respect each other.
No human being on the earth should forget the killing of these young two sweet souls.
May the Almighty should give more strength and power to their bereaved family and the young toddler Moshe at this juncture.
Regards,
|
Strength for the ones left behind
|
This post is to all of our beloved Chabad Rabbis and their families around the world. At the least - Please lock your doors when classes and Sabbath services are not going on and learn how to defend yourself and your family. We must do everything we can in this world to minimize this horror from happening ever again.
|
as a christian I pray every day for Israel, G'ds people, asking Him that He may convert Israel's haters or destroy them, in our days.
Mourning for the big loss,
|
I never met this wonderful shluchim from India but since Thursday they have been in my heart and now I know they are a part of my soul because the deep sadness I feel for them since the tragic news started to sink in shows me as a jewess that the Jewish nation is one but also the Rebbe's children are one big family! May we draw lessons from this and learn from this tragedy to work on our own ego! Thank you to Sandra for her brave act .
|
Words cannot express the sadness in my heart for this young couple murdered so savagely. I have a young son and cannot imagine what Rivka and her husband must have felt not knowing if their son was going to follow their same fate. There is a true heaviness in my heart thinking about the hours they spent in their own home waiting and hoping and praying that everyone would walk out alive. Listening to the stories of so many people regarding these two amazing individuals I can only imagine they would have accepted their fate knowing their son would live. For Moshe, I hope he grows to be a great man, taking all the good his parents created and carrying it on in their name and in the name of the Jewish people. For this I feel would be the proper way to fight back against the animals that did this, to show that while the murderers senselessly slaughtered strangers, the Jewish people stood poised, grieving for their loved ones, who used words and Jewish faith to interact with those who were anonymous at their doorstep. I suppose in a way Gavi and Rivka have already defeated these terrorists, for I am now someone who would like to learn more about the Jewish faith and people, in the hopes of one day becoming a part of the Jewish faith, for I have never felt this as much as I have in these last few days of soulsearching.
|
I had a tradegy this year. My two siblings died three weeks apart. My heart goes out to all those who died in India. If the nanny did not rescue little Moishe he would have surley been killed. Also, some people say that the terrorists behave like "animlas". No, animals never attack each other just for the heck of it. We, humans are the only ones who do this to each other. The terroirsts behaved exactly like humans.
|
May G-d console you amongst all the mourners for Zion and Jerusalem.
Our community is saddened together with all the relatives and close ones and together with all the Jews around the world.
It’s terrible to feel that in our civilized time and in a civilized country such a
tragedy could take place.
People died. Jews died. The Rebbe’s emissaries died. They came to India to spread light warms and kindness, thinking about others.
Twenty people from our community took upon ourselves to do more mitzvahs. We dedicated the gathering of the women’s club to the memory of Gabi and Rivky.
Their memory will last forever - in our good deeds.
|
The world feels your pain and cries with the families of the victims. Chabad does so good for so many, asking for nothing in return, with smiles and joy and kindness. Truly emissaries of the Rebbe. The answer is not to live in fear, but to forge forward as they surely will do, to do good deeds in their memory, and to be remembered always as they will be, through their sweet little boy, Moishe. And I am hoping that Sandra Samuel is indeed named a Righteous Gentile; she saved a precious little boy and it is said to save one life is to have saved the world.
May we live to do good deeds and in the names of the Holtzbergs and the other innocent victims.
And I thank you, all Chabadniks, for doing what you do day in and day out, and for helping to keep Judaism alive and well. I have seen your shluchim in action and have a deep appreciation for them all.
|
I am terribly saddened by this horrible event, and hope G-d brings comfort to the Holtzberg and Rosenberg families, as well as little Moishe. This wonderful couple embraced Jews of all types, and in turn we should learn from them to accept one another and practice "ahavat yisrael" (love for our fellow Jews). May we merit a speedy redemption where the children of Amalek do not torment us anymore. May G-d avenge the victims' blood and wipe out any trace of the existence or memories of the fundamentalist Muslims from the Earth.
|
Blessings and courage to the many rabbis and their wives who are willing to take the place of those whose lives were tragically lost. May all who serve have peace and love, not horror.
|
Let the jews unite to commemorate Rabbi Holtzberg and his wife Rivka, together with the Israelis who died in Mumbai.
And if we can survive the tortures 2000 years ago, the holocaust, the munich massacre, we will survive the war on terrorrism~ we will definitely fight this unscrouplous war. Lets us stand united to fight this war. We will win. The Jews will always win because we follow the laws of the torah. Our good deeds will always be rewarded by g_d.
|
There was shock and pain
We were numb
Not wanting to believe
We tried to cry out
To a shed a tear
But no sound was heard
There was too much
Too much suffering
Too much hurt
The sound could not escape
The tears bottled inside
Waiting to get out
And when they escaped
There were rivers
And even oceans
They gushed forth
Without stop
Flooding the world
And then they stopped
It was time to clean up
Time to rebuild
They destroyed a world
Leaving darkness
We must rebuild that world bringing light
Each good deed
Every act of kindness
Is one more flame
And soon the whole world will be aflame
With the light of all our actions
Bringing the brightest light, the eternal light!
|
The act of the terrorists represented the supreme act of insanity - the taking of life dedicated in uplifting and serving the souls of other people. Taking of such life is not only a desecration of the sanctity of life, but disrespect for any notion of the holiness of G-d's presence.
Such behavior comes only when a person has exiled themselves from G-d. In doing so, he loses a fundamental connection to his source of being.
I am deeply saddened, touched by the momentary lessening of light in the loss of the Holtzbergs.
May their lives be a continued blessing to others whom they touched, and may their memory be not only a light to the Jewish community, but to all people who share the same awareness that G-d is One, and that we are all souls of similar light trying to find our way best to serve him - with compassion to others, embracing love and life, not in the taking of life.
|
I too am so SAD at the loss of life, the tragedy that has befallen the families who are left behind, the little boy who has lost both his parents at the age of two, the grandmother shot down before she could make aliyah to Israel, the innocent travelers who were in the right place at the right time, with people of their faith, doing the right things for others, only to become victims of senseless hatred and vicious destruction.
Evil exists in this World but we are strong enough to OVERCOME it by always remaining TRUE to ourselves, to our beliefs, to our loved ones, remaining united, believing and hoping in the basic goodness of people and to show love and compassion to our families, to our fellowmen.
Despite it all, the tragedy, the shock, sadness, anger, we MUST continue to believe in goodness, in love, in human dignity and the enduring spirit of faith that has moved so many of us.
We Can and Will Prevail.
|
I assure you that the senseless loss of Rabbi and Rivka Holtzberg and the orphaning of their beautiful son, Moshe, is dramatically felt by other than the Jewish community. That there is hatred like this in the world is devastating to all of us, regardless of religious belief. My heart and the hearts of every single decent human being are with you.
|
I am personally familiar with Chabad's charitable works. Chabad should mark the anniversary of Gabi & Rivkah's deaths on the Hebrew calendar so that we can remember them on their uhr zeit.
|
My beloved 23 year old son, Sgt. FC Or Oved-Weiss, Sayeret Duvdevan, died June 1, 2006 in Bangkok Thailand. I, like the Rabbi and his wife's parents are now, was totally bereft.
G-d has since shown me more of his grand plan than I had a right to ever expect to see. It has helped me through my grief. I am certain that the Almighty will show the parents of these two beautiful souls, the Rabbi and his wife, a meaningful glimpse into His plan. Perhaps it will come from something that the 2 year old boy will do in the years to come. Or perhaps something that their grandchildren will do.
We see the world only through a keyhole.
L'shalom.
|
I was never in India, but I can not stop thinking of whhat happend there in that holy place.
I was in Germany twice on two seperate occasions that I had to stay there for Shabbos. We decided to stay in Frankfurt because they have a big Shul there. I can't describe the simcha the joy the smiles the young shluchim had when we where there. They made us feel so comfortable and wanted. I really don't have plans to go back now but the way they welcomed us makes me want to go back.
And from my experience there I can imagne how people travling to Mumbai felt, being in a place like that on Shabbos or any day where much less Jews are found.
May their memmories be blessed. May G-d avenge their blood.
|
The senseless murder of Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other victims of Mumbai....is a stain on the violence of humanity !! Dr. King once said: "....We must learn to live with each other as brothers....or we will perish together as fools!!" Using God (of any faith) as a justification for violence....is a sacriledge of that faith. We must learn to see faith as a means of Peace and to condemn ANY violence in the name of God !!
My prayer is that we will learn the truth of Gandhi's "satyagraha" ....and the truth that: "....Our lives begin to end when we are silent about what really matters !!" (MLK)
|
May there tragic and untimely deaths not be forgotten. G*D bless all the families that have been affected at Mumbai. b'shalom.
|
The tears have not yet fallen. My heart is numb and my body in shock as I read the news on my computer screen. The Holtzbergs, may G-d avenge their blood, are among those murdered in the terror that rages across Mumbai, India. Like many others, I have been glued to my computer screen. Indian News, blogs, CNN, praying for a glimmer of hope, grasping at threads, praying that the Shluchim would survive. We went to the Rebbe’s Ohel (gravesite) beseeching him to intercede in the Holy Heavens. Throughout the night I checked my computer for any updates. Conflicting reports emerged feeding the fire of hope that so valiantly struggled to say alive inside of me. And then I saw the report that devastated me. I refused to believe it was true. I wanted to hear it from a reliable source. I wanted to hear it from Zaka, the Jewish group from Israel that went into the Chabad House. And when I saw that Zaka confirmed my body went numb. Baruch Dayan HaEmes. Blessed is the true Judge. The pain sears through me. Yet the tears have not yet fallen.
The Holtzbergs were sent to Mumbai to spread Judaism. To be a haven of spirituality for the Israeli backpackers who seek spirituality and meaning. As a Kosher eatery for Jewish businessman traveling to the financial district of India. As a ray of Jewish light in the city of Mumbai, India. They like the thousands of other Shluchim were sent to be on the frontlines – spreading Judaism to the far-flung corners of the world.
And it was there on the frontlines that the Holtzbergs, a young couple who gave up the comforts of Israel and America, made the ultimate sacrifice.
The pain and anguish is unfathomable. The reality of the harshness of the news is unbelievable. I did not know the Holtzbergs – yet they are my family. I know that I must continue their legacy. We all have a responsibility to ensure that the Holtzberg’s legacy will live on. Light Shabbat candles. Give extra Tzedakah. Put on Tefillin Do it for the Holtzbergs. Do it for their orphaned two year old son. Do it to bring some much needed light into this darkened world.
And I know that when the tears do fall, I will look up to G-d and say, I am crying. I don’t understand Your ways. But through my tears I am committed to continuing the Holtzberg’s mission of spreading Judaism and the fulfillment of Your Mitzvot.
|
I have been dwelling on this tragedy for days. For sure as soon as we heard that a Chabad center was targeted, my husband sadly stated "You know what happened to those people". It is sad that we are in the second millenium yet Jews are still treated like second class citizens in many parts of the world and even here in America so called "educated" people are the worst anti semites ever born. Someone else commented about he is baffled that Jews in this day and age are still unarmed. Coming from a family who was mostly killed in the Holocaust, I cannot understand it either.
Remember how we freed Israel- we fought. Remember how we now still retain Israel- with an army.
Please don't just sigh and say, what a tragedy! This is something we can do something about. Be aware -- we are targets all over this dear world..
|
Please do not think that the whole world are anti-semites. That is not true. You are just a blazing light that greatly disturbs the darkness in our world. All the children of light are targets of darkness. Take comfort one another and the greatest light. x
|
World Tragedy in Mumbai
Today there were 6 Jewish Hostages killed in cold blood
In the Mumbai’s Chabad Jewish Center, a place filled with love
The brutal murder of Gabriel Noah Holtzberg and his young wife, Rivka.
Their 2 year old Son orphaned right before his birthday, Moshe
Am echad v’lev echad! We all feel their suffering
Hacnasat Orchim, kind acts and accepting ALL humankind
Was the death of the young Holtzburg’s a sign?
Our lives are created to bring out something beautiful to this world
Toldos, a legacy to be left
Rabbi’s who cared for spiritual children, They spread that light
Digging holy wells in the old Bombay
The Holzberg’s were doing Abraham’s life efforts,
Welcoming weary guests with a lasting memories and Shabbat sweetness
They fed my husband when he was alone in a foreign land
Two unique and special individuals, who left their Brooklyn home
And went forth to a different terrain to perform G-d’s will on their own
Their welcoming tent always with all doors open
Real examples of true Hacnassas orchim!
Our destiny is shared with all the inhabitants of the world
Rachel is crying for her children
We are crying for our brothers and sisters
My Rabbi is now in Israel at the funeral of his cousin
My heart and soul are hurting for the love of my murdered brothers
Condolences to all the families will not end their pain
My tears will not stop, I can’t see the pages in my tehillim
Two strikes for the terrorists; hate murdered 6 Jewish Americans!
The target world peace and security
Afghanistan’s Opium trade goes to the Taliban 100 Million last year
Tell me world are you oblivious? It seems so clear!
Iran has enough enriched uranium to build a nuclear bomb,
One Holy Jihad weapon!
Will we and all the terrorists “get to heaven” in one big mushroom cloud?
Steven Hawkins says we must explore life off of our globe
Hashem promised the earth would not be destroyed again
But we all need to keep living by Abrahams rule
From all this evil there must be a lesson!
The world lost such goodness and kind selflessness today
Terrorist attacks! Vandalism! Bans! Hate!
This tragic week of November 28th, 2008
The world is in financial crisis, “Economic crisis wilts flower exports”,
Amsterdam donates over 50,000 Tulip Bulbs to Israel. Thank You!
A pigs head on a Cemetery Gate with the English words “6 Million Lies”
In Golder’s Green a Community in London
Anti-Semitic stone attacks on our children
Vandalizing the Hendon Park Café “Dirty Jew” with Swastikas on the wall!
Someplace new in ENGLAND to Vandalized this year
Circumcision is proposed to be banned in Denmark,
I guess we will have to move
In Belgium this week the public broadcast channel had to cancel “Adolf Hitler’s Favorite Meal”!
Lets get out of there it’s soon to start to get really terrible
Chabad has their homes in all of these places, they make us feel welcome at home and nostalgic
The amount of good they spread day after day, allowed the Holtzbergs to stay in Bombay
We must continue the light to reach out to the world, spread goodness and kindness
To love our brothers in our sect and all others, the only way to combat this unbridaled hate
We are all one nation, we are all one tribe,
We are all related; we come from Yaakov’s brides
Hacnassas orchim, let us be inspired, let’s continue to spread this light
We fight hate and terror with common decency and righteousness
Through love, prayer, smiles and taking care of others
The world’s attention all focuses on these amazing people whose lives were lost
Let their mitzvot and loving kindness not be for naught!
|
This past week was a great blow for our entire world. While I did not know the Holtzbergs, I do know members of Chabad in my own community. They are stellar individuals. The shlichim of Chabad are a source of happiness for all who come in contact with them. And it was a small family of such shlichim who were virtually obliterated by those whose lives revolve around senseless hatred.
But the outpouring of love and concern for Moshe and the tearful sorrow over his blessed parents' deaths, from the four corners of the world, is inspiring and awesome. There are many good and loving people in this world. Their voices will be heard. Their goodness will someday overcome the evil that destroys the terrorists' soul first and then destroys the innocent and good thereafter.
I also grieve for the Indians and others who lost their lives tdue to terrorism. I thank the Indian police who tried to do what they could to limit the death and destruction in Mumbai.
|
We were horrified to see the reports of the killings in Mumbai. Especially those of Rabbi Gavriel, Rivk, and their guests. The pictures of their poor son break our hearts.
Please protect Moshe from harm and let him know that for every evil person out there; a million send their love, thoughts, and prayers for his future and that of his brother.
|
I am deeply saddened and frustrated with the tragic event that took place in Mumbai. Yocheved Orpaz, Norma Shvartzblat Rabinovich, Rabbi Aryeh Leibish Teitelbaum, Rabbi Bentzion Kruman, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg were targeted and killed for being Jewish. These victims were mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents and cousins. Their lives and freedom were ripped away from them brutally because OTHER people decided to take action. I wish that people would just accept that there are different religions, races, and ethnicities in the world. Each and every one of us has a certain way of living and that is okay. Jews have been a target from day 1, and are still being oppressed in horrific ways nowadays. The concept of promoting violence to express one’s hatred is absurd. My heart goes out to all the families and I’ll definitely pray for their souls.
|
I really can't find the words to describe this tragedy. I have dear friends belonging to Chabad Lubavitch Organization, I know the kind of tremendous help they give to everybody, no exception is made, I'm not jewish myself but I feel great when I visit one of the Chabad centers in Montreal. I pray for the souls of all who had to die by the hands of some cowardly people.
|
This is a difficult time for all of us. We must not lose faith and turn our hearts to the One and only true and living G-d. The stage is being set and very soon the world will know that there is none greater or equal to the G-d of Israel. When I saw the Rabbi crying during the conference, my heart went out to him and the tears flowed. May the Lord be our banner and our shield and may He increase our faith. Let's join the Rabbi and cry out to our G-d. Surely, He will answer.
|
May god bless the kid.
Can any religion in the world allow its followers to do such inhuman things..? Jihad ........what does this achieve.
I am a Hindu but i feel islam does not encourage terrorism. Its just some fanatics who cant see people living in peace.
For all true followers of islam, please do not encourage ur fellow beings to do these atrocities. Instaed of preaching them jihad, please teach religious tolerence. send your kids to schools instead of madrassas. please educate ur fellow people that religion is a mere belief. please do not target hindus and jews as they are peaceful people and their religions does not preach of any holy war such as Jihad.
India is a true democratic nation. We have Hindus, christians, muslims, jews...people of all walks of life. Its the mother place of some religions. please don't not use this sacred land for such atrocities.
May all religions live in peace and let god himself fix these religious fanatics.
|
The Boy Who Lived
Gavriel, a shining light in a mystical sect.
A master of old tomes.
A Champion.
Wizard of the flame
Rivka. His woman of valor.
Together, selected by those who implore for Moshiach
To serve as the emissaries of Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge in a Far Eastern mecca for those who wander in quest of spirit
As the world watched in horror, the forces of darkness besieged them in a campaign to snuff out the light.
Inside the house -- the cries of a baby
heard by a nurse-maid
who braved the terror and drew him out from the blood
Moshe
Son of Gavriel and Rivka.
The Boy Who Lived.
Now to be raised in The Tower of Light
"Moshe, you have no living mother and father. ... Today you become the child of all Israel"
|
While watching the news Thanksgiving morning, I actually cried when I saw this report. While never actually knowing our lost brothers and sisters, I think we all get hit hard when something like this happens to our people. My matcha and papa looked at me like I was insane, wondering why it cut, which brought about my admittance that I've been in the conversion process from their faith. Amazing how shock works. This was utterly terrible...
|
Growing up in India, being influenced greatly by what ancient civilization left in terms of scriptures and value system, optimism comes very easily to me. Felt blessed each day that I was given an opportunity to live and experience different religions and cultures of life. Quoting a simple verse in Sanskrit from Taittiriya Upanishad that I’ve used as a guiding light in my life
Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava,
Aacharya Devo Bhava, Athithi Devo Bhava.
This translates to
Honor your Mother as God, Honor you Father as God,
Honor your Teacher as God and honor your Guest as god.
It saddens me deeply that we were not able to save our guests Rabbi Gavriel and Rebbetzin Rivka Holtzberg. The two people who were messenger of peace succumbed to ignorant brutal minds.
I stand tall with you all today as you celebrate their life and lives of other innocent people. I pledge not to let terror cripple the spirits, joy and hope the life offers us. I join you brother and sisters of this community to be a messenger of peace.
|
I am Indian. I feel terrible about the tragedy that has struck the Rabbi and his family. At the same time, I am stunned that the discourse in Israel and on forums like this is so self centred as to have pretty much overlooked the 200 other people, mostly Indians, who have lost their lives in the Bombay attacks. Being inward looking, or not being able to see the sorrow that humans around us share, is hardly the way to peace or being part of larger human communities.
|
7 years ago we had the animal terroists slamimng 2 planes into the Trade Center as well as the pentagon and the heroes of flight 93. Now we had this horrific incident take place. I ask of you What is being done to stop these animals?
|
I too am a great admirer of Israel and the Jewish people. It does make me sad when I visit Israeli and Jewish forums that the other Indians who have died have been rarely mentioned by our Jewish friends.
The young Rabbi and his wife would also be disappointed in this aspect. We Indians have never, ever discriminated against anyone who came to our shores and the attitude I have felt is that a Jewish life is more valuable than an Indian life. I wish the Jewish people realized that the number of hindus massacred by the mughals and the british combined over centuries, eclipses anything else seen by the world.It is just that we hindus have been too forgiving.
|
I am a Christian - but, I think this act of terrorism is horrible - like all acts of terroism are. My husband, family, & many friends do not understand the people who could do something like this. May God bless you all in your time of sorrow.
|
To the Indians or anyone else who might think we Jews don't feel the loss of your people as well as people In Darfur and every other place on this planet, we do. I personally pray for all humanity, everywhere. This forum just naturally draws anyone's thoughts to the Holtzbergs because they were an integral part of the Chabad community first, then the larger Jewish community and lastly, the Mumbai community.
|
Ok, now that the worst has taken place again. What is being done to prevent it ?
It was clear that nothing at all was in place to prevent this from happening. This should at the very least serve as a warning especially to all Jews, as well as to all those that may be in an area of opportunity for future terrorist, to keep an open eye and ear, and to be more alert and aware of even the slightest hints of things that can contribute to another sensless act.
May it be G-d's will, to remove from us this evil in our life time.
|
By your standards, I’m not Jewish - but my 2d ex husband was and I "converted" in a Reform Temple, I have no desire to argue about that. However through my ex I came in touch with some Rabbis from your movement and I went to an all-night meeting with the late Rebbe back in the early 80's as a guest, in which He spoke alternating with dancing and joy.
At that time I was told that I would definitely be losing my eyesight totally, but from the time I went to that meeting I did not lose any more. So I have always had a special place in my heart for your movement. Please know that the survivors of the Chabad center and the victims, peace unto their souls, have my prayers. And yes I consider myself a gentile by the way. When the marriage to my ex failed, well, I ended up married to a Priest ordained in a Church after all as I found I didn't know enough about Judaism to keep up the rituals on my own. But I am always grateful to G-d for my experiences among the Jewish people. (And I do NOT try to convert them - not my way)
I am a recently widowed dual disabled person on a limited income, so I’m asking can gentiles help and would a small donation do any good? I cried when I heard of that Rabbi and His wife and most of His kids passing on and I cried even more when I heard that another Rabbi had already volunteered to take His place - Baruch Ha Shem and I know what that means, and mean it sincerely.
Shalom Aleichem - peace be upon Israel!
|
Elisa, you put it very well.
The Torah commands us to respect every human as a creation of G-d. Yet we Jews are meant to do this by focusing on being the best Jews we can be to fulfill our specific mission in the world.
Ravi and Natasha, and everyone else, we cry for your losses along with our own.
|
I don't understand what motivated the terrorists. Who benefited from the whole affair? Kashmir? Palestine? Iraq? Afghanistan? Pakistan? None of them, as far as I can understand.
Rs. 100,000 may have been paid to their families, but it won't last long.
|
As a human being and a Christian Pastor I want to share how deeply I was concerned at the tragedy against a Jewish family because I believe we are brothers and sisters in the Lord.
We are praying for your grief to be taken by G-d.
|
My heart is extremely saddened for all who were killed in these terrorist attacks. My condolences go out to all the familes of the 200 who were killed.
Chabad is a peaceful and tolerant organization who seeks to harm no one and help everyone. This targeted attack is a disgrace to humanity. All the killing are. How can any person or religion justify the killing of innocent people? I don't understand.
|
The assault on the Chabad House was an attack on all Jews. The terrorists were not out to damage Chabad, their intent was to kill Jews. It didn't matter whether they were observant, Kosher-keeping or otherwise. It was enough they were Jews. The attack on them was an assault on all Jews.
As to the other sites that were attacked and the other helpless victims, the terrorists intended harm to non-muslims, be they Christians, Hindus or Sikhs. I am profoundly saddened that they succeeded so well.
India, Israel and the west must always be mindful of the unretrained hate the rules the terrorist's world. We must be forever vigilant.
India failed to protect its people, no less than the US failed to stop 9/11. I hope Mumbai serves to renew our resolve to protect against the Islamic terrorists and equip our governments to strike at their heart.
|
I cannot stop feeling such deep sorrow about this and wishing that I could somehow comfort the poor grandparents, the dear little child. My heartfelt condolences and love go out to all the family, friends and community.
|
ACCEPT HEART FELT CONDOLENCES FROM AN INDIAN
|
As an American of Hindu origins, I am deeply saddened by the attack to your Jewish center in Mumbai. These barbaric Islamic terrorists have no reason, no justification, no "root cause" which can explain such demonic atrocities -- whether in New York, Tel Aviv or Mumbai.
In these difficult times, America, Israel and India need to come together and strenghten their tripartite alliance. Other countries may be naive, but these three nations have experienced large scale terror up close and understand the real crazed motivations behind these attacks: to establish Muslim dominion over Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism. However, despite their faith that G-d loves only them, it is we that will prevail, provided we stick together and recognize that our common civility, modernity and forward-looking democratic values are worth defending.
G-D BLESS AMERICA, ISRAEL AND INDIA!
|
I know in my heart that that Moshe will have a very special life. He is a holy child. I know he will be supported and never left alone, even on the most subtle emotional and spiritual level of his self. I am left with the thoughts that humans continue to treat other humans with violence, but we must continue to project peaceful thoughts from our hearts, regardless of our losses. This earthly plane is indeed a place to test us humans. Somehow, we evolve.
I want to send Moshe my message of love. I will always hold him in my heart, and know that he is close to G-d.
|
is there a fund set up to help the nanny and her family?
|
I am a gentile though have lots of respect for God's people and the blessings. Have visited once with my friend to one Chabad house in Warsaw and was shocked to see all atrocities and break downs of mankind in the name of camps in Poland. But, i never thought the same kind of evil will visit India. People who are new to India will really miss the international house Gavriel and his wife were running. I am happy to see Sandra's courage and wisdom to save the toddler, just because the little one called her name. How great pain our father in Heaven would have felt millions call him and ask them to save them. My prayers for the little one to grow in wisdom of God just like little Samuel did long time ago and bring joy to many people here on earth.
|
I found this blog after searching the internet for more information on little Moshe Holtzberg. I feel so sorry and my heart goes out to Moshe. I am deeply saddened by the torture he, his parents and the others endured. I am saddened by the deaths in his house, including the death of his unborn sibling. I am saddened by Moshe’s violent separation from his mother and father. I am saddened by his helpless crying at his parents dead bodies. May Moshe Holtzberg find love, peace and happiness in this world after his heartbreaking misfortune. He is in my thoughts now and forever.
|
I want to express my sincere condolences to the rabbi's and his wife's family and my sorrow for the loss of more Jewish life. I feel so sorry for that sweet baby-never to know his parents. I am outraged that in 2008 Jewish blood is still being shed. Why? And when will it ever end?
|
Pathetic sick things are Islamists and their supporters.
Not that they aren't correct in their assesment of the grave threat that a little light means to their great darkness -- their plan of a world-wide Califate (read Klipot) of self-aggrandizing indulgence. So they planned for a year, perhaps with other organizations, (governments?), for the vital task of snuffing out a couple of holy candles. But did they really imagine they would snuff out Light? Would they imagine, as the Roman Emperor TItus long before, that they could kill G-d with a sword? Or do they think that they could even succeed in desecrating his Name by claiming they acted for him in their so carefully planned butchery of His holy innocent children?
But the Islamists and their supporters have succeeded in two things: Troubling G-d to rush to build the special little chamber in Gan Eden for the Holtzbergs, and to further enlarge the huge chamber in Gehinom for the lot of them!
|
As God saved Moses from the hands of pharoah, again His hands have stretched out for little Moshe. May God protect the Jews everywhere.
|
hi !!!
I just want to send this message to say that i never met those two persons since i knew what happening in Bombay but i have read all the articles about them and i was very touched at the point that i can not explain how i feel. I just want to tell Moshe that i hope god will give you a blessed life plenty of love from all the ones that you have beside you and maybe you dont have a mother to hug you but you have a nation that supports you and hugs you from the bottom of our heart. I dont know you but i send you a big big hug and a large kiss!!!!
God Bless You, Dear Baby!!!
|
It's not bravery to come with a AK47 and hand granades and killing those people who are peacefully staying in hotels or working for community. Terrorists are cowardly people. I think it's now high time to be ready for supreme sacrifice for elimination of terrorism from earth. Indian Govt. and Army is ready for final judgment along with Indian People. World must be ready to support India.
|
I am sorry, very sorry about this tragedy in Mumbai. As a Muslim I am deeply sanddened at he loss of innocent lives and outraged at the the audacity to these criminals to use Islam to legetimize their crimal actions.
The response of Indian Muslims not to allow the burial of the militants in Muslim cemetry makes a clear distinction between those who practice Islam and those who use Islam for thier ilicit motives.
May the Rabbi and his family rest in peace.
|
5769 is our calender year, 3000 of those years the Jew suffered slavery, hatred, torture and death, world -wide. This with the acummalation of time came to a genocidal frenzy, from the Inquistion to the Holocaust, no other peoples have suffered more, now there is only 14 million of us left on this planet. Collective punishment and collective pain. The collective consciousness of the Jewish community is very intense, not because of the vast number of years old or the thousands of years of inflicted pain. But the ageless yearning for knowledge, believing that there was nothing that G_D didn't want you to know, and He has nothing to hide.
Once again, we come together to mourn the death of a young Rabbi and wife.
To remind ourselves that the only refuge we Jews truly have is our belief in ONE G_D;
from vioce to vision to service,
How Can I Help!
Collective consciousness,
collective healing.
Thankyou
|
I just wanted to express my heart felt sadness and prayers for the families of those who lost loved ones at the Chabad house. Especially for Moshe. My prayers also for Sandra as she gets through this time and attends to Moshe. My prayers to all of you.
G-d Bless.
|
My deepest sympathy to all that have suffered through this horrible tragedy. I am happy to see Moshe will still be cared for by Samuel, and she refers to him as "my son" (comments from a recent article that I just read regarding Moshe and Samuel), but what is there of her own two sons who have also lost their father not too long ago. Samuel has gone to care for Moshe and Israel, so now her two sons lose their mother as well...how is this correct? Is there anything being done to unite Samuel's two children with her so that she can care for them as well as Moshe? I am not judging anyone, I just wanted to understand the situation in it's entirety, different articles only give you bits and pieces of what is going on. I just felt sad for Samuel's two sons who not only have lost their father, but seem now to be losing their mother so she can care for another child that also needs her. I can't imagine what all family's must be going through and my heart breaks for all of them.
|
May the Lord of Hosts act upon the tears of his humble children, bless the souls of those taken, and smite all those involved in this evil.
I am so sorry that these human imposters have caused death and destruction yet again. The world must unit against this evil.
Be resolute in faith, and know the Christian world stands behind you.
|
I myself did not know them but what happened gives me shock -- how can people not care about their fellow? my opinion is that this is an attack on the Rebbe these are his shluchim! why is this happening? A women was pregnant five months how can they kill her? I do not know... I am very shocked...
|
Not sure what you're talking about, but I beleive the nanny's children are grown. I am still waiting for information on a fund set up to provide for her needs.
|
Both Samule's children are adults, if I am not wrong.
So Moshe needs her more genuinely.
And she must have gone with a mature consent of her sons. She may be able to financially better support them working abroad for a while.
|
I have just read a post on this site which is not worthy of Chabad. It says that we should do to the murderers and their controllers what the Israelis did after Munich - that there are no such things as human rights - that Israel should go after not only the terrorist leadership but also the families - by way of revenge. This is not something which should be on this site and I am horrified that any Jew should think that this kind of thing is acceptable. Horrified, but not surprised.
Please note my previous post. I pray that Moshe Tzvi will be able to grow up with the true love which typifies Chabad, and not with the hate embodied in a post advocating vile base animal blood-lust.
|
May you find serenity and tranquility in a world
You may not always understand.
May the pain you have known and conflict you have experienced
Give you the strength to walk through life
Facing each new situation with courage and optimism.
Always know that there are those whose love and understanding
Will always be there, even when you feel most alone.
May you discover enough goodness in others
To believe in a world of peace.
May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile be yours
Every day of your life,
And may you give these gifts as well as receive them.
Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.
Teach love to those who know hate,
And let that love embrace you as you go into the world.
May the teaching of those you admire become part of you,
So that you may call upon them.
Remember, those whose lives you have touched
And who have touched yours are always a part of you,
Even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.
It is the content of the encounter that is more important than it's form.
May you not become too concerned with material matters,
But instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.
Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.
Realize that each person has limitless abilities,
But each of us is different in our own way.
What you may feel you lack in one regard
May be more than compensated for in another.
What you feel you lack in the present
May become one of your strengths in the future.
May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.
Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.
May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself,
And not be dependent on another's judgement of your accomplishments.
May you always feel loved.
Copyright © 1987 Sandra Sturtz Hauss
|
With respectful reference to the reaction to the post featured, I posted this after having come across the following link
I understand the sentiments and sincerely respect them, please kindly remove the post if so decided
Once again, the intention for this post is to express the anguish, it cannot be expressed in a few words alone since it encompasses a significant loss that cannot be described, it is extremely difficult to put together the words and feelings, how challenging it is to go through these very most difficult moments, what has happened should never befall anyone ever again
Respectfully
|
My comments featured above pertain to the Post titled, May you always feel loved...
I do not know iIF this post was being considered objectionable? referred to? Which is what I responded to sincerely
Apologies for any mis interpretation since the post May you always feel loved. has been posted in good faith and sincerely
Respectfully,
|
How wonderful that this story continues to grow and show the love in so many peoples', of all walks, hearts and minds.
It stands as an ever growing pillar in time and space supporting the desire for peace and to overcome this tragedy.
G-d bless everyone who has taken the time to contribute.
|
As an Indian citizen interested in Israel, I was deeply grieved to learn of the mindless murder of the Rabi Gabi and his wife in Nariman house. Only the day before the news broke out of his death, I read the Jersusalem Times online and discovered that the Rabi was an able, stable and wonderful person. I too prayed that his life would be spared.... in vain.
I offer my heart-felt condolences to the Jewish community in India and around the world. Shalom!
|
i just so much wish for death to be no more
no more sorrow
blessed be their souls
|
Blessed be the true Judge
When will moshiach finally come?
|
The attack on Nariman House was the coward act of Islamic terrorists. I could not control my tears when I saw little Moshe on the television. Hope God will keep Moshe always happy. I love you.......Moshe.........you are the child of whole world.
|
Broken bodies perhaps, but not broken souls.
|
ever since Jews have set foot in India, the Hindus have never persecuted them. we (Hindus & Jews) shared the scourge of the Inquisition in goa & elsewhere. let's hope & pray that such atrocities against Jews don't happen in the future, at least in my country.
|
I aso agree with zvi solomons, no one should exact revenge, it will beget more sorrow, and more again. Keep looking to the future with hope in the Almighty.
|
I was so shocked when I had my Thanksgiving ruined by this senseless murder of a dedicated Rabbi and his wife. The terrorists spared little Moshe but took his little brother or sister-to be. My prayers and thoughts go with little Moshe Tzvi and the nanny who so bravely shielded him from the terror happening in the house. I have been in Israel for the past three years and staying for three months and then coming back here to the US. Only a coward would kill a rabbi and his family. Thank you
|
Oh God bless the dead and rest their soul in eternal Glory
|
The point to remember is that all who "died" are still alive elsewhere, and this includes those who killed as well as those who died. The killers have gone to a place that I would not like to see my worst enemy go to, but where they are at present is the decision of another. It is best to entertain happy thoughts of the rabbi and his wife and send them your love.
|
This "documentary", featuring actual video footage and actual phone conversations between the terrorists, does not tell the whole story. It gives the impression that terrorists just stumbled into the Chabad, when in fact they had done reconaissance (re Dennis Headly an American of Paki. heritage who posed as a Jew to stay at the chabad some time before the attack). Jews were specifically targeted in the attack and the documentary fails to show this. It also fails to acknowledge that the Jewish hostages were tortured. The failure to document these atrocities is inexcusable. Please write to HBO and protest their airing of this sanitized, misleading version of what really happened.
|
I recorded this documentary and there was a part in it where they played a phone conversation where the mastermind was telling the grunts that killing a Jew was more valuable than killing non-Jews.
I think the documentary was fair enough - for the length of time dedicated to telling the story. I did get the impression that Chabad House was a target but I'm going to watch it again carefully. The first time seeing it was horrific and I was unable to pick up on everything.
May G-d deal with these animals, I light every Friday for Rivka, I will think of her (and Rabbi Gavvi) for the rest of my life.
|
| | |
|
Find A Chabad Center Near You
|
Stay up to date on news about Chabad-Lubavitch using Twitter. 
|
LOGIN
ASK THE RABBI
Read this article
Print
News Alerts
Email
Reprints
Share
Comments
RSS
