Manhattan Memorial Recalls Mumbai Couple’s Dedication

A Jewish center in New York City ushered in a week of worldwide memorials coinciding with the anniversary of last year’s Mumbai, India, attacks with a tribute to fallen Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg.

The Nov. 16 ceremony at the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life, home to Chabad-Lubavitch of the Upper East Side of Manhattan, featured an address by Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg, whose son and daughter-in-law perished along with four of their Jewish guests when terrorists stormed their central Chabad House. Moshe Nunez and Chasidic signer Avrham Fried provided the evening’s entertainment.

The event led a series of similar tributes that Jewish communities around the world hosted this week. More are scheduled for the coming day.

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Attendees of the memorial service recited chapters of Psalms. (Photo: David Levi)

Rabbi Ben Tzion Krasnianski, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of the Upper East Side of Manhattan, emceed the Nov. 16 memorial ceremony, which occurred exactly one year after terrorists stormed the Chabad House in Mumbai, India, and murdered its two directors, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, and four of their Jewish guests. Philanthropist George Rohr also spoke at the event. (Photo: David Levi)

The crowd spilled out into the hallway, which was standing room only. (Photo: David Levi)

Attendees of the memorial service recited chapters of Psalms. (Photo: David Levi)

Chasidic singer Avraham Fried sings during the proceedings, which were simulcast live on the Jewish Web site Chabad.org. (Photo: David Levi)

The crowd spilled out into the hallway, which was standing room only. (Photo: David Levi)

People register for upcoming events at Chabad-Lubavitch of the Upper East Side of Manhattan. (Photo: David Levi)

Chasidic singer Avraham Fried sings during the proceedings, which were simulcast live on the Jewish Web site Chabad.org. (Photo: David Levi)

Memorial candles glow as a cantor sings. (Photo: David Levi)

People register for upcoming events at Chabad-Lubavitch of the Upper East Side of Manhattan. (Photo: David Levi)

Attendees screen a video produced by Jewish Educational Media describing the dedication of the Holtzbers and the day-to-day life at the Mumbai Chabad House. (Photo: David Levi)

Memorial candles glow as a cantor sings. (Photo: David Levi)

Attendees screen a video produced by Jewish Educational Media describing the dedication of the Holtzbers and the day-to-day life at the Mumbai Chabad House. (Photo: David Levi)