(VIDEO & PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Ten years after terrorists killed close to 170 people and injured hundreds more in a series of attacks throughout the city of Mumbai, Moshe Holtzberg – the only child of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who were murdered in their Chabad House – was joined by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to unveil the plans for a state-of-the-art Living Memorial at the Nariman (Chabad) House, that commemorate all victims of the attacks.

The Prime Minister had invited Moshe – during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel last July – to join his visit to India.

Netanyahu was welcomed to the center by Rabbi Israel and Chaya Kozlovsky, co-directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Mumbai. After signing the guest book, Netanyahu remarked that the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, had told him to “kindle light and thus to expel the darkness, for such is the nature of light. When one kindles even but one candle it has the power to banish much darkness.”

Speaking to Moshe at the unveiling of plans for the Living Memorial, the prime minister noted how the boy was “growing and developing beautifully,” and that he would soon be bar mitzvah and would one day raise a family. “The Jewish nation is accompanying you all the way,” said Netanyahu.

The Chabad Trust of India is converting parts of the building into a memorial for the victims of the attack, which also targeted a main railroad station, posh hotels and a cafe. India has blamed a Pakistan-based militant group.

Moshe was 2 at the time of the attack and was saved by his nanny, Sandra Samuel, who found him by his parents’ bodies. He left for Israel after the attack and returned to India for the first time on Tuesday.

Samuel was given Israeli citizenship and accompanied Moshe and his relatives back to Mumbai.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Moshe toured the latter’s former room and the site of the 2008 attack. Moshe’s late mother had indicated his height on the wall when Moshe was very young; the Prime Minister marked his present height on the wall.

Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Sandra Samuel, Moshe’s nanny, who saved his life during the attack.

The Chabad House held a special event to mark the visit. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Moshe unveiled a plaque in memory of the 2008 attack.

Prime Minister Netanyahu made the following remarks:

“I am very moved to be here with you, with you Moshe. I see that you are growing up nicely. We just measured your height. You are 11; your bar mitzvah will be soon, and afterwards when you will have a family, please invite me.

The Jewish People have been with you throughout and there is a good reason for this. What happened here expressed many things. It expressed hatred of Israel and love of Israel. Your dear parents’ love of Israel, that of the Chabad emissaries here and around the world, which embraces every Jew and has a home for every Jew everywhere including here in the heart of Mumbai.

Love of Israel and hatred of Israel – the reprehensible murderers who, we regret, claimed their victims, did not claim this boy because of love of Israel, of a splendid woman, Sandra.

We know that with the force of life and our love of life, we have overcome all obstacles and the Jewish People lives. The Jewish People will continue to prosper thanks to the strength of their faith, their love and their actions which find expression in this house and in the house that Moshe will establish, with the help of G-d. I would like to thank you all for your magnificent spirit; to the grandparents – well done. The Jewish People live!”

Moshe Holtzberg spoke following the Prime Minister, and made the following remarks:

“My heart beats, my heart is moved, to return to my parents’ home, the Chabad House that has been rebuilt and refurbished. Here I was born, and here I spent two years. I have absorbed my beloved parents’ sense of mission. To leave the Promised Land on behalf of the Rebbe. From the lowest of places. The house that is open to everyone, to Jews from around the world, who sought a warm corner. My beloved parents did what they did here for the Land of Israel.

I was a darling son to my parents and to our guests. When I would go around the market I would love to play with the goats and pull their horns, without fear. I very much loved balloons. Whenever we would return from visiting Israel, all the employees here would vie to see who would buy me the most balloons. My parents bought me all the toys in the world. My mother etched a line on the wall each time she measured my height. My father built for me an amazing kitchen out of wood, out of his love for me.

I thank G-d for giving us such a wonderful Prime Minister, who invited us to join him on his visit to India. I am returning home, I am returning to my room after a nine-year separation. On this festive occasion, I would like to thank G-d. Praised are you Lord our G-d who did a miracle for me in this place.

Today I live with my grandparents in Afula and learn in a Chabad school in Migdal Haemek. I thank you for everything. I bless my grandparents and thank Sandra who saved me – praise G-d.

In another two years, if G-d wills it, I will celebrate my bar mitzvah. Dear Prime Minister, I invite you to join me on my next visit here on the occasion of my bar mitzvah. With G-d’s help, I will continue my parents’ mission here.

Thank you dear Prime Minister for keeping your promise. I thank the Chabad people and the Prime Minister’s staff for taking all this trouble for the successful event of laying the cornerstone for a museum in memory of my dear parents. Dear Benjamin and Sara, I present you with a modest gift – a photo of a Torah scroll that was struck by the terrorists’ bullets. A bullet left a hole in the shape of a Jewish star exactly over the words ‘After the death of Aaron’s two sons, when they drew near before the Lord and died [Leviticus 16:1].’ I pray to G-d that very soon we will see my mother and father with the Messiah.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)