With the seven-day mourning period concluded for the Jewish victims of the Mumbai, India, terror attacks, Chabad-Lubavitch announced the formation of a board to oversee the Chabad Mumbai Relief Fund.
The account, which is the only one authorized by the parents of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg – who directed the Chabad House in Mumbai for five-and-a-half years before terrorists stormed the center, killing them and four other victims over the course of more than three days – will be used to cover the expenses of raising the Holtzbergs’ two-year-old orphan, Moshe, and to rebuild the Mumbai center, which was heavily damaged in the initial attack and the ensuing police and military responses.
The board is comprised of Chabad-Lubavitch leaders, philanthropists and representatives from both families. To donate, please go to www.ChabadIndia.org.
Named to the board, in alphabetical order, are Eduardo Elsztain, an Argentine businessman and treasurer of the World Jewish Congress; Rabbi Tzvi Grunblatt, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Argentina; Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg, father of Gavriel Holtzberg; Rabbi Yosef Chaim Kantor, director of the Jewish Association of Thailand; Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, the educational arm of Chabad-Lubavitch; Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, chairman of Chabad-Lubavitch’s social service and educational arms; Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar; New York-based philanthropist George Rohr; and Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, father of Rivka Holtzberg.
As previously reported, Moshe Holtzberg will for the time being, be raised by his maternal grandparents from their home in Afula, Israel.
Young Moshe Two weeks on I am still very much saddend by the terrible actions of some very evil people. Especially in the case of little Moshe and the news that now he lives with.
However have been incredibley uplifted by the unity and strength that the Jewish people have shown to their own in support of Moshe and his wonderful loving family who will now look after him and bring him up. Plus that of Sandra who has shown much love and selfless care in looking after Moshe.
Being a father of four with three girls and a little son of 18 months this whole affair had just brought home the need for unity and peace of all faiths in the world for most importantly our children.
We will look on with interest at the website to see how Moshe's life will unfold and I know as lots of people have written in, it would be nice to know how Moshe is getting on. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you Moshe and with the Jewish community in Mumbai and the re building of Chabad house. God bless you