Indian nanny gets residential status

Sandra Samuel who saved the life of Moishi Holtzberg in attack on Mumbai's Chabad Center awarded temporary residential status, ID card from Interior Minister Yishai in moving ceremony. 'I would give my life, heart and soul for Israel,' she says

Ronen Medzini|Published: 09.13.10 , 16:26

The State of Israel is honoring Sandra Samuel, the Indian nanny who saved little Moishi Holzberg whose parents were killed in the terrorist attack on Mumbai's Chabad Center in November 2008. Interior Minister Eli Yishai on Monday granted Samuel temporary residential status and an Israeli ID card.

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During a festive ceremony at the Interior Ministry, Samuel, who arrived in Israel after the Mumbai attacks, said: "I hope I will honor the citizenship and love Israel. I would give my life, heart and soul for Israel."

The nanny also mentioned Moishi's parents, Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, and said, "I've been given love by all of Israel and I hope I will learn to love the country as much as I love Gabi and Rivki."

Moishi and Sandra with the new ID card (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

Minister Yishai presented little Moishi with a gift and candies and told him, "Moishi, look what a party they've thrown you, we all love you, all the people of Israel."

The minister admitted he was moved and said, "This is an important and moving moment and we should continue assisting Moishi and the family. Sandra the nanny has taken Moishi at the hardest of times. It was a true heart-wrenching moment which echoed in our hearts. We want all the best for Moishi after the horrible experience he had."

Moishi's grandfather thanked minister Yishai for granting Sandra honorary citizenship. "Sandra Samuel stepped into the fire and abyss and did not think of herself," he said. "She saved Moishi from the fire and we as Jews must thank and respect her. It is also closure for Rivki and Gabi. I thank Minister Yishai for finding a special time to honor Sandra, a righteous woman among the nations."

The ceremony was also attended by Interior Ministry Director General Gabriel Mimon and the prime minister's advisor Vered Swaid who has accompanied the Holtzbergs since the Mumbai attacks.