Moishi Holtzberg. 'Nice gesture'
Photo: Gil Yohanan
'Moishi' to light Independence Day torch
State to honor four-year-old boy who lost his parents in terror attack on Chabad House in Mumbai
Moishe ("Moishi") Holtzberg,
the four-year-old boy who lost his parents
in the 2008 terror attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai, is expected to light a torch together with his grandfather Shimon Rosenberg at the opening ceremony of Israel's
63rd Independence Day festivities.
Yedioth Ahronoth has learned that the two were selected several days by a public committee appointed to choose the torch lighters. The committee recently approached Rosenberg, who adopted his grandson after Moishi's parents – Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg – were killed in the Mumbai attack – and informed him of its decision.
Post Attacks
Moishi Holtzberg's grandfather says in lawsuit filed in New York that Pakistani intelligence cooperated with Kashmir-based terror organization that was behind 2008 Mumbai attacks. Meanwhile, Chabad House finds itself at center of legal battle
An official announcement is expected to be made in the coming days, after the selection will be approved by the Ministerial Committee for Symbols and Ceremonies headed by Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov.
Six Israelis were killed in the attack on the Chabad House. Moishi survived after being rescued from the site by his Indian nanny, Sandra, who immigrated to Israel with him.
The public committee decided to choose the grandfather and grandson to light a torch, as they match the theme of Israel's 63rd Independence Day: "Strengthening the bond between the people of Israel."
Rabbi Rosenberg told Yedioth Ahronoth last week, "I was told that they had selected Moishi and me to light the torch. This is a very nice gesture. It's something that connects Israel to the Diaspora and talks about unity. I am moved by the fact that the State remembers and appreciates Gabi and Rivki, who sacrifices their lives for others."
Hannah Hacohen, chairwoman of the public committee appointed to select the torch lighters, refused to confirm or deny the report. "The public committee is completing its work as we speak. All the names will be officially announced next week."
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