Laguna Chabad members mourn loss

Chabad representatives in Laguna Beach and around the world are mourning the loss of their colleagues, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg, slain at the Chabad Jewish Center in Mumbai, India last week during a multi-pronged terrorist assault on the city, formerly known as Bombay.

“Chabad of Mumbai, also known as the Nariman House, is one of our sister organizations, and the loss is devastating,” said Rabbi Eli Goorevitch of the Laguna Beach Chabad.

“We held a memorial prayer service at Chabad Jewish Center on Saturday morning, and the community made resolutions in honor of Rabbi Gabi and Rivkah Holtzberg, may they rest in peace.”

Upon confirmation of the tragic end to the three-day terrorist incident, Chabad representatives worldwide asked their communities to honor the wishes of the family of Rivkah Holtzberg and light Sabbath candles before sundown on Friday, the Rabbi said.

“Our close-knit beach community alone responded with close to 60 women and girls lighting Shabbat candles together. We will send this information to Rivkah’s parents after the funerals to offer a tiny ray of comfort.

“In a darkened world, we must respond with light,” Goorevitch said.

At least six bodies were found at the Nariman Chabad Center, including those of four Israelis.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families of the victims of this heinous act of terror throughout the many different locations that were targeted in Mumbai, and we pray for the recovery of all of the wounded,” Goorevitch said. “We have truly lost our finest.”

Since 2003, the couple directed a Chabad center that served thousands of tourists and business people, as well as the local Jewish community. Chabad is a conservative branch of Judaism.

“The outpouring of love and concern from around the globe has been heartening,” Goorevitch said. “The harrowing events have elicited prayers and heartfelt tears from every sector of the community.”

The Holtzberg’s toddler son, Moshe, was rescued by his nanny, Sandra Samuel, and marked his second birthday in India with his grandparents. A special fund has been set up for Moshe and his younger brother, who is ill and is living in Israel.

According to Chabad sources, an ELAL flight that left Israel to retrieve the bodies is now en route back to Israel, and funerals are planned for Tuesday.

Goorevitch has asked the community to unite in deeds of goodness and kindness as a positive response to the tragedy.

The Jewish Center has posted a Tragedy in Mumbai website which includes a “Mitzvah Memorial.” A mitzvah is a good deed intended to spread peace and goodness.

In addition, the site features news stories, inspirational and personal stories as well as opportunities for readers to share their reactions, experiences and condolences.

The website is at www.chabadoflaguna.com/chabadmumbai.