It’s a symbol of love-hate: Bibin

Mumbai: Terming the iconic Chabad House at Colaba as a “unique blend of love and hatred towards the people of Israel,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said, “The nation of Israel is known for salvation.”

Mr Netanyahu visited Chabad House (aka Nariman House), which had witnessed a bloodbath during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. Mr Netanyahu spent around 45 minutes at Chabad House. He hailed the work done by Moshe Holtzberg’s (11) parents — father Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and mother Rivka, who were killed in the terror attacks.

A virtual fortress was created in the area to make  way for the Israeli PM in the afternoon at 3 pm. Mr Netanyahu was welcomed by the Chabad House incharge Rabbi Israel Kozlovsky along with a few prominent members of the Jewish community. “This place is indeed a unique merger between love for Israeli people and the hatred towards the people of Israel,” Mr Netanyahu told the gathering in Hebrew.

An emotional Moshe, who was just two years old during the attacks, gifted a holy book to the PM after showing him his room. Mr Netanyahu said, “Your parents showed love to the people and welcomed all to this house. They provided for every Jew a home. This is loving Israel but terrorists showed hatred towards Israel.” Moshe was saved by his Indian nanny, Sandra Samuel. Mr Netanyahu said the terrorists could not harm Moshe because of the love shown by his nanny.

Moshe, who received a memento from Mr Netanyahu, invited the Israeli PM for his ‘Bar Mitzvah' (a coming-of-age ritual which Jewish boys undergo when they turn 13). He also thanked Mr Netanyahu for keeping his promise of bringing him and his grandparents to India with him. Later, Rabbi Kozlovsky said that it was a historic visit. “Those terrorist united for bad cause. We will unite for the right cause.”