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26/11 Mumbai attacks: Darkness of terror can only be cut by light of goodness, says Baby Moshe’s uncle

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The answer to the darkness of terror is the light of goodness and kindness, said Moshe Holtzberg, the uncle of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack survivor ‘Baby Moshe’, whose parents were killed by Pakistani terrorists at Nariman House here.

It has been 14 years since the terror attack rocked the city, but the Holtzberg family remains an inspiration to many for their mission of love and kindness, he said.

Baby Moshe, who was two years old at the time of the attack, was rescued by his Indian nanny Sandra Samuel when Pakistani terrorists killed his parents Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and four visitors at Chhabad Lubavitch Jewish Centre in Nariman House in Colaba on November 26, 2008.

Baby Moshe, who is seen as a symbol of life amid tragedy, is now 16 years old and is studying in a school in Israeli city of Afula. He spends time with his maternal and paternal grandparents.

The teen’s uncle Moshe Holtzberg, who lives in the US, spoke to PTI through social media on Friday.

Holtzberg recalls spending time with Baby Moshe in Nariman House and Colaba Market, where they pet goats.

“We see him as a symbol of unity and pray that God gives him the strength to carry forward his parents’ mission,” he said.

Holtzberg (33) is the younger brother of Rabbi Gavriel. “Several years have passed since the Mumbai terror attack and unfortunately, many more tragedies have occurred since. Just two days ago, a terror attack took place in Jerusalem,” Holtzberg said.

“We believe that the answer to the darkness of terror is the light of goodness and kindness,” he said. Holtzberg further said that although it’s been 14 years since the terror attack, people still approach his parents Rabbi Nachman and Frieda Holtzberg with heartwarming stories about how they were inspired by his brother Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka.

“For Moshe, India is home. No terror attack will chase him out of his home. Nariman House is his house, Mumbai is his city and India is his country,” Holtzberg said. Moshe has expressed that he would want to go back at some point and continue what his parents had started, he said.

Holtzberg said Baby Moshe’s Indian nanny Samuel, who works as a social services provider in Jerusalem, frequently visits the boy she had rescued.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists from Pakistan arrived by sea route and opened fire, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others during the 60-hour siege in Mumbai.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Hotel, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital and the Nariman House Jewish community centre, now renamed Nariman Light House, were some of the places targeted by terrorists.

Nine terrorists were later killed by the security forces, including the NSG, the country’s elite commando force. Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist who was captured alive. He was hanged four years later on November 21, 2012.

Maharashtra

Mumbai Police, BMC On High Alert As Heavy Rainfall Lashes City For 2nd Consecutive Day; CP Deven Bharti Assures Help

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Mumbai, August 19: Mumbai is reeling under heavy rains for the second consecutive day. Several areas in the city are witnessing waterlogging due to the heavy rains and high tide in the sea. Mumbai Police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are on high alert to provide immediate help to the citizens stranded due to the flooding.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti on Tuesday addressed the media and released a video on social media in the presence of Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani.

He assured the citizens that all necessary help will be provided as the city faces heavy rainfall. Addressing the media, he said that Mumbai Police and the BMC control rooms are working round the clock to ensure essential services reach people without disruption.

Earlier in the morning, at around 9 AM, the official handle of the Mumbai Police tweeted a safety message for citizens. “Good Morning Mumbai. Hope you are adhering to the safety guidelines in wake of the heavy showers expected today. Please take care, step out only if necessary, prevent going near the shore during high tide and don’t forget, you will find us around the corner for help, in case of any emergency,” the tweet read.

A similar advisory was also posted by the CPMumbai handle, urging people to step out only if absolutely necessary. Citizens were asked to avoid beaches during high tide and assured that police will be available in case of emergencies.

The advisory also appealed to private companies to allow employees to work from home as much as possible to reduce travel during the ongoing weather conditions. Authorities have asked everyone to follow safety guidelines strictly and remain indoors unless it is urgent to step out.

Key Safety Guidelines

Mumbaikars are urged to follow the safety guidelines issued by the authorities and adviced to remain safe during the heavy rains amid waterlogging.

1. Step out only if absolutely necessary.

2. Avoid non-essential travel during heavy rainfall.

3. Stay indoors unless urgent work requires going out.

4. Strictly avoid beaches and shoreline areas during high tide.

5. Maintain distance from water bodies that may be experiencing elevated levels.

6. Private companies urged to facilitate work-from-home arrangements.

7. Employers asked to minimise employee travel requirements during adverse weather.

Emergency Response

Both Mumbai Police and BMC control rooms are functioning round-the-clock to handle emergency situations and coordinate relief efforts.

Police personnel have been strategically positioned across the city to provide immediate assistance to citizens in distress.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Rains: BMC Provides Food, Water, & Tea To Stranded Commuters At Railway Stations, Local Trains, & Waterlogged Roads

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Mumbai: Continuous heavy rainfall on Tuesday caused severe waterlogging across several areas of the city, disrupting both road and rail traffic. Local train services, the city’s lifeline, were heavily impacted, leaving many commuters stranded at railway stations for hours.

In a prompt response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stepped in to assist those affected. BMC officials distributed essential items such as drinking water, tea, biscuits, and snacks to stranded passengers at multiple railway stations, including major junctions.

Visuals from various locations showed civic workers handing out refreshments as trains came to a standstill due to flooding on the tracks. The gesture was widely appreciated on social media, with many users thanking the authorities for their timely support during a difficult commute.

In the video shared by the BMC, officials are seen distributing essential food items inside Mumbai local train coaches and at various railway stations. Authorities also assisted commuters stuck on roads, helping those facing difficulties in travelling due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.

As heavy rains continue to batter Mumbai for the fourth consecutive day, the city’s police force has stepped up to support citizens affected by widespread waterlogging. From clearing flooded roads to assisting with stranded vehicles, Mumbai Police remain committed to helping Mumbaikars navigate the chaos.

At Shirodkar Market in Parel, police officers were seen helping to move a vehicle stuck in deep water, making sure no resident was left stranded. Likewise, at Oberoi Junction, where traffic had slowed significantly due to water accumulation, Mumbai Police personnel, along with @mybmc staff, were present on-site to assist commuters and manage the situation.

A video shared on the official X handle of the Mumbai Police shows officers actively helping citizens during heavy rainfall. From pushing auto-rickshaws to guiding cars through flooded roads, the police are doing everything they can to ensure public safety and keep traffic moving smoothly.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Rains: Thane Youths Swim Through Floodwaters To Rescue Car-Trapped Passengers

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In yet another display of courage and compassion during the monsoon, two youngsters in Thane risked their lives to rescue two people trapped inside a car submerged in floodwaters. The dramatic incident, caught on camera and widely shared on X, is a reminder of how Mumbaikars stand by each other in times of crisis.

The video shows a white car stuck in an underpass, tilted dangerously with its bonnet submerged while the rear end remained slightly above water. Inside the vehicle, two passengers, the driver and his companion, appeared helpless, unable to escape as the water levels rose around them.

As the situation grew critical, two local youths swam through the murky rainwater towards the car. Without hesitation, one of them climbed onto the vehicle, using his strength to push the elevated rear end down. This simple but daring act allowed both passengers to slide out of the car to safety. The second rescuer stayed close, ready to support and guide them through the water.

The video quickly went viral, earning admiration from citizens for the bravery and quick thinking of the rescuers.

Such incidents reflect a long-standing truth about the city and its people: in the face of adversity, Mumbaikars never hesitate to help strangers. Whether during devastating floods, train accidents or smaller day-to-day emergencies, stories of ordinary citizens turning into heroes have consistently emerged.

The Thane rescue is just one among countless examples of this unbreakable spirit. While the heavy rains continue to cause hardship, this act of courage has offered a powerful reminder that solidarity and humanity shine brightest in difficult times.

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