WEDNESDAY 10:45PM: CNN/IBN reports that the Chabad House had been taken over by the terrorists, and that Indian forces were preparing to storm the facility. 

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THURSDAY 3:00 AM: Confirmation has been received that the Holtzberg's child had been rescued when two employees escaped from the Chabad House.

11:00 AM: Situation with Rabbi and Mrs. Holtzberg still unclear.

2:30 PM: TV reports state that NSG commandos evacuated five hostages from the Chabad House in Mumbai and took them to a secure location. There is no word yet regarding Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, whose 24-month old son had been rescued earlier today. Police cut off power to the Chabad House where they say two or three hostages are still holed up.

5:30 PM: Earlier reports of evacuations from Chabad House were most likely from an adjacent building.

FRIDAY Early morning: Commandos land on Chabad House roof and battle terrorists.Commandos blast opening in building. Still no word on Holtzberg's and others inside.

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Wednesday Night, November 26 (original story):

Search for Chabad Family in Mumbai After Terrorist Strike

The situation is grim late Wednesday in Mumbai (Bombay) India where reports of more than 80 dead and 250 wounded are seeping out of the beleaguered city. Of great concern is the silence from Chabad’s representatives to Mumbai, Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg. No one from the Chabad center has been heard from since the attacks.

The dead and wounded are victims of a sophisticated plot in which seven locations throughout the city were attacked by terrorists. Several of the city’s most exclusive hotels, a restaurant, train station, and hotel were bombed. The attacks come as the country is consumed by controversial elections.

The city, which is India’s financial capital, plays host to many foreigners and their embassies are assisting in the search and rescue efforts.

Lubavitch personnel in Bangkok, Israel and New York are working closely with the Israeli Foreign Ministry and  the U.S. government to help establish contact with the Holtzbergs and other missing persons in the Chabad House area.

Mumbai’s Chabad House, situated near the sites of destruction, is a popular stop for Israeli tourists. The Holtzbergs offer a host of programs, including providing kosher food, to locals and visitors alike.

Please ask everyone you know to daven and say tehillim
Posted by: Chana Epstein , Cedarhurst, NY, United States on Nov 26, 2008

Gavriel Noach ben Freyda Bluma

Rivka bas Yehudis

Moshe Tzvi ben Rivka

and all guests at the CHabad of India

May Hashem bring good news for all

Updates plead
Posted by: A Yid on Nov 26, 2008

Any updates on the couple and thier son. PLease post.

Rabi and Rebbetzin Holtzberg and children and others in the Chabad House
Posted by: Professor Yoel Nitzarim Ha'kohen , Skokie, Illinois on Nov 26, 2008

My prayers will focus on the safety of those held hostage in the Chabad House in Mubai tonight. May HaShem grant them the strength to withstand this horrible ordeal and bless them for being the good, caring, menschen that they are. May HaShem protect them from the evils that surround them and bring peace and hope to their hearts. May HaShem hearten and empower the army and others who will bring about the safe rescue of these good people.

mumbay massacre
Posted by: Jochai Rubinstein , Kfar Saba, Israel on Nov 26, 2008

Hopefully, the holzbergs will be able to escape the carnage may an angel protect them.

May G-d save them
Posted by: Yonah on Nov 26, 2008

May G-d have mercy on the victims, they were in India to do G-d's work. May it be that G-d's fury will be taken out on all terrorists and supporters of terrorists worldwide. May their evil souls be erased and may they not stand a chance of doing anyone any more harm.

May they all be written in the book of life and good.
Posted by: Allon on Nov 27, 2008

Hatzlacha to these tzaddikim in danger. May H' save you immediately. Our prayers with you.

I pray G-D for the habad Munbai
Posted by: rahamine , coral springs, fl, usa on Nov 27, 2008

i pray for Rabbi and Rebbetzin Holtzberg and children and others in the Chabad House.

Hashem elohenou help my people and every1

from Mumbai

AMEN VE AMEN

God be with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Holtzberg and all other in the house
Posted by: Anonymous , pune, India on Nov 27, 2008

we pray to God almighty to protect the Rabbi and Rebbetzin Holtzberg and be the justice of God delivered through the guns of our commandos to these wretched cowards holding innocent civilians at ransom. They are bent on showing their cowardize choosing the softest of all targets (women and children) and our forces will crush the heads of these snakes with their boots..

God give my commandos the power to deliver..

God be with my guests

Mumbai
Posted by: Sandy Fox , Merrick, NY on Nov 27, 2008

Let us continue to pray for the safe release of the the hostages Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzman and all the others who are being held hostage in Mumbai, India.

Rabbi Gavriel, Rebbtezen Rivki,& son Moishe
Posted by: Rivka Sari , Eugene, OR, USA on Nov 27, 2008

Why is it taking so long to rescue them??!!

I read one report at Haaretz that they found 4 bodies in the chabad house! Please Hashem protect them. G-d save this couple please, their baby Moishe needs them. May Hashem have mercy and save them!

Our family is praying for them. Please keep us updated!

Prayers for the Holtzbergs
Posted by: Anonymous , Halifax, Nova Scotia, CANADA on Nov 28, 2008

I and my family pray for the souls of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Holtzberg and their children. May the Almighty welcome them into His Kingdom! As well, our prayers are with the Jewish people and all the victims of terrorism in Mumbai.

Shame in India
Posted by: Pam , Riverside, CA on Nov 28, 2008

I'm so sorry to read about the deaths of the innocents in India.  I pray for strength for the Jews as they are targeted once again. May God be near the families of the victims. The bible says, "God is a very present help in the time of trouble". My prayers are with them.

So sad to hear.
Posted by: girish patel , Atlanta, ga on Nov 28, 2008

To all of our jewish brothers. So sorry to hear the sad news. My prayers are with all the family and friends of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg. Its shame that our peace loving and beloved guests were massacared by uninvited visitors from neighbouring country.

Love and prayers for the Young One.

Girish.

Massacre in Mumbai
Posted by: Ilene J Lazar , Budd Lake, NJ on Nov 29, 2008

I am sickened and saddened by the events of the last few days. The only way to beat these thugs is to regroup and rebuild. They are trying to divide with their evil acts. The international community must unite and show them that they cannot defeat peace.

My heart goes out to all the innocents killed or mamed. You must rebuild the Lubavitch Center and show them that they have not gotten away with murder.

I hope the families of the affected can be strong...

Sad to hear the news..
Posted by: Anonymous , Raleigh, NC on Dec 01, 2008

I am appalled at this carnage and shocking turn of events, and as an Indian, am ashamed that such a turn of events has been allowed to occur in my country.

That people who come to our country for such a noble cause, should befall this atrocity is unforgivable. How can such absolute evil permeate the minds of the terrorists! It is particularly sad for Moshe, I wish him all the strength in the world and may God give his parents peace..

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