Holtzberg, Official Chabad Unite

By COLlive Reporter

Family of slain Mumbai Shluchim Gavriel and Rivky Holtzberg announced that the legal battle they waged with the Chabad Lubavitch movement over Nariman House has come to an end.

Various allegations led to the high court receiver taking over the possession of the Nariman House shortly before the 26/11 anniversary last year.

On May 12, Rabbi Moshe Holtzberg, brother of slain Rabbi Gavriel, submitted in the charity commissioner’s office that his family has no objections to the change report filed by the Chabad Movement.

“We decided to mutually end the cases,” said Moshe Holtzberg. “Originally, we made some decisions that were mainly due to our emotional ties to the place. We now understand, and are very comfortable, that Chabad has only the best interests for the Nariman House.”

Moshe Holtzberg also said that he has accepted concerns of security issues, and therefore understood that the idea of building a museum is most suitable. “But the new Chabad house will be a vibrant center like before,” he said, “and the focus is on rebuilding for the future.”

Rabbi Yosef Kantor of Thailand, who oversees Chabad-Lubavitch activities in India as well, said, “Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of the Lubavitch World Headquarters, as well as Rabbi Eliezer Ashkenazi of Bangkok, have worked closely with Rabbi Nachman and Moshe Holtzberg, internalizing their pain and continuing to communicate the organization’s desire to perpetuate the work and legacy of Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg.”

COLlive has learned that once all the legal issues are resolved, the building campaign will resume. “Together we will ensure that Chabad of Mumbai will be be one of the most beautiful Chabad Centers in the world, which will be a fitting tribute to the memory of Gabi and Rivky,” a spokesperson said.