By COLlive reporter
Moishy Holtzberg, the young boy who survived the terror attack on Chabad of Mumbai in which his parents, Shluchim Rabbi Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg were murdered, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Sunday in Israel.
At the festive event held in Kfar Chabad, hundreds gathered to celebrate at a gala party attended by friends, family members and well-wishers.
During the event, Moishy sat between his two grandfathers, Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg and Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, who along with his wife Yehudis, are raising Moishy in Israel.
Among the guests was his nanny, Sandra Samuel, who is known for having saved Moishy’s life while the Chabad Center was held hostage by the terrorists.
Sending their congratulations to Moishy were President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Mazel Tov on becoming a Bar Mitzvah. We join your family and friends in celebrating this joyous occasion and send our best wishes as you mark this significant milestone,” President Trump wrote. “May your faith continue to guide, strengthen and comfort you throughout your life.”
“As you make this important transition and cross a significant landmark in the journey of your life, the courage of [nanny] Sandra [Samuel] and prayers of the people of India will continue to bless you for a long, healthy and successful life,” Prime Minister Modi wrote.
“Your story continues to inspire everyone. It is one of miracle and hope overcoming tragedy and immeasurable loss.
Moishy recited the customary Bar Mitzvah maamer, and joyous dancing was accompanied by famous Jewish singers including Avraham Fried, Yishai Ribo, Simche Friedman and Motti Steinmetz.
VIDEO: Moishy Holtzberg recites the “Maamer”
A moving video presentation was shown at the event, of Moishy visiting his parents’ gravesite in Jerusalem. Moishy invites his parents to join his Bar Mitzvah and tells them he will follow in their ways.
VIDEO: Moishy invites his parents to his Bar Mitzvah
During the festive seudas Mitzvah, Moishy’s grandfather, Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg, presented him with a dollar that his father, Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, had received from the Rebbe.
VIDEO: Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and his wife Sara send congratulations
ooh so happy
mazel tov
Mazal tov to Moishy!
As is was a custom by the Rebbe’s Farbrengans to sing the Nugunim of all the Rabbeim. In the Early years for the Tzemach Tzedek they would sing ניגון השתתחות מהצ״צ
The Rebbitzen Ch’M requested to Reb Yoel not to sing it being that it causes the Rebbe to become overly emotional. Thus changed it to Yemin Hashem.
Seeing Moshe by his parents grave while the music played there ניגון השתתחות מהצ״צ
I felt an inner pain thump in my soul that brought uncontrollable tears.
Sharing a personal feeling. No hate no drama sharing the pain sharing the Simcha
ps. Mazal Tov to Hatomim Moshe Mazal Tov to the Holtzbergs Mazal Tov to the Rosenbergs. Mazal Tov and thank you Sandra.
Most important of all. Mazal Tov Gabi and Rivki I am absolutely positive your there celebrating your sons Bar Mitzvah and smiling at him and all of us. May you have much Yiddishe and Chassidishe Nachas from Moshe.
And proclaim loud and clear ראו גדולים שגדלתי
עד ביאת משיח צדקינו במהרה בימינו נאו ממש
Dear Moshe Tzvi … Mazal Tov!! Mazal Tov!!! on your Bar Mitzvah!!! in case you dont already know it … people all over the world think of you … and I for one have “adopted” you as a grandson even though we may never meet!!! just as I say a Kapitel Tehillim for each of my grandchildren every Shabbat, I also say your Kapitel Tehillim and think of you and send you all the brochot in the world … that you should grow up to make your family proud of you, that you should succeed in all your dreams and… Read more »
Wow you did it again beautiful job being misamaiach a yasom A1
He looks so much like his parents it’s striking
משה היקר!! הרבה הרבה מזל טוב!… אנחנו רוצים לברך אותך שתיגדל להיות חסיד, ירא שמים ולמדן אפילו שאנחנו לא מכירים אותך אישית אנחנו
מרגישים את השיחה שלך כאילו היא שלנו אוהבים משפחת קמנצקי
wow what a crowd yummy food Avraham fried Simcha Fredman wow what a party nice Mazel Tov Mosihy nice dancing