6 years after 26/11, solemn ceremony marks reopening of Chabad House

Mumbai: Visible layers of security and discreet cameras watched over a milling crowd that had gathered to mark a milestone moment in Colaba on Tuesday. Nariman House, the seat of the Israeli Chabad order in the city, reopened six years after the terrorist attacks of 26/11.
At 2.45pm, five dignitaries picked up a pair of scissors each and cut the red ribbon in five places.As they entered the restored apartment building, a loud round of applause broke out from the assembly. The notes of the Israeli cantor’s hymn rose to the heavens in synchronicity.
Around 200 Jewish guests from Israel and Mumbai were invited to the re-dedication ceremony. The interiors of the new synagogue, restaurant, library and community hall were freshly repaired and painted in white and pastel colours. Floral bouquets were placed at window sills along the stairway. Yet, much like Cafe Leopold, another target of the 26/11 terrorist attack located some yards away, the bullet marks and grenade punches have been retained in the walls. Particularly that corner of the room where Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg was killed has been turned into a shrine complete with thick candles.
This room now functions as a synagogue but the hall of peace is inscribed with a reminder of death. The central pillar carries a vivid description of the tragedy that culminated in the killings of six inmates.
Eyes were searching for Baby Moshe, who is now eight years old and lives with his maternal grandparents and nanny Sandra Samuel in Israel. He did not arrive but his paternal grandparents did, and spoke a few words in Hebrew. The priest, who will now lead Nariman House, Rabbi Yisroel Kozlovsky, addressed his speech to Baby Moshe’s slain parents and swore to continue the mission they had “sacrificed their lives for”.
Pianist Raymond Goldstein was among the musicians who had arrived from Israel to perform. He said, “This is a moving ceremony, not just for me but for everybody who is present here. I was in Israel when the attack took place, and I held my breath in shock. Today as we see this building buzz with life once more, it restores our faith in goodness and humanity.”
Security was a priority, as always. The elaborate kitchen had laid out a vast array of starters and finger foods even though the gas burners had not been lit at all. “The cooking was done at a South Mumbai five-star. This is all kosher food and has been cooked under Israeli supervision. We are merely here to serve the guests,” said Stephan Rodrigues, banquet manager at a prominent chain of fine foods.