Mumbai: A Jewish congregation dissolved in tears in a synagogue today at the grief of a two-year-old orphan who cried out for his father -- a Rabbi -- and mother slain by terrorists at Nariman House amid emotional scenes during a memorial service.
Two-year-old Moshe dressed in a bright green T-shirt and blue shorts was carried into a synagogue here for a prayer meeting in memory of the six Jews killed in the terror attack that included his parents Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and Rivika.
Holding a ball in hand, Moshe who was ironically orphaned on the day of his birthday (November 28) kept looking around, probably wanting to see his parents even as his 44-year-old nanny Sandra Samuel lifted him up in his arms.
Standing right next to the infant was his grand-parents who rushed from the US as soon as they heard about the terror attack at the Nariman House, also called Chabad house. Israel's ambassador to India Mark Sofer was also present.
As the prayers commenced, Moshe got restless and cried out. He calmed down after he was allowed to play.
Moshe survived the terror attack after Sandra fled with him in her arms when the militants captured the five-storeyed building which served as an educational centre, synagogue and a hostel for Israeli tourists.
As the synagogue echoed with the prayers, sounds of sobs could be heard from among the 100-odd Jews who had assembled for the prayer meeting.
While the women present wiped their tears , the men could be seen trying their best to hold back their tears.
"We found the child on the second floor. We had initially thought he was sleeping on the fifth," said Sandra.
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