Â
The Global Citizen is a joint project of New Voices and the American Jewish World Service (AJWS). Throughout the year, a group of former AJWS volunteers will offer their take on global justice, Judaism and international development. Opinions expressed by Global Citizen bloggers do not necessarily represent AJWS.              Â
Â
     This Shabbat marks a day to remember. This Friday the world is commemorating the first anniversary of the infamous terrorist attack in Mumbai, India, in which 173 people were killed and at least 308 additional were wounded. The attacks were on more than ten coordinated strikes over a period of three days, targeting largely places frequented by westerners. Among them, the famous Taj Palace hotel, Leopold Cafe and of course the Chabad house of Mumbai. Friday’s worldwide day of remembrance, an effort coordinated by Chabad, seeks to remember two very special lives lost, those of Rabbi Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg.
            On the Chabad website, a very touching memorial seeks to keep alive the memory of two people that gave up everything they knew to be a beacon of Judaism to Mumbai. By the countless reflections and stories on the site it is quickly clear these two were special individuals. They gave their home unselfishly; they welcomed people with open arms, from all around the world to share in the joy they took from Judaism. Looking through the photo’s and seeing the amazing work they did, while remembering they are not really so much older than I am, is really inspiring.
             I had read the headlines about these attacks last year, but admittedly had not read into them any more than a passing empathy. When I found out last April that I would be travelling with a Jewish organization to India, they resurfaced in my conscious with the heap of pleadings from my family that I please avoid Mumbai. When I arrived in India I was so caught up in the sensory overload that they could not have been further from my thoughts. Even during the time I spent in Mumbai, just blocks from their home, my real understanding of the atrocity was vague at best. Only after returning home, and missing the adventure of India, did I begin to learn about this tragedy, and how much time I had spent in its wake.
           Indeed, the hostel that I stayed at was only a block from the Taj palace hotel. I celebrated my 21st birthday in the company of other travelers at Leopold’s(Where in fact there are still bullet holes on the walls). I even had the privilege of visiting the local synagogue. I suppose it was the arrogance of somebody young to not have taken the time to learn about this before I arrived in Mumbai. I regret my own arrogance in not taking the time to visit the rebuilt Chabad house and remember the truly inspiring people that lost their lives just nine months prior.
So what I leave you with is twofold: Firstly, whether you are attending one of those worldwide Chabad services (more info listed below), coming for Indian food at my apartment, or holistically do not observe the Sabbath, take a moment this Friday to remember. Remember the lives of the Rabbi and his wife, as well as the 171 others who perished. Remember that each day may be your last, and to live, as Rabbi Gabi and Rivkah Holtzberg lived. Touch the lives of others every day. Secondly, if you find yourself in the blessed position to visit sights of worldwide implication and significance, learn from my mistake and take the time before you go there to inform yourself. Don’t miss the opportunity, as I did, to remember, and to honor those who insprire.
