The deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India happened five years ago this week. Indians, Americans and Jews were all targeted in the assault. But amid the carnage of that night, a story of hope and survival emerged, involving a Jewish child and his Indian nanny, who saved the boy during the attack and has stayed by his side ever since.
Moshe is a typical, rambunctious 7-year-old.
“Funny guy, this boy.” Samuel said.
His nanny Sandra Samuel raised him from a baby.
But carry him she did, through gunfire and smoke five years ago in Mumbai, when terrorists stormed the Jewish center where they were living, killing Moshe’s parents Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka.
Reciting Psalms 23, Sandra shepherded Moshe to safety. Once security forces regained control, they found six people were dead.
Moshe’s parents’ bodies were brought to Israel. Rivki’s father Rabbi Shimon Rosenberghelped bury them on the Mount of Olives.
Sandra is never far from Moshe’s side.
Moshe’s grandfather wants to keep memories of his daughter and son-in-law alive. He’s constructing a community center to honor the young caretakers of the Mumbai Jewish Center.
He also hopes it’ll inspire Moshe.
“What the father and mother were doing only life give for somebody, also Moshe boy since he was a small one, I give it in his mind you need to do the same your mother and father was doing,” Rosenberg said.
There might be some solace for Sandra in that. She still carries regret.
“Bravery?” Samuel said. “I can’t say I was brave at that moment. If I was brave, I could have gone on that same day and done something for the parents.
While she may question her bravery, for this family there is no question. She is a hero.