CNN - 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.
"You're becoming big now," Samuel said. "I
can't carry you."
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.
"Even now I can picture Rabbi Gabby and Rifki screaming
and Rabbi Gabby fighting the terrorists," Samuel said. "The sound of
it even now, I can see as a picture."
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 Rosenberg helped bury them on the Mount of Olives.
"Sandra the nanny, it is not a regular nanny; a nanny
who feels like an angel from God who take the boy."
Sandra is never far from Moshe's side.
"Moshe boy and I will always be close," Samuel
said. "I hope we will always have this connection."
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.
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