By Alexandra Cheney, The Journal NewsCHESTNUT RIDGE — As Americans gathered around their Thanksgiving tables last year, Mumbai was under siege and on fire. This Sunday, the 166 people who lost their lives and scores more who sustained injury will be honored.
Globally, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute will broadcast a live Mumbai Memorial Tribute. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Nobel laureate author Elie Wiesel and both chief rabbis of Israel will be on hand to say a few words.
In Chestnut Ridge, Rabbi Chaim Ehrenreich of the Chabad Jewish Enrichment Center will hold a tribute to Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holzberg, the directors of the Chabad House in Mumbai who, along with four of their guests, were killed during the attacks.
He will also live-stream the global memorial and show a short film titled “Lamplighters,” which documents Chabad-Lubavitch’s 70 years of world outreach.
“They were obviously very special people even before their passing,” Ehrenreich said of the Holzbergs. “The Chabad Jewish center was targeted for its religious affiliation and international appeal.”
As part of the event, Ehrenreich will dedicate a plaque in memory of the Holzbergs. The Chestnut Ridge Chabad is also in the process of dedicating an ark, a place in the house of worship where Torah scrolls are kept. During services, the holy ark is the central focal point of the synagogue.
On Wednesday, Pakistan charged seven men in connection with the terrorist attacks. The indictments came on the eve of the first anniversary of the attacks, which targeted a train station, hotels and other spots in the Indian financial center.
The citywide attacks halted a peace process between the nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. India says Pakistan must tighten its control of militants before the two countries can resume talks.
“All the accused categorically told the court they were innocent, and the charges leveled against them are not supported by the evidence,” defense lawyer Shahbaz Rajput said after the court adjourned until Dec. 5. If convicted, the men, who allegedly belong to the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group, could face the death penalty.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.