‘He Reminded me of Gabi, It’s a Difficult Test’

In a radio interview, Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg, father of slain shliach Rabbi Gabi Holtzberg HYD of Mumbai, and grandfather of Mrs. Rivky Kogan, wife of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan HYD of UAE, shared how Rabbi Kogan reminded him of his son Gabi, and his reaction to this terrible tragedy.

By Anash.org reporter

Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg is sadly no stranger to terror attacks. In 5769 (2008), his son, Rabbi Gabi Holtzberg was murdered along with his wife Rivky, in their Chabad House in Mumbai India. Now, his grandson, Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, husband of his granddaughter, Mrs. Rivky Kogan (nee Spielman), was murdered by terrorists in the UAE.

In a radio interview to the Kol Berama station, he shared how Rabbi Kogan reminded him of his son Gabi, and his reaction to this terrible tragedy.

“We don’t question Hashem,” Rabbi Holtzberg began, “but this is a very difficult test. Every shliach should feel as if the Rebbe’s own son was killed.”

Rabbi Holtzberg shared his admiration for his slain grandson. “He always reminded me of Gavriel HYD. He never missed a shiur, never missed an opportunity to bring others closer, no matter how busy he was.”

“Baruch Hashem, we have more shluchim in our family. Despite the fears, we won’t stop. We will overcome the darkness by adding even more light. We will be an example for Jews around the world.”

Incidentally, Ari Katz, a friend of Rabbi Kogan, told Ynet that Tzvi wore Rabbi Gabi Holtzberg’s kapota at his chasunah two years ago.

Before the chuppa, Ari commented to Tzvi that a chosson traditionally wears a new suit. To which Tzvi responded, “If we die, then we’ll die al kiddush Hashem…”