Thursday, 16 November 2023

Open letter to Moshe Holtzberg, survivor of 2008 Mumbai attack, as Israeli Philosophers-Statesmen opt for Rattenlinien

 Dear Moshe,

 

You can never forget the year 2008 which witnessed multiple shootings and bombing attacks in Mumbai, India wherein a large number of people lost their lives or were injured. As a toddler of about two years age you were lucky to escape death. Your Indian nanny was clinging you in a protective embrace, the media reported. Unfortunately you lost your parents in this attack which took place at Chabad House, Mumbai.

 

In 2018 you had accompanied – as part of a delegation – your Prime Minister, Netanyahu on a visit to India and even visited the site of the 2008 crime. I guess you would be around 16-17 years of age now.

 

Developments post October 7th 2023, would be weighing heavy on your mind. Due to understandable security concerns your whereabouts would be a secret. In any case, where-ever you are based, the on-going genocide of Palestinians in general and children in particular in Gaza Strip would be an overwhelming experience for you.

 

There are occasions in human history when people of your age have risen to the occasion and attempted to change the course of events. In present times this cycle of violence and counter-violence vis-à-vis Israel-Palestine must come to an end.

 

The need of the hour is to ensure a cease-fire; allow free and unhindered humanitarian aid to victims; and to start a dialogue to ensure the peaceful existence of Israelis and Palestinians side-by-side in their rightful territories.

 

Politicians in Israel appear to be in a vengeful frame of mind. No philosopher-statesman within or outside Israel is in sight to guide the government to a mature, long-term view of present events and a permanent solution to the vexed problem.

 

It becomes imperative for people like you to impress upon your Prime Minister to embrace peace and adopt a policy of live and let live.

 

It may yet work!

 

Best wishes,

P.S. Sahni

New Delhi, India

Email: pilwatchgroup@gmail.com

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