PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
President Peres at the Burial Ceremony for Victims of the Terror Attack at
the Chabad House in Mumbai:
"The Whole World Must Answer Moishe, Who is Asking, 'Where is My Mother?'"
President Shimon Peres took part today in a burial ceremony that was held at
Kfar Chabad alongside the Chief Rabbis of Israel and other prominent rabbis.
President Peres gave a special eulogy in memory of the six victims of the
murderous terror attack at the Chabad House in Mumbai.
The President's Remarks are Below:
For several days now, the whole world has had to answer the question of a
small child, Moishe, who is asking, "Where is my mother?" We all need to be
able to answer clearly why little Moishe's mother was murdered. The world
will not know calm, and will not be able to be a world of quiet and peace, a
world of believers, a world of decent people, until we can give a clear
answer to Moishe's question.
I saw Rivky's face, I saw Rabbi Gavriel's face; modest people, glowing
faces, who had nothing but nevertheless gave everything out of an uncommon
generosity. They did not seek wealth or prestige, only the light of the
Torah, which they brought forth to the ends of the earth as emissaries of
the Jewish people to bring salvation and hope. They did not want to force
anything on their fellow man and they did not ask for anything. This was the
greatest mission for a believing person, a Jew.
I was privileged to see the Lubavitcher Rebbe and to meet with him and I
know that the Rebbe would not let anybody despair, nor would he let anybody
cast doubt; in this way, faith will triumph. But Moishe's question is still
awaiting an answer. Throughout the world are scattered hotels,
kindergartens, schools, and houses of prayer, and no state is immune to
terror. The world is divided into two: places in which people are as cruel
as animals, and places in which people know that they were created in the
image of God. We need to tear out terror at the root without hesitation and
without equivocation. I don't understand how it is possible to accept a
state like Iran, which constitutes a nest and a hotbed for terror and which
calls for the destruction of Israel, as a member of the international
community and of the United Nations. If the whole world cannot stand up to
one man with a strong, meaningful stance, and if the world will not fight
with a war of boycotts against all places in which there is money that is
financing terror, then the peace and quiet of the world will be in danger.
Terror represents an epidemic that we must stop and we must eradicate.
We, the Jewish people, have known sadness and martyrdom. We never lost our
humanity and we never supported murder. Terror is not just a problem for the
Jewish people or for the State of Israel; it is a problem and a danger for
the entire world. From this point must emanate a clear cry to stop the
insanity, to stop the terror and to provide a clear answer to Moishe. The
answer to Moishe needs to be given by the whole world, because if not, we
will not be able to live in a world of peace and security. The world must
answer why a wonderful woman like Rivky was killed, why a holy man like
Gavriel was killed, and why Moishe is left an orphan.
We will not rest and we will not relax until an answer is found. With us
today are the Ambassador of India and the Deputy Ambassador Of the United
States to Israel. It is incumbent on us to remember today that together with
those of the Jewish people who were killed, Indian citizens, American
citizens, and citizens of many states throughout the world were also
murdered. In the name of the Jewish people, we offer our condolences to all
of the victims of the terror attack in Mumbai. Our hearts grieve over the
murder of those innocent of any crime. We also seek to comfort the Indian
families whose loved ones, in their attempts to save our loved ones, were
killed during the terror acts. We are one people, we are one world.
Nonetheless to the family - to the grandfather and grandmother, Moishe does
not just bring a question; he also brings consolation, that he will grow up
and will continue the important mission of Chabad, which travels to all
corners of the world to save souls through the compassion of their
emissaries. The whole nation weeps today, and together with Moishe all of
our people ask his question: "where is my mother?"
President Peres also transmitted a special letter to the President of India,
Mrs. Pratibha Patil, in which he expressed his sadness over the murderous
terrorist attacks that took place in Mumbai and offered his condolences to
the victims. He also thanked the Indian government for their rescue efforts
during the attack and promised that Israel will stand beside India in the
fight against terrorism.
THE LETTER FOLLOWS:
THE PRESIDENT
Jerusalem, 1 December 2008
Dear Madam President,
I was deeply shocked and saddened by the murderous terrorist attack in
Mumbai, which claimed the lives of so many innocent people, among them
citizens of India, Israel, and many western countries.
Global terrorism is a major threat that must be combated without let-up. The
terrorists are the fanatical enemies of peace and stability to which we
aspire and the values that we hold dear. Therefore, it is essential that all
of us unite in this vital battle for freedom and human dignity. You can be
sure, Madam President, that Israel stands together with India in this
crucially important fight to eradicate terrorism. Israel very much
appreciates the heroic efforts of India's security forces, despite the
adverse conditions and the casualties, to rescue the hostages and defeat the
terrorists who carried out the atrocity in Mumbai.
Please allow me to extend to Your Excellency, on behalf of the people of
Israel and myself, our heartfelt sympathy and, through you, our sincere
condolences to the bereaved families and our wishes for a speedy recovery
for the injured.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Sincerely,
Shimon Peres
Her Excellency
Mrs. Pratibha Patil
President of the Republic of India
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