Rabbi’s family, Chabad Movement bury the hatchet

Family of slain Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and Chabad Lubavitch Movement, who had entered into a bitter legal battle over Nariman House, have decided to mutually end it. The family and the Movement challenged each other’s trusteeship of the Chabad of India Trust that manages the Nariman House.

Allegations and counter-allegations lead to the high court receiver taking over the possession of the Nariman House shortly before 26/11 anniversary last year.

On May 12, Rabbi Moshe Holtzberg, brother of slain Rabbi Gavriel, submitted in the charity commissioner’s office that his family has no objections to the change report filed by the Chabad Movement.

“We decided to mutually end the cases,” said Moshe Holtzberg.
On the earlier allegations of embezzlement, Holtzberg said, “Money is not an issue anymore. Mistakes were made due to our attachment to the place.  I also accept that there was an issue of security concern and therefore the idea of building a museum. But the place will be lively like before and the focus is on rebuilding and the unity. “

Rabbi Yosef Kantor, Chabad-Lubavitch’s regional director whose trusteeship was challenged said, “Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of the Lubavitch World Headquarters, as well as Rabbi Eliezer Ashkenazi of Bangkok, have worked closely with Rabbi Nachman and Moshe Holtzberg,  internalising their pain and continuing to communicate the organisation’s desire to perpetuate the work and legacy of Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg.”