Video: Seattle rabbi knew rabbi killed in Mumbai attack

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SEATTLE – The personal horror of the terror attacks in Mumbai, India reaches the Puget Sound. A Seattle rabbi knows the family of the rabbi killed by gunmen.

“This has not been an easy day. This has been a very difficult day,” said Rabbi Sholom Ber Levitin.

Five Americans are among the more than 150 people who have died in violence that broke out in Mumbai, India, Wednesday night.

Among the hostages who died were Rabbi Gabriel Holzberg and his wife. The couple’s infant son survived.

Levitin studied with Rabbi Holtzberg’s uncle.

“We were just kind of in shock and hoping and praying that the good Lord would watch over them. The good Lord is taking care of them now,” said Levitin.

Levitin is region director of Chabad-Lubavitch, an Orthodox Jewish group that provides outreach centers around the world.

“We're going to remember this young couple and dedicate our work and remember in our work what they gave of themselves to do the holy mission,” said Levitin.

He says the attacks aimed to destroy faith and divide people have only deepened his belief and brought new friends into Seattle’s Chabad house.

A community memorial will be held for the victims of the Mumbai attacks Sunday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at the 43rd Avenue Northeast Synagogue.