Mumbai attacks

Tonight my thoughts and prayers are with the Indian people. Having lived in Mumbai for a period of time, today's attacks strike at a second home. The main targets were hotels, restaurants and train stations that I had frequently visited. The image on the NYtimes of the Taj Hotel burning, especially hurt and was hard to believe.

I was shocked to read on the same link above that violence was even occurring at the Chabad House down the street from the Taj Hotel. The same house where I spent shabbats and high holidays was under siege. It is horrifying to think that friends and family members of friends could be stuck in one of those buildings as a hostages. Even more disturbing were reports that the attackers were singling out US and UK citizens. If I were still living in Mumbai, there would be a good chance that I would be stuck in one of those hotels or restaurants.

I was listening to a MSN webcast earlier which pointed out that these attacks were very similar in style to the 9-11 attacks. This is certainly true when you consider the historical background of the Taj Hotel and Chhatrapati rail station. All these locations were Mumbai's best known landmarks. Furthermore, Mumbai is the economic engine of India; it is the country's heart and melting pot. It's like NYC and LA wrapped into one. It hurts me today to see a city that welcomed and accepted me be mangled by violence.