Pronunciation: [hˈə͡ʊltzbɜːɡ] (IPA) 
"Holtzberg" is a surname that comprises of 9 alphabets. In terms of phonetics, the word is transcribed as /ˈhoʊltsbərɡ/ (holts-burg) where 'h' is silent, 'o' is pronounced as "ow" as in 'cow', 'l' is pronounced as "l" in 'love', 't' stands for a hard 't' sound, 's' is pronounced as "s" in 'sun', 'b' as "b" in 'boy', 'e' as "ə" as in 'sofa', 'r' is pronounced as "r" in 'run', and 'g' as "g" in 'goat'.
Holtzberg refers to the surname of a Jewish family of Indian origin, primarily associated with Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg (1979-2008) and his wife, Rivka Holtzberg (1980-2008). They were the directors of the Chabad House located in Mumbai, India, which was a center for Jewish activities and outreach. The Holtzbergs became well-known due to a tragic incident known as the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
In November 2008, during the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the Chabad House was targeted by terrorists. The Holtzbergs, along with several other hostages, were held captive for nearly three days before being brutally murdered by the terrorists. This atrocity left a lasting impact on the global community, leading to increased dialogue and awareness about terrorism and religious extremism.
The name "Holtzberg" itself does not have any specific dictionary definition, as it is a proper noun embodying the identity of a particular family. However, due to the tragic events surrounding the family's name, it has become a symbol of resilience and martyrdom within the Jewish community.
The memory of Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg continues to live on through various initiatives, such as the establishment of the Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg Memorial Trust, which aims to continue their work by supporting educational, cultural, and social projects around the world. Additionally, many individuals now refer to the Holtzbergs as a symbol of bravery and unity in the face of adversity.
