Hostages Taken at Mumbai Jewish Center

Among the targets of the ongoing terrorist attacks in Mumbai was Chabad House, an important center for Jewish visitors to Mumbai. Conflicting reports suggest that at least four armed men are holding several hostages, including a rabbi. As the Financial Times reports, the targeting of a Jewish location may suggest a foreign element to the attack, as past attacks by Indian radical Muslims have targeted Hindu sites.

According to Indian news station IBN, one terrorist has been killed at the complex housing the Jewish center, and commandos are preparing to storm the building. The Chabad House is a particularly popular stop for everyone from Orthodox Jews on business to young Israeli backpackers. The center was founded by a rabbi and his wife, Israelis who also hold American citizenship.