NYC Hedge Fund Manager Saved by Heroes at the Taj Hotel

The tragedy in Mumbai started as many Americans were on the move to begin the Thanksgiving Holiday. I was, like many, initially oblivious to the carnage. But nearly a week it would seem that this was India' version of 9/11, although not everyone agrees.

Monday nights edition of Charlie Rose looked at the aftermath of the crisis, and the challenges,and opportunities that President Elect Obama will have as events in South Asia moves to the fore. This will largely be Hillary's beat as the new Secretary of State; can there be a settlement of the Kashmir conflict 60 years after it first flared up? Or will lingering hatred carry the day and lead to more bloodshed?

We will soon find out, but Afghanistan, India and Pakistan are about to play a large role in geo-politics going forward. India and Pakistan can help us negotiate with Iran, and their nuclear ambitions. But it is likely our entire strategy in this part of the world will soon change as Obama takes office.

One New York family had a front row seat to the carnage. The story Michael and Anjali Pollack told last night on Charlie Rose's show was amazing; many Taj employees gave up their lives to protect the NYC couple from near certain death. The Hotel employees were the equivalent of New York's fireffighters seven years ago...true heroes.

In true Wall Street fashion, Michael Pollack worked over the keys of his Blackberry, and even sucked down a few beers before things got hairy. He used his handheld to get advice from the FBI, and shared intelligence with Washington on his handheld, while they in turn warned him of the tactics the terrorists might employ.

He described the chain of events for Forbes Magazine:

My story begins innocuously, with a dinner reservation in a world-class hotel. It ends 12 hours later after the Indian army freed us.

My point is not to sensationalize events. It is to express my gratitude and pay tribute to the staff of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, who sacrificed their lives so that we could survive. They, along with the Indian army, are the true heroes that emerged from this tragedy. Forbes

Michael is a graduate of Wharton, and helped found Glenhill Capital Management LLC in 2001.

Glenhill Capital Management, LLC is a privately owned hedge fund sponsor. The firm invests in the public equity markets across the globe. It typically invests in stocks of small-cap companies. The firm employs a long/short strategy as a hedging technique to make its investments. It typically invests in consumer sector companies. Glenhill Capital Management was founded in January 2001 and is based in New York, New York. Business Week

Welcome home to the melting pot that is New York, Michael and Anjali.  You acquitted yourself well on the show.

What a scary story—I will embed the Charlie Rose video when it becomes available around noon December 2nd.

But check out the piece at Forbes....
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Pollack’s on Charlie Rose


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Heroes At The Taj
Forbes

Photo Blog-The Big Picture
Boston.com

Glenhill Capital Management LLC
Business Week

Lessons from the Mumbai tragedy
FT
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Fox Report on Mumbai:

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The content contained in this blog represents the opinions of 1440 Wall Street. This commentary in no way constitutes a solicitation of business or investment advice. It is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author.

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