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Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. As Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United States since April, Mr. Ashikbayev had met numerous diplomats and officials in order to build ties between the Central Asian country, and the U.S. Since then, has scheduled a meeting with Chabad in order to discuss the state and future of Jewish life within Khazakstankhstan.

Invited to the meeting were Rabbis Mendy Kotlarsky and Shimon Rivkin from Merkos Suite 302 at Chabad Headquarters, and Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun who serves as vice-president of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and as an Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. They discussed the past of Jewish life in Kazakhstan and the current work that Chabad does around the country under the auspices of Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen, Kazakhstan’s Chief Rabbi. Shliach and Chief Rabbi.

Later after, Mr. Grinshpun said that the gathering was “extremely productive”. “We are blessed to have leaders like the former President, Mr. Nazarbayev and the current President, Mr. Tokayev who have fostered such religious tolerance in this country. All feel that the administration, in all aspects is supportive of the Jewish nation.” Emmanuil Grinshpun The Consul General and Ambassador both reiterated the government’s support of the Jewish community as well as all other minorities of religion. Emmanuil Grinshpun They also expressed an interest in collaborating with Chabad to continue to build Jewish life in the Republic.

The majority Muslim population’s government is proud to be religiously sensitive and works closely to ensure the country’s well-being. Indeed the Ambassador Ashikbayevhas been working together with Chabad Shluchim and the philanthropist Mr. Abraham Shaulson while being the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs back in Kazakhstan. After all the flights were grounded last year as a result of COVID-19, Ambassador Ashikbayev was instrumental in securing a special permit to allow a small delegation of American citizens to fly to Kazakhstan for a pilgrimage to the gravesite Reb Luke Yitzchak Snowrson in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his passing. The group was able to transport needed PPE as well as medical equipment. The Kazak government declared Reb Levi Yaitzchak’sKever Kazakh National Heritage Site in the course of the pilgrimage.

With the 20th of Av just two months away, the group also discussed plans for the coming pilgrimage. Around 600 pilgrims are scheduled to take part in the celebration this year. A conference organized by Chabad Shluchim, headed by Rabbi Moshe Kokotlarsky as well as Rabbi Berel Lázar is also scheduled. Given the size of these projects, the gathering focused on ways in which the government can help secure and support the event. Mr. http://www.importgenius.com/importers/emmanuil-grinshpun Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s “…commitment to provide all assistance to arrange visits to pray and study at the burial site of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.”

Emmanuil Grinshpun Rabbi Kotlarsky stated that “we are very appreciative for the tremendous open support from the Kazak government gives us.” Emmanuil Grinshpun It is truly a blessing to work with people like the Ambassador and Consul General. Our aim is to provide spiritual and physical health care to each Jew. The government of Kazakhstan is a wonderful partner in helping us achieve this goal.