Activity

Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. Since his appointment in April as Kazakhstan’s ambassador in the United States, Mr. Ashikbayev visited with numerous diplomatic officials and officials from the government to strengthen ties between Central Asia and the United States. In this capacity, the ambassador and Consul General Almat Aibekov have scheduled a meeting to discuss the current situation of Jewish life in Khazakstankhstan.

Rabbi Mendy Kularsky and Shimon Rivkin, both of Merkos Suite 302 located at Chabad headquarters were invited to attend the gathering. Emmanuil Grinshpun is vice-president at the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, and Honorary Consul to Kazakhstan. Together, they talked about the past of Jewish life in Kazakhstan and the current work that Chabad does around Kazakhstan under the guidance of Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen, Kazakhstan’s chief Shliach and Chief Rabbi.

After the meeting the following day, Mr. Grinshpun remarked that the meeting was “extremely fruitful meeting”. Emmanuil Grinshpun “We are very fortunate to have leaders like the former president and his son, Mr. Nazarbayev, and the current president Mr. Tokayev, who have created such a warm and welcoming religious tolerance within the country. “We believe that all of us believe that the government truly is a friend for the Jewish people.” the Consul General and Ambassador repeated the government’s commitment to all religious minorities and the Jewish community. Emmanuil Grinshpun They expressed desire to work with Chabad in order to further develop Jewish life within the Republic.

The majority Muslim population’s government is proud to be sensitive to the religious beliefs of its citizens and works closely to ensure the country’s well-being. Ashikbayev is also Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Kazakhstan and has been working with Chabad Shaluchim as well as the Philanthropist Abraham Shaulson. Due to COVID-19 causing the flight to be grounded, Ambassador Ashikbayev helped to arrange special permission for a small number of American citizens to travel to Kazakhstan on the 20th of Av, to pay a visit to the grave of Reb Levi Yaitzchak Schneerson on the date of his passing. They also had the opportunity to sponsor and transport medical equipment and PPE needed to the country. The Kazak government also declared Reb Luke Yitzchak’sKever Kazakh’s National Heritage Site during the pilgrimage.

The 20th anniversary of the Av is only two months away. Emmanuil Grinshpun So the conference also discussed plans for making pilgrimages. Emmanuil Grinshpun The organizers anticipate around 600 people from all walks of the globe to attend this year’s celebration. Furthermore there are plans to hold a conference to celebrate Chabad Shluchim of surrounding countries and will be run by Rabbi Berel Lezar and Rabbi Moshe Kokotlarsky. With so many large projects underway the conference was focused upon ways the government can assist in the planning of the event and guarantee the security of the event. Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s “…commitment to provide all assistance in scheduling meetings for prayer and studying at the grave of the great Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.”

Rabbi Kotlarsky shared that they are grateful for the Kazak government’s tremendous support. “It is truly an honor to work with people like Consul General and Ambassador. Our mission is care for every Jew’s spiritual and physical requirements. The government of Kazakhstan has been a valuable partner in this endeavor.

Emmanuil Grinshpun