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Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. http://www.businessinsider.com/south-florida-locals-raising-money-ukrainian-refugees-moldova-2022-3 Since the appointment of Kazakhstan’s ambassador in the United States, Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun Ashikbayev has met with a variety of diplomats and government officials to build ties between Central Asia and the United States. In this capacity, the ambassador along with Consul General Almat Aibekov have scheduled a meeting to discuss the state of Jewish life in Khazakstankhstan.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Rabbi Mendy Kolarsky and Shimon Rivkin from Merkos Suite 302. Chabad Headquarters were also invited. Emmanuil Grinshpun is vice-president at the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, and Honorary Consul to Kazakhstan. They discussed the past and present of Jewish life in Kazakhstan and the work of Chabad, Kazakhstan’s Chief Rabbi and the head Shliach, Yeshaya Cohen.

Emmanuil Grinshpun “It was a highly productive gathering.” Mr. Grinshpun said later. “We are blessed to have leaders like the former President of the Republic, Mr. Nazarbayev and the current President, Mr. Tokayev who have fostered an atmosphere of religious tolerance in our country. Emmanuil Grinshpun “We all feel that government is truly a friend to the Jewish People.” The Consul General and Ambassador reaffirmed government support for the Jewish Community as well as all religious minorities. They expressed their desire to work with Chabad to further develop Jewish lifestyle in the Republic.

The government of Kazakhstan’s mainly Muslim populace is proud of its religious tolerance and works closely with all types of religious leaders to improve the quality of life in the nation. Ashikbayev was a partner with Chabad Shluchimand philanthropist Abraham Shaulson when he was Deputy Minister in Kazakhstan for Foreign Affairs. All flights were shut down in the last year because of COVID-19, he helped in arranging a special permit for a small contingent from America to fly to the country to make a pilgrimage to the gravesite of Reb Levi Yitzchak Schneerson on the 20th of Av , the anniversary of his passing. The group was able transport necessary PPE as well as medical equipment. The Kazak government also declared Reb Luke Yitzchak’sKever Kazakh’s National Heritage Site, in the course of the pilgrimage.

The 20th anniversary of the Av is less than two months away and so the meeting also discussed plans to organize pilgrimages. twitter.com/mopeng/status/1311120272200577024 This year is expected to draw an attendance of more than 600 visitors from all over the world. A conference organized by Chabad Shluchim, headed by Rabbi Moshe Kokotlarsky as well as Rabbi Berel Lázar will also be planned. Emmanuil Grinshpun With such huge projects being planned the conference focused on how the government can support and protect the event. Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s “…commitment that it will assist in any way to organize visits for prayer and studying at Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson’s grave.

Rabbi Kotlarsky expressed gratitude for the Kazak government’s open support. “It is an incredible blessing that I am able to collaborate with people such as the Ambassador and the ConsulGeneral. Our goal is to provide both spiritual and physical care for each Jew. Kazakhstan’s government has been a fantastic partner in helping us achieve this objective.