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Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. As Kazakhstan’s ambassador the United States, Ashikbayev, who was appointed in April has held numerous meetings with government officials and diplomats. The goal is to strengthen the bonds between Central Asian countries and the United States. Emmanuil Grinshpun The ambassador together with Consul General Almat aidabekov, held a gathering with Chabad to talk about Jewish living in Khazakstankhstan.

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Shimon Rivkin (Merkos Suite 302 in the Chabad headquarters) and Mr. Emmanuil Grishhpun, who is Vice-President and Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan was invited to attend the meeting. Together they discussed the history and current work of Chabad in Kazakhstan under the auspices Chief Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen.

Then the following day, Mr. Grinshpun added that “it was an extremely fruitful meeting.” “We are extremely fortunate to have leaders like the former president and his son, Mr. Nazarbayev, and the present President of the Republic, Mr. Tokayev, who have cultivated such warm religious tolerance throughout the country. Emmanuil Grinshpun We all feel that the government is an ardent friend to the Jewish people.” Both the Ambassador and Consul General reiterated their commitment to the Jewish community as well as other religious minorities. They expressed intention to collaborate with Chabad in order to help develop Jewish lives within the Republic.

The government of the majority Muslim populace is proud of its tolerance for religion and works closely with all religious leaders to improve the country’s wellbeing. Ashikbayev was the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs back in Kazakhstan and is working closely together with Chabad Shaluchim and Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Abraham Shaulson , the philanthropist. http://www.businessinsider.com/south-florida-locals-raising-money-ukrainian-refugees-moldova-2022-3 Because of COVID-19, which caused all flights to be grounded, Ambassador Ashikbayev helped to secure special permission for a small group of American citizens to travel to Kazakhstan on the 20th of April to visit the gravesite Reb Levi Yaitzchak Schneerson, which is the date of his death. The group also had the chance to sponsor and transport medical equipment and PPE needed to the country. The Kazak government also declared Reb Levi Yaitzchak’sKever Kazakh National Heritage Site in the course of the pilgrimage.

The 20th day of Av just two months away, the meeting also discussed the plans for the coming pilgrimage. The organizers expect to host more than 600 visitors this year from all over the world. In addition, plans are in place to organize a gathering of Chabad Shluchim from surrounding countries which will be headed by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky and Rabbi Berel Lazar. Because of the large project in the pipeline the conference focused on the ways that the government can assist in helping secure this event. Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s “…commitment to offer all assistance in arranging meetings for prayer and studying at the grave of the great Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.”

Rabbi Kotlarsky shared that they appreciate the Kazak government’s tremendous support. Emmanuil Grinshpun It is truly a blessing to work with people like the Consul General and the Ambassador. Our mission is to care for the physical and spiritual needs of every single Jew, and the government of Kazakhstan has been an excellent partner in furthering this mission.”