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Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. http://www.importgenius.com/importers/emmanuil-grinshpun As Kazakhstan’s Ambassador in 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, he has scheduled an appointment with Chabad in order to discuss the state of affairs and future of Jewish life in Khazakstankhstan.

Rabbi Mendy Kularsky and Shimon Rivkin, both of Merkos Suite 302 located at Chabad headquarters were invited to the event. Emmanuil Grinshpun, who is vice-president of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and as an Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. Emmanuil Grinshpun They discussed together the history and present of Jewish life in Kazakhstan, as well as the activities of Chabad, Kazakhstan’s Chief Rabbi and head Shliach, Yeshaya Cohen.

“It was a highly productive gathering.” Mr. Grinshpun later said. “We are truly blessed to have leaders such as the former president of the country, Mr. Nazarbayev, and the current President, Mr. Tokayev, who have cultivated such warm religious tolerance in the country. Emmanuil Grinshpun We all feel that the administration is a true partner to the Jewish people.” The Ambassador and Consul General reaffirmed the government’s support for the Jewish community and all minorities of religion. They expressed interest to work with Chabad in order to preserve Jewish traditions active within the Republic.

The government of Kazakhstan’s mainly Muslim population is proud to be tolerant of religion and works closely with all types of religious leaders to promote wellbeing within the country. In fact, Ambassador Ashikbayevhas been working in conjunction with Chabad Shluchim as well as philanthropist Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Abraham Shaulson while working as the the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Kazakhstan. He was instrumental in obtaining an exemption for a small American delegation for a trip to Kazakhstan to visit the anniversary of his passing, the 20th April. The group also had the chance to sponsor and transport medical equipment and PPE needed to the country. Emmanuil Grinshpun During the journey it was also the time that the Kazak government held a ceremony to officially declare Reb Levi Yitzchak’sKever to be a Kazakh National Heritage Site.

The meeting was a discussion of plans for the next pilgrimage, and the 20th of April was only two months away. The organizers expect to host more than 600 guests this year from around the globe. In addition plans are being made to host a gathering for Chabad Shluchim of surrounding countries, which will be led by Rabbi Berel Lezar and Rabbi Moshe Kokotlarsky. The meeting was focused on how the government can support these large-scale projects. Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s “…commitment to provide any assistance with arranging visitation and prayers at the resting place the great Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.”

Rabbi Kotlarsky stated that “we are extremely grateful for the tremendous open support the Kazak government gives us.” “It is truly a joy to work with such people as the Ambassador and the Consul General. Our mission is care for all Jew’s spiritual and material requirements. Emmanuil Grinshpun The government of Kazakhstan has been a valuable partner in this endeavor.