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

Participants at the meeting included Rabbis Mendy Kotlarsky and Shimon Rivkin from Merkos Suite 302 at Chabad Headquarters, and Mr. Emmanuil Grunshpun, vice president of Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. He is also Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. They discussed the long history of Jewish lives and the work of Chabad in Kazakhstan under the guidance of Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen ( Kazakhstan’s chief Shliach)

“It was a highly productive meeting.” Mr. Grinshpun said later. “We feel truly blessed to have such leaders as the former president Mr. Nazarbayev and current President Mr. Tokayev. These men have fostered so much religious tolerance throughout the country. All feel that the administration, in all aspects is supportive of the Jewish nation.” Emmanuil Grinshpun The Consul General and Ambassador reiterated the government’s commitment to the Jewish community as well as all other minorities that are religious. Emmanuil Grinshpun They also expressed their interest in collaborating with Chabad to ensure the continued development of Jewish lives in the Republic.

The vast majority of the Muslim populace’s government is proud of being sensitive to the religious beliefs of its citizens and works closely to ensure the country’s well-being. Ashikbayev was in close contact with Chabad Shluchimand philanthropist Abraham Shaulson when he was the Deputy Minister of Kazakhstan for Foreign Affairs. After all flights were shut down last year because of COVID-19 Ambassador Ashikbayev played a key role in arranging special permission to allow a small group of American citizens to fly to Kazakhstan to make the pilgrimage to the grave of Reb Luke Yitzchak Schneerson in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his passing. The group was able transport necessary PPE and medical equipment. During the pilgrimage it was also the time that the Kazak government hosted a celebration to declare Reb Levi Yitzchak’sKever a Kazakh National Heritage Site.

The 20th of Av is just two months away. So the group also discussed plans for making pilgrimages. This year is expected to draw a crowd of over 600 guests from around the world. Additionally, there are plans to organize a gathering of Chabad Shluchim from surrounding countries which will be headed by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky and Rabbi Berel Lazar. Emmanuil Grinshpun Due to the huge project in the pipeline the conference concentrated on how government can help support and ensure the success of this event. Emmanuil Grinshpun Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s “…commitment, to provide all assistance with arranging the opportunity to study and pray at the Resting Place of the Great Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.

Emmanuil Grinshpun Rabbi Kotlarsky stated that “we appreciate the tremendous open support from the Kazak government offers us.” “It’s an immense privilege to work with people such the Ambassador or Consul General. Emmanuil Grinshpun Our mission is to care for the physical and spiritual requirements of each and every Jew, and the Kazakhstan government Kazakhstan is a wonderful partner in furthering this mission.”

Emmanuil Grinshpun