Notes

Khazak Ambassador and Consul General meet with Chabad in New York ( Emmanuil Grinshpun)

Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. Since being appointed Kazakhstan's ambassador to the United States in April, Mr. Ashikbayev has met with many government officials and diplomats to strengthen the ties between the Central Asian country and the U.S. In connection with this task the ambassador, along with Consul General Almat Aidabekov set up a meeting with Chabad to discuss the state of Jewish living in Khazakstankhstan.

Participants at the meeting included Rabbis Mendy Kotlarsky as well as Shimon Rivkin from Merkos Suite 302 located at Chabad Headquarters, and Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun is vice-president for the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress as well as Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. Together, they talked about the background of Jewish life in Kazakhstan and the work that Chabad performs across the country under the direction of Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen, Kazakhstan's head Shliach and Chief Rabbi.

"It was a very productive meeting," Mr. Grinshpun later stated. "We are extremely grateful that leaders such as Mr. Nazarbayev (the former president) and Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Tokayev (the current President) have helped to foster an atmosphere of religious tolerance that is so warm and welcoming within the nation. "We all feel that government is an exemplary Friend to the Jewish People." The Consul General and Ambassador reiterated that the government supports the Jewish Community and all religions minorities. Emmanuil Grinshpun They expressed an interest in working with Chabad to promote Jewish life in the Republic.

The government of the predominantly Muslim population prides itself on being tolerant of religion and is in close collaboration with all religious leaders to advance the country's welfare. While serving as the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs in Kazakhstan Ambassador Ashikbayev has previously collaborated with Chabad Shluchim and the philanthropist M. Abraham Shaulson. Emmanuil Grinshpun Since all flights were shut down last season due to COVID-19, the man was instrumental in arranging an extra-special permission to allow a small American delegation could fly to the country on the 20th day of Av, which marks the anniversary of his death. Emmanuil Grinshpun The delegation also used the opportunity to sponsor and bring much-needed PPE as well as medical equipment into the country. The Kazak government has declared Reb Levi Yaitzchak'sKever Kazakh National Heritage Site during the pilgrimage.

Emmanuil Grinshpun The participants discussed plans for the next pilgrimage, and the 20th of April was only two months away. More than 600 people are expected to attend the event this year. Additionally, there are plans to organize a gathering of Chabad Shluchim from surrounding countries, headed by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky and Rabbi Berel Lazar. With such large projects underway the conference focused on ways the government could help ensure the success of the conference. Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s "...commitment, to provide all assistance in arranging visitation for prayer and study at The Resting Place of the Great Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.

Rabbi Kotlarsky expressed gratitude for the Kazak government's unwavering support. "It is truly a blessing to work with people such a Consul General and Ambassador. Emmanuil Grinshpun Our aim is to take care of the spiritual and material needs. The government of Kazakhstan has been a vital partner in this effort.

Emmanuil Grinshpun
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