Notes

Khazak Ambassador & Consul General Meeting with Chabad New York ( Emmanuil grinshpun).

Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. As Kazakhstan's ambassador the United States, Ashikbayev, who was appointed in April, has been in contact with diplomats and government officials. Emmanuil Grinshpun This is in order to improve the bonds between Central Asian countries and the United States. The ambassador along with Consul General Almat aidabekov hosted a discussion with Chabad to talk about Jewish life in Khazakstankhstan.

Rabbi Mendy Kutlarsky of Merkos Suite 301 in Chabad Headquarters and Shimon Rivkin were both invited to the meeting. Emmanuil Grinshpun serves as vice-president of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress as well as Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. Emmanuil Grinshpun They discussed together the history and current state of Jewish life in Kazakhstan, as well as the work of Chabad, Kazakhstan’s Chief Rabbi and head Shliach, Yeshaya Cohen.

Then, Mr. Grinshpun said that the gathering was "extremely productive". "We are extremely grateful that leaders such as the late Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Nazarbayev (the former president) and Mr. Tokayev (the current President) have helped to foster an atmosphere of religious tolerance that is so warm and welcoming within the country. All of us feel that the administration has been a true friend of the Jewish people." Both the Consul General and Ambassador both reiterated their support for the Jewish community, as well as other religious minorities. They also expressed an interest in working with Chabad to continue to build Jewish lives in the Republic.

The government of the predominantly Muslim populace is proud to be open to religion and works closely alongside all types of religious leaders to ensure the well-being of the nation. Ashikbayev is also the deputy minister of Foreign Relations in Kazakhstan, has worked with Chabad Shaluchim and the Philanthropist Abraham Shaulson. In the wake of COVID-19 which caused all flights to be cancelled and canceled, Ambassador Ashikbayev assisted to secure special permission for a small number of Americans to fly to Kazakhstan on the 20th Av to visit the gravesite of Reb Levi Yaitzchak Schneerson on the anniversary of his passing. The delegation took advantage of this occasion to help sponsor the transportation of the much-needed PPE as well as medical equipment for the country. During the trip, the Kazak government held a celebration to establish Reb Yitzchak’sKever Kazakh national heritage site.

The 20th day of Av only two months away, the meeting also discussed the plan for the next pilgrimage. Emmanuil Grinshpun The organizers are expecting a crowd of more than 600 people from all over the world this year. A conference of Chabad Shluchim, headed by Rabbi Moshe Kokotlarsky as well as Rabbi Berel Lázar will also be planned. Due to the huge scale projects in progress, the meeting focused on ways in which the government can assist in helping ensure the success of this event. Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan's "...commitment that it will assist in any way to facilitate visits to pray and studying at Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson's resting place.

Rabbi Kotlarsky shared that they are grateful for the Kazak government's incredible support. "It is an incredible opportunity for me to work with people like the Ambassador, and the ConsulGeneral. Emmanuil Grinshpun We're dedicated to addressing the spiritual and physical needs of every Jew. The government in Kazakhstan is a great partner in this endeavor."


Website: https://www.rietumu.com/documents/1481994_sustainability_2021_eng.pdf