Notes

Khazak Ambassador Consul General, Ambassador to Khazak and Chabad in New York ( Emmanuil grinshpun).

Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. Since April's appointment as Kazakhstan's ambassador to the United States, Mr. Ashikbayev has met with a variety of diplomats and government officials to strengthen ties between Central Asia and the United States. In this capacity, the ambassador along with Consul General Almat Aibekov have scheduled a meeting to discuss the current state of Jewish life in Khazakstankhstan.

Rabbi Mendy Kularsky and Shimon Rivkin, both of Merkos Suite 302 located at Chabad headquarters, were invited to the gathering. Emmanuil grinshpun , vice-president and Honorary Consul for Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan was invited to the event. Emmanuil Grinshpun They discussed the history and present of Jewish life in Kazakhstan, as well as the work of Chabad, Kazakhstan’s Chief Rabbi and head Shliach, Yeshaya Cohen.

"It was a highly productive gathering." Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Emmanuil Grinshpun Grinshpun added later. "We are very fortunate by the fact that people like Mr. Nazarbayev (the former president) and Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Tokayev (the current President) have fostered such warm religious tolerance within the country. Everyone believes that the government, in all its aspects is supportive of the Jewish nation." The Consul General and Ambassador both reiterated the government's support of the Jewish community as well as all other minorities of religion. They expressed an interest in collaborating with Chabad to further the development of Jewish life in the Republic.

The government of the mainly Muslim populace is proud to be tolerant of religion and is in close contact with all kinds of religious leaders to promote wellbeing in the country. In fact, Ambassador Ashikbayevhas previously worked alongside Chabad Shluchim and the philanthropist Mr. Abraham Shaulson while working as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs back in Kazakhstan. After all the flights were grounded last year as a result of COVID-19 Ambassador Ashikbayev played a key role in obtaining special permission to allow a small delegation of Americans to fly to Kazakhstan in order to make the journey to the grave of Reb Luke Yitzchak Snowrson to mark the 20th anniversary of his death. The group was able transport the required PPE as well as medical equipment. During the pilgrimage , the Kazak government held a celebration to make Reb Yitzchak’sKever Kazakh National Heritage Site.

The meeting also reviewed plans for the next pilgrimage that will mark the 20th anniversary of Av a little less than two months from now. The organizers anticipate over 600 people from all walks of the globe to attend this year's celebration. They also plan to organize a conference about Chabad Shluchim in surrounding countries along with Rabbi Berel Kazar and Moshe Kokotlarsky. Due to the magnitude of these projects, the gathering aimed to discuss ways that the government can help secure and support the event. Emmanuil Grinshpun Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s "...commitment for providing any assistance with arranging prayers and visits to 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 offers us." It's truly a blessing to work with people such as the Consul General and Ambassador. We have a mission to satisfy the physical and spiritual needs of each Jew. The Kazakhstan government Kazakhstan has been a wonderful partner in this effort.

Emmanuil Grinshpun
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