Notes

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

Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. As Kazakhstan's Ambassador to the United States since April, Mr. Ashikbayev had met numerous diplomats and officials in order to improve relations between the Central Asian country, and the U.S. Since then, he has scheduled a meeting with Chabad in order to discuss the state 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 meeting. Emmanuil Grinshpun who serves as vice-president for the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and as an Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. They spoke together about the history of Jewish life and current work of Chabad in Kazakhstan under the direction of Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen ( Kazakhstan's chief Shliach)

"It was an extremely productive meeting," Mr. Grinshpun later added. "We are fortunate to have leaders such as the former President of the Republic, Mr. Nazarbayev and the current President, Mr. Tokayev who have fostered the religious freedom of this country. We believe that the administration is a true friend to the Jewish people." The Consul General and Ambassador reiterated the government's support for the Jewish community and all minorities of religion. They also expressed interest in working with Chabad to ensure the continued development of Jewish life in the Republic.

The government of the majority Muslim populace is proud of its religious tolerance and is in close contact with all types of religious leaders to promote wellbeing within the country. Ashikbayev was the deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Kazakhstan and has been working together with Chabad Shaluchim as well as Mr. Abraham Shaulson , philanthropist. After all the flights were shut down last year as a result of COVID-19 The Ambassador was instrumental in arranging special permission to allow a small group of American citizens to fly to Kazakhstan in order to make the journey to the gravesite Reb Luke Yitzchak Schneerson to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing. This was also an opportunity for the delegation to transport and sponsor much-needed PPE for the country. The Kazak government also declared Reb Levi Yaitzchak'sKever Kazakh National Heritage Site in the course of the pilgrimage.

The participants also discussed plans for the next pilgrimage with the 20th anniversary of Av a little less than two months from now. The organizers are expecting over 600 people this year, from all over the world. The organizers also plan to organize a conference about Chabad Shluchim in surrounding countries, with Rabbi Berel Kazar and Moshe Kokotlarsky. Due to the huge scale projects that are in process the conference concentrated on how government can support and make sure this event is secure. Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan's "...commitment to provide all assistance to arrange the opportunity for study and prayer in the final resting place of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson."

Rabbi Kotlarsky shared that they are thankful for the Kazak government’s tremendous support. "It is a true joy to work with such people as the Ambassador and Consul General. Our mission is to care for the physical and spiritual needs of every single Jew, and the Kazakhstan government Kazakhstan has been a great partner in the pursuit of this goal."


My Website: