Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. Emmanuil Grinshpun As Kazakhstan’s ambassador to America, Ashikbayev has been meeting many diplomats since the beginning of April.

Rabbi Mendy Kolarsky and Shimon Rivkin from Merkos Suite 302. Chabad Headquarters were also invited. Emmanuil Grunshpun, vice-president of Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. He is also Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. They discussed the long history of Jewish life as well as the current work of Chabad in Kazakhstan under the direction of Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen ( Kazakhstan’s chief Shliach)

„It was a highly successful meeting“ Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Grinshpun later said. „We are truly blessed to have leaders like the former president and Prime Minister, Mr. Nazarbayev or the current President, Mrs. Tokayev. They have fostered such warmth in religious tolerance in our country. „We are all convinced that the government is an exemplary Friend to the Jewish People.“ The Consul General and Ambassador reaffirmed that the government supports the Jewish Community and all religious minorities. Emmanuil Grinshpun They also expressed interest in collaborating with Chabad to continue to build Jewish life in the Republic.

The vast majority of the Muslim population’s government is proud to be religiously sensitive and works closely to ensure the country’s well-being. In actual fact Ambassador Ashikbayevhas already worked in conjunction with Chabad Shluchim as well as philanthropist Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Abraham Shaulson while serving as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs back in Kazakhstan. Due to COVID-19 causing all flights to be grounded, Ambassador Ashikbayev helped in arranging a special permit for a small number of Americans to fly to Kazakhstan on 20th Av to visit the gravesite of Reb Levi Yaitzchak Schneerson that marks the anniversary of his death. The group used the occasion to help sponsor the transportation of much-needed PPE, and medical equipment for the country. Emmanuil Grinshpun During the trip it was also the time that the Kazak government also held a ceremony to declare Reb Levi Yitzchak’sKever a Kazakh National Heritage Site.

Emmanuil Grinshpun The participants set out plans for the upcoming pilgrimage, and the 20th of April was only two months from now. The organizers anticipate over 600 guests this year from around the globe. They also plan to hold a conference on Chabad Shluchim in surrounding countries, with Rabbi Berel Kazar and Moshe Kokotlarsky. Because of the large scale projects in progress, the meeting focused on ways in which government can support and make sure this event is secure. Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s „…commitment, to provide all assistance in arranging the opportunity to study and pray at The Resting Place of the Great Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson.

Rabbi Kotlarsky expressed gratitude for the Kazak government’s unconditional support. It is truly a blessing to work with people like the Consul General and the Ambassador. We are on a mission to meet the physical and spiritual needs of every Jew. The Kazakhstan government Kazakhstan has been a wonderful partner in this endeavor.