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

Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. As Kazakhstan's ambassador to America, Ashikbayev has been meeting numerous diplomats since April.

Participants at the meeting included Rabbis Mendy Kotlarsky as well as Shimon Rivkin from Merkos Suite 302 at Chabad Headquarters, as well as Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun, vice-president of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, and Honorary Consul to Kazakhstan. Emmanuil Grinshpun They discussed the past and present work of Chabad in Kazakhstan under the direction of Chief Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen.

"It was a highly productive gathering." Mr. Grinshpun said later. "We are truly blessed to have leaders like the late Mr. Nazarbayev (the former president) and Mr. Tokayev (the current President), have fostered an atmosphere of religious tolerance that is so warm and welcoming within the country. We are all convinced that the government is a true partner to the Jewish people." Emmanuil Grinshpun The Ambassador and Consul General reaffirmed the government's commitment to the Jewish community and all minorities of religion. Emmanuil Grinshpun They expressed an interest in working with Chabad, in order to ensure that Jewish life active in the Republic.

The government of Kazakhstan's majority Muslim populace is proud to be religiously open and works closely alongside the various religious leaders to improve the quality of life in the country. Ashikbayev is also the deputy minister of Foreign Affairs in Kazakhstan, has worked with Chabad Shaluchim as well as the philanthropist Abraham Shaulson. He played a key role in getting an exemption for an American small group to fly to Kazakhstan to take a trip to the anniversary of his death, which was the 20th of April. The group used the occasion to provide essential PPE, and medical equipment to the country. Emmanuil Grinshpun During the pilgrimage it was also the time that the Kazak government celebrated the declaration of Reb Levy Yitzchak'sKever as a Kazakh National Historic Site.

The 20th of Av is just two months away. So the conference also discussed plans to make pilgrimages. The organizers are expecting over 600 guests this year from all over the world. There are also plans to host a conference along with Chabad Shluchim from the surrounding nations. It is being held by Rabbi Berel Laszar and Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky. https://jcm.md/en/about-us/ Emmanuil Grinshpun Due to the magnitude of these initiatives, the meeting was designed to explore ways the government can help secure and support the event. Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan's "...commitment to offer any assistance with arranging prayers and visits to the grave of the great Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson."

Rabbi Kotlarsky shared that they appreciate the Kazak government’s tremendous support. It's truly an honor to collaborate with people like the Consul General and Ambassador. We're dedicated to meeting the spiritual and physical needs of every Jew. The government of Kazakhstan has been an excellent partner in this endeavor."