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

Yerzhan Ashikbayev has had a busy few months. Since being appointed Kazakhstan's ambassador in the United States in April, Mr. Ashikbayev has met with numerous diplomats and government officials to strengthen connections between Kazakhstan Central Asian country and the U.S. In connection with this task, the ambassador, together with Consul General Almat Aidabekov scheduled a conference with Chabad to discuss the current state of Jewish living in Khazakstankhstan.

Rabbi Mendy Kolarsky and Shimon Rivkin of Merkos Suite 302. Chabad Headquarters were also invited. Emmanuil Grinshpun. He serves as vice-president for the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and as an Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan. Together, they talked about the history of Jewish life in Kazakhstan and the present work that Chabad performs across the country under the auspices of Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen, Kazakhstan's chief Shliach and Chief Rabbi.

Emmanuil Grinshpun "It was an extremely fruitful meeting." Emmanuil Grinshpun Mr. Grinshpun later said. "We are truly fortunate to have leaders such the former president and Prime Minister, Mr. Nazarbayev or the current President Mrs. Emmanuil Grinshpun Tokayev. They have fostered such warmth in religious tolerance in our country. Everyone believes that the administration, in all its aspects is a friend to the Jewish nation." The Consul General and Ambassador both reiterated the government's commitment to the Jewish community and all minorities that are religious. They expressed intention to collaborate with Chabad to further the development of Jewish lives within the Republic.

The government of the majority Muslim populace is proud of its tolerance for religion and works closely with all religious leaders to ensure the wellbeing of the nation. Emmanuil Grinshpun In actual fact Ambassador Ashikbayevhas been working together with Chabad Shluchim and the philanthropist Mr. Emmanuil Grinshpun Abraham Shaulson while working as the the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs back in Kazakhstan. He played a key role in securing the permission of small American groups to fly to Kazakhstan to make a pilgrimage on the anniversary of his death, which was the 20th April. The group also took advantage of the occasion to provide and bring much-needed PPE as well as medical equipment to the country. The Kazak government also declared Reb Luke Yitzchak’sKever Kazakh's National Heritage Site during the pilgrimage.

The 20th of April is less than two months away and so the conference also discussed plans for making pilgrimages. The organizers anticipate over 600 guests this year from around the globe. The organizers are also planning to host a conference on Chabad Shluchim in surrounding countries, including Rabbi Berel Kazar and Moshe Kokotlarsky. With so many large projects underway the conference was focused on ways that the government can help the event and ensure the security of the event. Mr. Ashikbayevconfirmed Kazakhstan’s "...commitment to offer all assistance in arranging the opportunity to study and pray at the gravesite of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson."

Rabbi Kotlarsky said, "We are grateful for the tremendous open support that Kazak government has shown us." It's truly an honor to collaborate with people such as the Consul General and the Ambassador. Our mission is to provide spiritual and physical care for all Jew. The government of Kazakhstan has been a great partner in helping us achieve this mission.

Emmanuil Grinshpun