President Isaac Herzog visited the local Jewish community in Astana, Kazakhstan, where he met with the Rebbe’s shluchim and praised their activity in strengthening Jewish life across the region.

His meeting with the shluchim came as part of Herzog’s broader official state trip to Kazakhstan, during which he met with senior government officials, including Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to advance cooperation between the countries and strengthen ties with the Jewish community.

During the visit, President Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s respect for Jewish heritage, pointing to the resting place of the Rebbe’s father – Harav Levi Yitzchak – in Almaty.

“Here in Kazakhstan, we honor the resting place of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson. It is a national cultural site for our people, and a symbol of a very positive heritage and cooperation between our nations,” Tokayev said.

On Tuesday morning, Herzog visited the Beis Rachel Shul, where he was welcomed by Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen, together with Rabbi Shmuel Karnauch and other shluchim active throughout Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The President held a roundtable discussion with the shluchim, during which they spoke about the ongoing work in Jewish education, community building, and the preservation of Jewish identity throughout the region. Herzog later joined members of the community, where they recited prayers for the safety of Jews in Eretz Yisroel.

“I had the privilege this morning of holding an emotional meeting with Jewish leaders from across Kazakhstan and Central Asia at the beautiful Beit Rachel synagogue here in Astana”, President Herzog wrote in an official statement.

“I was deeply impressed by the profound historical roots of the Jewish community in Kazakhstan, alongside the contribution of immigrants from Kazakhstan to Israel, which strengthens the human and cultural ties between our countries.”

At the shul, Herzog addressed the assembled community and praised the work of Chabad and the shluchim around the world.

“There is no doubt that the work of Chabad here, in Kazakhstan and around the world, is extraordinary”, Herzog said. “It preserves Yiddishkeit and connects all Jews wherever they are.”

The President also reflected on his personal connection to the Rebbe:

“Rabbi, I had the privilege of hearing what you said about the Rebbe. The Rebbe and my grandfather studied together at the Sorbonne in Paris. The Rebbe studied engineering, and my grandfather studied marine biolog. There was deep friendship and respect between them.”

At the conclusion of the visit, the shluchim presented him with a unique memento in appreciation of his visit and support for the community.

Photos: Haim Zach/ GPO