2 months ago

President Herzog Meets Chabad Shluchim During Historic Kazakhstan Visit

During his state visit to Kazakhstan, President Isaac Herzog met with the Rebbe’s Shluchim and saw firsthand the work sustaining Jewish life across the country • Full Story, Photos

He was welcomed, together with his delegation, at the Chabad House in Astana by Chief Rabbi of Kazakhstan Rabbi Yeshaya Elazar Cohen and Chief Rabbi of Astana Rabbi Shmuel Karnauch. Joining the visit were Israel’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Yoav Bistritsky; Chairman of the Jewish Community of Kazakhstan, Mr. Albert Shimoni; Nativ Consul Dr. Boleslav Yatvetsky; Rabbi Aryeh Reichman of Kyrgyzstan; Rabbi Chaim Shaikevitch of Uzbekistan; and Shluchim from across Kazakhstan.

In the guest book of “Beit Rachel Chabad Lubavitch,” the President wrote:

“It is an honor for me, and I am deeply moved, to visit this magnificent synagogue, a symbol of the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people and a profound expression of our devotion to our communities and to the tradition that sustains us everywhere and at all times.”

In discussions with the Shluchim, the President heard about Jewish life in Kazakhstan, its growth, and the challenges it faces. The conversation focused on the challenges facing the community, efforts to preserve Jewish identity and the importance of maintaining strong ties with Israel.

A notable moment came when Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen showed the President a passage describing how his grandfather, Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Hersh HaCohen a”h, would visit the home of the President’s grandfather, Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac Halevi Herzog a”h. They would pray and learn there together. President Herzog, named after his grandfather, was moved to see his photograph in the book.

The President also shared his memories of the time he attended hakafos on Simchas Torah with the Rebbe, adding that the hakafos and the niggun of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok, sung in unison by thousands, have remained with him ever since and continue to accompany his public life. He showed particular interest in the life of Rabbi Levi Yitzhak Schneerson and in the significance of his resting place in Alma-Ata.

At a ceremony held in the Bais Rochel shul, Rabbi Yeshaya Elazar Cohen recited a prayer for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces.

President Herzog addressed those present, saying: “I am moved to be here and to recite the blessing: ‘Shehecheyanu Vekiyemanu Vehigiyanu Lazman Hazeh.’”

He expressed appreciation for the Shluchim’s work and emphasized that strengthening ties with Jewish communities worldwide is a central value for Israel.

The Shluchim presented the President with what they described as the source of their strength: a Tanya printed in Astana, a set of Torat Menachem – Tiferes Levi Yitzchok, containing the Rebbe’s explanations on his father’s teachings, and a commemorative cube featuring photographs of Chabad Houses across Kazakhstan. At its center is an image of the resting place of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father, buried in Alma-Ata, a place from which the Shluchim draw inspiration for their work throughout the region.

In his remarks, the President said:

“There is no doubt that Chabad’s work here, in Kazakhstan and around the world, is extraordinary. It preserves Judaism and connects Jews wherever they are.”

President Herzog thanked President Tokayev for the invitation and praised the country’s leadership and its flourishing Jewish community. Remarkably, of his own initiative, President Tokayev himself noted in an earlier meeting that the presence of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok’s resting place in Kazakhstan is a source of blessing.

“Thank you very much. ‘This is the day the L-rd has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,’” President Herzog concluded.