Ambassador of Kazakhstan Speaks at the Museum of Jewish Heritage

New York, April 28, 2025 – On the eve of the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II and as part of Holocaust Remembrance Week, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United States, Yerzhan Ashikbayev, participated in a special event highlighting Kazakhstan’s contribution to supporting those affected during the Holocaust. The event was organized by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York in collaboration with the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU).

In a conversation with FFEU President Rabbi Marc Schneier, Ambassador Ashikbayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s deep respect for the memory of Holocaust victims, viewing this tragedy as a profound and enduring lesson for all humanity. He noted that during World War II, Kazakhstan became a place of refuge and safety for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the horrors of war, including members of the Jewish community.

The Ambassador highlighted Kazakhstan’s unique experience in fostering and strengthening interfaith and interethnic harmony, underscoring the significance of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions as a respected international platform that promotes mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among various religious and cultural communities. He also briefed the audience on preparations for the upcoming VIII Congress, scheduled to take place in Astana this September.

During the exchange with participants, Ambassador Ashikbayev drew particular attention to the role of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, describing it as a constitutional body that plays a vital role in strengthening interethnic unity, promoting social cohesion, and ensuring inclusive participation of all ethno-cultural groups in the country’s development and modernization processes.

Rabbi Schneier, in turn, praised Kazakhstan’s efforts to promote peace and harmony and shared his experience participating in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, emphasizing its importance in advancing global interfaith dialogue.