Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Republic of Kazakhstan during its celebration of 25 years of independence, thus becoming the first Israeli leader to visit Kazakhstan. He was accompanied by his wife, Sara.

After the official meeting with President Nursultan Nazarbayev, during which agreements were finalized and bilateral treaties were signed, Netanyahu visited the Beit Rachel Habad Lubavitch synagogue.

Euro-Asian Jewish Congress Presidium member, Chairman of the Mitzvah Association Council, member of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan Council, Alexander Baron was present at the meeting with the Prime Minister. Jewish youth were represented by active members of the Karaganda community, participants of the Ahava vocal-instrumental ensemble and the dance group Yahalom. The Karaganda delegation was led by “Shemesh” Jewish Community Center Director Irina Kozhanovskaya

Netanyahu gave a speech in which he invited the youth of Kazakhstan to Israel and noted that it is a great priviledge to be the first Israeli Prime Minister to visit Kazakhstan. He also invited experts from Kazakhstan to come study in Israel. Netanyahu’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, was also present at the meetings with community members, rabbis and journalists.

Alexander Mashkevich, a well-known patron from Kazakhstan, community activist, known businessman who actively participates in charity events, community building, the life and development of the Jewish communtiy of Kazakhstan, also spoke at the event. Mashkevich has dedicated many years to building and maintaining synagogues in Kazakhstan. The guests were also greeted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of Kazakhstan Michael Brodsky.