By COLlive reporter
Tzviki Cohen, a young Chabad yeshiva bochur, traveled to Kazakhstan early in the winter to assist with the activities of Chabad in the community.
When he was ready to return to Israel, he discovered that his passport had expired. With government offices closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, he had no option of renewing the passport.
What is more, without proper documentation, he would be considered an illegal visitor to Kazakhstan which could land him in prison.
Coming to his rescue was Shmulik Kravitsky, CEO of the Sky 2000 Travel agency in Crown Heights.
He reported the issue on a WhatsApp group “Chul Mehudar” which is aimed at serving frum travelers and includes travel agents and airline representatives.
Mr. Uri Sirkis, CEO of Israir Airlines, read about the predicament and decided to help out.
He told Kravitsky that his airline has a flight coming back from China to Israel and that he can schedule a layover in Almaty (Alma Ata) in Kazakhstan. Cohen would then be able to board that flight and return home.
But Kazakh officials were not forthcoming in allowing an undocumented passenger board a flight and stalled with granting Cohen permission.
Cohen went to daven at the holy gravesite of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson OBM, father of the Rebbe and a Kabbalist and Gaon. He prayed that he be able to board the flight.
And board the flight he did. It happened thanks to Sirkis, who registered Cohen as a crew member of… Israir Airlines.
Cohen landed in the Holy Land on Wednesday to the joy of his family and friends.
What a kidush hashem
shmulik kravitzky came to the rescue so many times, thank you shmulik.
and thank you uri sirkis for your devotion, you guys are really good SHLUCHIM of HASHEM
KOL HAKAVOD
you rescued a young bochur from many complicated potential problems,
Kol hakavod to all involved, so nice !
ALWAYS check your travel documents BEFORE leaving so such problems would be avoided.
מי כעמך ישראל
Why did they allow him in knowing that his passport was due to expire while there?
Shmulik is an excellent travel agent, on top of everything. He warned us if we wanted to leave before Pesach to travel Purim week, well before it all blew up. He really is in the know. His staff are very helpful too, specifically Michal & Barry. Looking forward to getting our El Al refund for our canceled flights…maybe in 2022!!! But I’m sure Shmulik will be on it way before then.
Many countries won’t let you in unless you have at least six months left on your passport.