Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the United Nations, H.E. Akan Rakhmetullin, visited the Rebbe’s Ohel and the resting place of the Rebbe’s mother, Rebbetzin Chana, on the day following the yahrzeit of the Rebbe’s father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, who was exiled to Kazakhstan and was joined there by Rebbetzin Chana.
His Excellency arrived accompanied by Rabbis Avraham and Yirmiya Berkowitz, and were greeted at the Ohel by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky and Rabbi Yosef B. Friedman.
After lighting a candle and reading a note at the Ohel, Rakhmetullin remarked that he felt the purity and holiness of the place and how his was moved by the inscription on Rebbetzin’s Chana’s headstone regarding Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s suffering in exile. Upon entering his vehicle for his ride back to Manhattan, he expressed his wish to return for a private visit at the Ohel together with his wife.
The ambassador remarked that Kazakhstan is a country that has a national priority to promote tolerance and respect for all.
In a private meeting, Rabbi Krinsky encouraged Mr. Rakhmetullin to urge the Kazakh government to create a special tribute to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak.
The dignitary spoke warmly of the work of Chabad in Kazakhstan, and of his friendship with Rabbi Shaya Cohen.
