August 27, 2009 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Mr. Israel May-Amy and Mrs. Ambassador visited Shymkent. Over 50 members of the Jewish community of the city came to meet with the distinguished guests.

  The meeting was held in friendly amiable atmosphere. Mr. Ambassador told about joint projects of Israel and Kazakhstan in agriculture and space innovations, and about internships for Kazakhstani doctors in Israel.

  The meeting with Mr. Ambassador was of great interest for Jewish young people and elder generation. They asked various questions. "How does Israel combat swine flue? Does Israel have a vaccine against this dreadful disease?" - asked Natalya Bossak. Yuriy Kaminskiy told Mr. Ambassador about the challengers of Hesed Shimon and asked his assistance to meet them. An issue of Israel granting double citizenship was discussed. There were many questions about visa rules adopted by Kazakhstan and Israel. Liza Gembom shared her concerns - lack of financing paralyzed the work of the synagogue.

  Arkadiy Rivkin suggested reviewing joint projects of finding jobs for Jewish community members. Mr. Ambassador told about the ongoing Israeli-Kazakhstani project of growing tomatoes using new technologies, and which has already full staff. When new programs start working, it will be possible to attract members of the Jewish Community of Shymkent.

  The meeting was going on over an hour and aroused genuine interest in Jewish community representatives. Then Mr. Ambassador visited the synagogue.

Bella Atran