The most important leaders of the national communities of Kazakhstan were awarded high community awards at the XVI session of the People's Assembly of Kazakhstan, which took place in Astana. The awards were given for contributions into strengthenign the unity of the peoples of the republic and the development of intercultural dialogue. "The Golden Medal of Unity" was presented by President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the head of the Association of Jewish National Organizations of the Kazakhstan Republic "Mitzvah," Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) General Council Member Alexander Baron.

"I am especially thankful to those who were at the cradle of the Assembly as it was created," said the President of Kazakhstan in his speech. "To those who helped me build a new nation, to implement reforms, to develop the economy, to better the life of our people."

The EAJC was represented at the Assembly session as part of the Jewish delegation. Among the participants were Head Rabbi of Kazakhstan, EAJC Rabbi Council Chairman Rabbi Yeshaya Cohen and Kazakhstan Jewish Congress Vice President, EAJC Treasurer Fyodor Osinin.