The World Jewish Congress mourns the passing of Alexander Mashkevich, a distinguished leader whose unwavering dedication profoundly impacted Jewish communities worldwide. Mashkevich passed away on March 22, 2025, at the age of 71.
Born on February 23, 1954, in Frunze, Kyrgyz SSR (now Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan), Mashkevich pursued an academic career, earning a Ph.D. in philology. He became the youngest Ph.D. in the Soviet Union after defending his dissertation on education during wartime. Transitioning to business during the perestroika era, he emerged as a prominent entrepreneur in Eurasia, co-founding the Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) and significantly contributing to Kazakhstan’s mining sector.
Mashkevich’s commitment to Jewish life was unparalleled. In 2000, he founded the Kazakhstan Jewish Congress, serving as its first president. Two years later, he became the inaugural president of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), a position he held until 2011. Under his leadership, the EAJC united Jewish communities across the CIS, Europe, and Asia, fostering collaboration with global organizations, including the World Jewish Congress.
His philanthropic efforts extended beyond organizational leadership. Mashkevich was instrumental in constructing and renovating places of worship across Kazakhstan, supporting synagogues, mosques, and churches alike. He believed in the importance of every Jew having a place to pray and feel safe, emphasizing the need for communal spaces where individuals could gather, find support, and strengthen their faith.
Mashkevich also championed Holocaust remembrance and education. One of his final initiatives was establishing a museum dedicated to Albanian citizens who rescued Jews during World War II, reflecting his dedication to preserving history and honoring acts of courage.
His passing is a profound loss to the Jewish world. Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, current president of the EAJC, remarked, “Alexander has always inspired admiration—both for his remarkable success as an entrepreneur and for his leadership and philanthropy.”
The World Jewish Congress extends its deepest condolences to Alexander Mashkevich’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his visionary leadership and generosity. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations in the pursuit of unity, education, and remembrance.
