IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer speaks on steps taken by the bourse to get through difficult period; Rabbi Israel Meir Lau blesses large audience who attended traditional event.
The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) held the traditional blessing on Wednesday ahead of the Passover festival in the presence of IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer, leading members of the bourse as well as exchange members, Ramat Gan Mayor Israel Zinger, the Rabbi of Tel Aviv and former Chief Rabbi of Israel Israel Meir Lau who blessed the participants at the event.
Also taking part was Prof. Gadi Keren from Ichilov hospital while IDE General Director Moti Besser led the event.
Shmuel Schnitzer thanked Rabbi Lau, and said: We are experiencing a difficult year and the leadership of the bourse is doing everything possible on different levels to improve the situation. This includes the International Rough Diamond Week, negotiations with the tax authorities, and other steps. However, we must realize that this financial situation is affecting the entire global industry. I wish everyone a happy and kosher Passover and we hope that the summer will bring better news for us all."
Rabbi Lau gave a moving speech about Passover and its significance, while Mayor Zinger said he had promised last year that the connection between city hall and the bourse would strengthen and spoke of the steps his administration had taken to bring this about.
Prof. Gadi Keren spoke about the cooperation between the exchange and his hospital and blessed the IDE members.
Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association President Kobi Korn said that as a believing Jew he believes that blessings have great meaning and significance. He said that the outcome of the Hong Kong show last month illustrates that the industry faces a challenging future, and blessed all the members attending the event.
Israel Diamond Institute Chairman Moti Ganz said that normally charity should be given anonymously but at Passover it should be given openly, and called on all bourse members to give as much as possible so that everyone could enjoy a happy and kosher Passover.
Diamond Controller also gave his blessings for the festival, as did Shlomo Eshed, President of the Israel Precious Stones and Diamonds Exchange.
