IDE President Yair Sahar: “This is the biggest diamond exchange in the world and you are its future. Today, you are joining 1,500 young members with great potential.”
The IDE has seen its 35th, 36th and 37th courses of trained diamantaires under the leadership of Nissim Gil. The successful graduates arrived at the bourse on May 20 at the end of the course for a ceremony where their certificates were awarded to them at the Cullinan restaurant. The course included 51 men and four women as well as their families. IDE President Yair Sahar and leaders of the exchange took part in the event.
"We are here thanks to the founding fathers of the bourse and I see in you the leadership of the future.”
Sahar paid tribute to the graduates and to course leader Nissim Gil. “I remember when I started out at the bourse, Nissim Gil accompanied me as a mentor. Keep on and remain strong Nissim. This is an exciting day for me. Three course come to an end today and a new course begins. This is the biggest diamond exchange in the world and you are its future. Today, you are joining 1,500 young members with great potential.”
Sahar described the changes at the diamond exchange over the decades and the adjustments made by diamantaires to suit themselves to changing times. “The global diamond industry is seeing great changes and it is incumbent upon us to think how we can acquire the tools necessary to allow us to adapt and take the sector forward. We are here thanks to the founding fathers of the bourse and I see in you the leadership of the future.”
Sahar also spoke about the changes over the past two years in the field of welfare, security and consumer affairs at the bourse and the international situation regarding rough and polished diamonds. “The trading arm of de Beers has moved to Botswana, mining firms report about changes that are forthcoming, the Dubai diamond center is on the rise, and the India-London-Belgium axis is likely to change. These events will create great opportunities for the Israel Diamond Exchange.
“We have approached the producers and invite them to carry rough tenders in Israel. In the polished goods category, we staged the international buyers’ week in March and are in the middle of organizing the next one in August, as well as organizing a large delegation of Israeli diamantaires who will take part in the Israel Diamond Week at the New York Diamond Dealers Club.
“I urge you to join the Internet marketing campaign that we launched recently and contribute yiur knowledge and experience to take the Israeli diamond sector forward and to become involved in public service at the exchange. Good luck to you all.”
Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association President Bumi Traub said: “Continue to be strong, Nissim. Well done on passing the course. This is a different generation and we must fit ourselves to changing times. The Internet has taken the leading role in marketing diamonds.” Traub also spoke about changes related to the international diamond sector and of his wish to bring diamond manufacturing back to Israel and make it an unbeatable center.
Diamond controller Shmuel Mordechai also congratulated the course graduates, saying he was “happy to see young people with great potential taking the bourse forward to new heights.”
Israel Precious Stones and Diamonds Exchange President Shlomo Eshed also paid tribute to the newly trained diamantaires who showed great determination and tenacity.
Course coordinator Nissim Gil said: “Today you join the industry thanks to the previous generation, but in the future stand strong on your own. The characteristics that will carry you forward are hard work, focusing on your work and honesty. The exchange is a place where a person’s good worth is of the highest value and is your most valuable asset.
“I hope we managed to spark in you the curiosity to continue learning and develop, that we enriched your professional knowledge in diamonds and made you a team that enjoyed each other’s company. I want to wish you the best of luck in the future and march forward and take the diamond sector higher.
