Shmuel Schnitzer Pays Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Israel's diamond business community bows its head in memory of Nelson Mandela, an inspiring leader and a moral compass, and salutes the legacy he left behind, the Rainbow Nation of South Africa.

Today, South Africa, together with the nations of the world, will celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela and mourn the passing of this legendary leader who lived by example, helped his country make the transition to democracy, oversaw and guided the restructuring of a fragmented and wounded society, and, most importantly, touched us all with his boundless energy, humility and wisdom.

An optimist by nature, Mandela offered his nation, and the world at large, a perspective that instilled renewed hope for our joint future. The members of the international diamond industry and trade, operating in all parts of the diamond supply pipeline, hope to continue and draw inspiration and strength from Mandela's moral directives and insights into the human soul, and emulate the principles he lived by.

May Madiba's memory be a blessing to his nation and to the citizens of the world.