IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer: "I am happy to continue this tradition that symbolizes the relations with the Indian diamond community that has become an integral part of the Israeli diamond community."
Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) President Shmuel Schnitzer yesterday (Sunday) held a festive reception for the Indian diamond community working in Israel to mark the start of the Diwali festival that begins this week.
The celebration has become a traditional event at the bourse and took place in the management boardroom in the presence of Indian ambassador to Israel Jaideep Sarkar, the president of the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce, and former Israeli Trade and Industry Minister, Ran Cohen, the Managing Director of the State Bank of Israel (SBI) in Ramat Gan, Maher Kumar Sharma, the President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association, Kobi Koren, the President of the Israel Precious Stones and Diamonds Exchange, Shlomo Eshed, members of the bourse presidency, senior members of the Israeli diamond sector, and scores of IDE members and Indian diamantaires.
IDE President Schnitzer welcomed the participants, saying: "I am happy to continue this tradition at the IDE. The tradition symbolizes the close relations that have developed over the course of many years with the Indian diamond community in Israel and which has become an honorable and integral part of the Israeli diamond community.
"Mr Ambassador, I want to point out that the excellent relations between the two communities are not just because of the diamond sector but the overall bilateral trade between the countries. The leaders of the business communities in both states see eye-to-eye."
Schnitzer said the leaders of the two countries' diamond sectors would have more opportunities to meet and discuss important issues at the meetings of the WFDB and the World Diamond Council in Belgium at the end of October. The meetings would enable them to give shape to the diamond sector and bring about further cooperation. "I am very happy that we succeeded in including the Israeli diamond trade in the Israel-India Free Trade Agreement. This will be an important event for trade between the countries."
The Managing Director of the SBI, Maher Kumar Sharma, is celebrating Diwali at the IDE for the first time, said Schnitzer, as he welcomed him, and said he hoped it would lead to even stronger relations between the Israeli diamond sector and the bank. On that pleasant note, I would like to wish all our Indian friends a happy Diwali and a prosperous new year to all of us. Thank you."
The Indian Ambassador said: "I send my best wishes to the Indian diamond community and their families ahead of the new year. We have a tradition in India of celebrating festivals together and I am happy to see that this is continuing in Israel. The Indian diamond community worked very hard to bring together the two diamond sectors in our countries even before diplomatic relations were established in 1992, and when our embassy was established here in Israel they made great efforts to help us fit in.
"I am also very happy about the decision of the Indian diamantaires here in Israel to award grants to Israeli students learning Hindi and I welcome this initiative. We are very happy and proud about this. The diamond industry is a very important pillar in the trade between our countries, and it is one of many industries that are thriving in our trading relations, including high-tech and others. The Indian government likes Israel and maintains close relations with her. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has visited Israel in the past and I expect relations will develop even further in the future. Happy Diwali."
Ya'akov Koren commented: "Dear guests, this is the seventh time that we are celebrating Diwali at the diamond bourse and this has become a tradition. Diwali is not just a festival for Indians, but for the entire international diamond community. We wish you a happy Diwali and a prosperous year."
Shlom Eshed told the audience: "I know this is a very important day for you. I hope the light that symbolizes the festival will light up the diamond exchange and our business relations."
The founder of the Anita diamond company, Shah Chinar, spoke on behalf of the Indian diamantaires working in Israel. "Happy Diwali and new year to everyone. Since Avi Paz was IDE President, we have enjoyed this tradition of marking the Diwali holiday. Diwali is the festival of lights and each of the four days of the festival is celebrated in a different way and celebrates the victory of good over bad. I want to thank the Israel Diamond Exchange members for helping us celebrate here today and that this is our second home. Happy Diwali."
