A sparking Gala Dinner with speeches from leaders of the diamond industry, songs, dance and the Ra'anana Symphony Orchestra created a wonderful international level evening which will be talked about for many years to come.
Israeli diamond industry leaders and international guests participating in the Presidents Meeting held in Israel this week, on Monday took part in a grand Gala Dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Tel Aviv.
The gala event, which included dinner and drinks was MC'd by Israeli TV personality Michal Ansky.
During the evening, a movie was shown about the Israel Diamond Exchange which showed the Israel diamond industry in all its glory over the years up to today.
The singer Marina Maximillian Blumin, despite having a sore throat, sang beautiful songs accompanied by the Ra'anana Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gil Shohat.
IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer welcomed the large audience and said: "You may be surprised to hear that this is only the second time that Israel is hosting the Presidents Meeting, with the first time being in 1990.
"The meeting isn't over yet and already we are looking forward to the next time we can host you. There is no doubt that diamonds are the best friend of women and men. The potential was and still is huge, and it mainly depends on what we do with it.
"Emerging markets like India and China and Latin America market, which have been opened to us, with the help of the Panama Diamond Exchange, tell us that there are many places still to market our diamonds and that the sky's the limit."
Schnitzer then thanked all those involved in organizing the Presidents Meeting.
"I hope all the resolutions we debated, and that we will make in the future, will benefit the entire industry. I can assure you that here in Israel we are doing everything we can to help local industry and deal with this challenging period. This evening take a break to enjoy together, listen to music and enjoy the show.
"Dear guests and friends, we are glad you are here with us and hope you enjoy this event. We look forward to seeing you again in Israel again and we always look forward to welcoming you. The world diamond industry is one big family and we have to ensure the well-being of hundreds of thousands of workers across the globe."
Blom then made an award to the Treasurer of the WFDB, Dieter Hahn, in recognition of the role he has filled for many years. Hahn said he had a deep love of Israel.
"When I saw the movie that was just screened I was reminded of when I was here before for the first time, and I remember when the IDE was inaugurated in 1968," Hahn told the audience.
"This was an important event for us to attend, and for Russia to become a significant player in the global diamond industry. For us, the Israeli diamond industry has always been a role model and we have learned from you. Thanks to everyone."
Chairman of the Fiera di Vicenza trade show, Matteo Marzotto, said he was delighted to take part in the event.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Presidents Meeting and Vice President of the IDE and Chairman of the Finance Committee, Yehezkel (Hezi) Blum, thanked all the people involved in the meeting: "I want to add a personal note of thanks to Shmuel Schnitzer, Ernie Blom, and Kobi Korn for their support.
"I also deeply appreciate the support of the Israel Diamond Institute and its Chairman Moti Ganz, the President of the IDMA, Maxim Shkadov, and Israel Precious Stones and Diamonds Exchange President, Shlomo Eshed, for their contributions.
"Our industry is based on trust and integrity, and we can be very proud of it," he added.
The President of the Diamond Club of Australia, Rami Baron, greeted the participants in Hebrew, saying: "I'm very pleased to be here with you. Although I was born in Canada and I live in Australia, my soul is here," he said, as the audience showed its appreciation of his comments.
He then presented the IDE President, Shmuel Schnitzer, with an authentic Australian boomerang.
Meanwhile, Shlomo Eshed said: "In my 40 years in the Israeli precious gemstones and diamond industry, I cannot recall such a sparkling and wonderful evening.
"I wish all the diamond exchange presidents and ambassadors who came to this meeting from all across the world an enjoyable evening and Presidents Meeting.
