The Israel Diamond Exchange held a festive reception on Wednesday (October 26) for the Indian diamond community working in Israel to mark the start of the Diwali festival.
The event took place in the management boardroom in the presence of IDE President Yoram Dvash, Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) Shmuel Schnitzer, President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association Kobi Koren, Israel’s Diamond Controller Shmuel Mordechai, Indian ambassador to Israel Mr. Paven Kapoor, and representative of the Indian community Mr. Hitesh Shah. Also present were leaders of the Israeli diamond industry and representatives of Indian diamond companies operating at the IDE. The event was led by Irit Ben Shahar, Deputy Director General of the IDE.
IDE President Yoram Dvash wished a happy Diwali to his guests and said that he is happy to see many of the bourse’s Indian friends at the event: “they have become an important part of the Israeli diamond community over the last 40 years. I know that for many of you, this place is home”, he said and added: “People forget that the diamond trade between our communities started long before any formal diplomatic relations between our countries. Our relationship is strong and based on common business interests; we value your trade, your willingness to learn our language and culture, and we very much value your friendship”.
IDI Chairman Shmuel Schnitzer congratulated the new Indian ambassador and said: “The Israeli diamond community shares a strong bond with India. Many Indian diamantaires come here, and many of our diamantaires travel to India for business. We’re happy to celebrate the Diwali festival with you in an event that has already become a yearly tradition at the bourse”.
President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association Kobi Koren said: “This reception is already a tradition here at the IDE, and we’re happy to be celebrating the Diwali with you. We wish you a happy, prosperous year”.
Indian ambassador to Israel, Mr. Paven Kapoor, said: “It is a great honor to be celebrating the Diwali with you. I’ve began my work as ambassador only a few months ago, and I’ve already learned of the great importance of the Indian-Israeli diamond trade. I also got to know the local community of diamantaires, which is small but select, and crucial to the ever-improving relationship between our two countries. In Israel you just celebrated Rosh Hashana, and we’re celebrating the Diwali now – a clear testament to our long and strong relationship. I’m happy to be here, and thank you for inviting me”.
Israel’s Diamond Controller Shmuel Mordechai also congratulated the guests and wished them a happy holiday and a prosperous year.
Mr. Hitesh Shah, representative of the Indian community, said: “The Diwali is the festival of lights, an Indian Hanukkah of sorts. We wish a happy holiday and a prosperous year to all”.
Diwali, which falls on October 30 this year, is the Hindu festival of lights and signifies the victory of light over darkness. During the holiday, millions of lights are lit on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in cities across India.
