A special event is being organised at Tel Aviv on November 23, 2008, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE). Invites include diamantaires from Israel and the global diamond and gem industry, Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Eli Ishai, Sergey Ulin, Vice President of Alrosa; Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO; Eli Izhakoff, Chairman of the World Diamond Council; Varda Shine, Managing Director of the DTC, representatives from diamond exchanges in China, the U.S. and Europe, and other ministers and political figures, leading bankers and foreign ambassadors and diplomats.

Avi Paz, President of the IDE and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, said: “The Israel Diamond Exchange is one of the central pillars of the Israeli economy. In the current economic climate, it is even more important to review and extol our accomplishments over the past 70 years. I am very pleased that leaders of the world diamond industry will join us for this event.”

The event will showcase a narrative of the role played by Israel Diamond Exchange in the development of the world diamond industry, and of the State of Israel. For the very first time, a film screening will capture the history of the IDE. Moti Ganz, Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute, President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association said, “This is an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to the strength of the Israeli Diamond Industry, and to look forward to future accomplishments.”

Another notable ceremony at the event would be the granting of Honorary Membership in the Israel Diamond Exchange to Varda Shine, Managing Director of the DTC, marking the first time an Honorary Membership in the IDE is granted to a woman. Avi Paz said, “Varda is without a doubt one of the most important figures in the global industry today. She brings honor to the Israel Diamond Exchange and to the State of Israel”. The event will consolidate the importance of Israel’s contribution to its industry and to the world.

Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), Avi Paz, President of the IDE and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, Moti Ganz, Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute, President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, Varda Shine, Managing Director of the DTC, Eli Ishai, Sergey Ulin - Vice President of Alrosa, Gaetano Cavalieri - President of CIBJO, Eli Izhakoff - Chairman of the World Diamond Council