The Israeli Diamond Industry (IDI) bestowed its highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, upon Nicky Oppenheimer Chairman of De Beers, for his contribution to the world diamond industry and to the Israeli industry in particular, which the IDI described as ‘enormous’. IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar presented the award to Nicky Oppenheimer and said, “This unique award is of the utmost significance to our industry” and noted that Nicky Oppenheimer portrayed “vision, courage and inspiration” and “continued a family heritage of honesty, integrity and adherence to the highest standards.”

The award was presented at a festive dinner in Tel Aviv, in the presence of past and current leaders of the Israeli industry including Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) Chairman Moti Ganz, Israel Diamond Exchange President Yair Sahar, Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association President Bumi Traub and Israel Diamond Controller Shmuel Mordechai. Nicky Oppenheimer’s Jonathan, De Beers CEO Philippe Mellier and DTC CEO Varda Shine also graced the occasion.

Accepting the award Nicky Oppenheimer, said: “I see this award as an honor not me but for the Oppenheimer family, past, present and future.” He referred to his decision to sell his family’s stake in De Beers to Anglo-American, as being “not easy at all...In my head I knew it was the right thing although my heart might feel differently…We know that we leave the Israeli industry and De Beers in good shape…Even if we are not invested in the diamond industry we will follow it with great expectations.”

He added: “What will Israel’s role be in the diamond industry? The diamond industry here has evolved and will continue to evolve. It will flourish on your skills and your expertise.”

This award ceremony followed Oppenheimer’s visit to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by Moti Ganz, Phillip Mellier and Varda Shine.