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| Photos by Yankele |
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| Mourners at Moshe Schnitzer's funeral |
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On Friday, thousands of mourners attended the memorial service for Moshe Schnitzer, Israel Prize laureate for Lifetime Achievement, Honorary President of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE), Honorary President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), Diamond Industry Dignitary, and Former Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) Chairman.
In keeping with the family's request, the funeral departed from the Moshe Schnitzer Israel Diamond Center in Ramat Gan. The Israel Diamond Exchange held an official memorial service to salute the man who had founded the IDE and the Israeli Diamond Industry.
The memorial service was attended by former Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, Former Chief Rabbi and the Rabbi of Tel Aviv, Israel Meir Lau, leaders of the diamond industry, Members of Knesset, and many diamantaires.
"Where will we ever find another man like him?" – This was the rhetorical question posed by IDE Managing Director Yair Cohen, who acted as master of ceremonies.
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| Photos by Yankele |
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| Former Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu Salutes Moshe Schnitzer |
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The first to eulogize Moshe Schnitzer was Former Prime Minister and Likud Chairman Binyamin Netanyahu, who noted: "Moshe Schnitzer was many things, the founder of an outstanding industry, the father of an illustrious family, a public figure, a businessman, a leader. But for me he was much more than a friend – he was a father figure."
"Moshe proved that initiative, imagination and drive can bring real change, both in Israel and worldwide. Very few people can claim to have done so much in their lifetime and leave such a rich heritage behind them," he added.
IDE President Avi Paz stated: "The Diamond Exchange family bows its head in mourning and bids farewell to the physical and spiritual founder of the Israeli Diamond Industry. Moshe was a legend in his own time. He built the Israeli Diamond Industry single-handedly, and made it one of the most important bourses in the world. Moshe foresaw the future and envisaged the industry, just as Herzl envisioned the State of Israel."
Paz added that the IDE is currently marking its 60th anniversary. During twenty-five of those years, Moshe Schnitzer served as IDE President. "The Israel Diamond Exchange bids its mentor and spiritual guide farewell."
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| Photos by Yankele |
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| Former Chief Rabbi and Rabbi of Tel Aviv Israel Meir Lau Eulogizes Moshe Schnitzer |
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Former Chief Rabbi and Rabbi of Tel Aviv Israel Meir Lau, a family friend, noted that Moshe Schnitzer passed away on the anniversary of the death of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook. He added that since the passing of Moshe's wife, Varda Schnitzer, the light of his life had diminished. "Moshe Schnitzer passed away five years and eight days ago, when his beloved wife Varda departed this world."
"He was the foundation upon which the diamond industry was built," Rabbi Lau eulogized.
Ramat Gan Mayor Zvi Bar, a close friend of the Israel Diamond Industry, noted that Moshe was the Israel Diamond Exchange's founder who turned the diamond industry into Israel's leading exporter. "We have lost a friend and a leader," he noted. The mayor, the municipality, and the police all helped with the logistical arrangements for the funeral.
IDI Chairman and IsDMA President Moti Ganz said: "Every man is given three names. The first, by his father and mother – the name Moshe (Moses) is very important for the Jewish people – the name of a leader. The second name – the name that the person acquires during his lifetime – no one knows better than we do what Moshe achieved during the past sixty years. No one contributed more than Moshe Schnitzer to the industry. And the third name – his heritage. Moshe's heritage is our guide to the future."
Bumi Traub, former IDE Vice President and a close friend of Moshe Schnitzer noted: "We have lost the founding father of the Israeli Diamond Industry." Traub described his warm ties with Moshe as well as the respect, admiration and gratitude that he had for him. "My dear friend, I have just a small request. You, with your broad shoulders, are leaving us. I only ask that you act as an advocate for us all."
Hanna Gertler, Moshe Schnitzer's eldest daughter, opened her eulogy with the words: "It is time to say goodbye, but I don't know how." Gertler spoke of the importance that Moshe Schnitzer attributed to family: "You always said that without family, life means nothing. I hope we were able to give you that. It was a privilege to be with you and absorb your warmth and wisdom. It is impossible to fill the vacuum that you have left behind you – we promise to honor your request – always to remain a family."
The last of the eulogies was delivered by Shmuel Schnitzer, Moshe Schnitzer's son, Honorary President of the IDE and Honorary President of the WFDB. "You passed away at age 86, but you left us with the feeling that you still had so much more to share with us." He noted that all members of the IDE and the Israeli Diamond Industry knew of and cherished the huge contribution made by Moshe Schnitzer.
The memorial service ended with a liturgical rendering by international cantor Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Helfgut.
The ceremony was followed by the burial service at the Nahalat Yitzchak Cemetery, where Moshe Schnitzer was interred alongside his late wife, Varda.
To view the photo gallery commemorating Moshe Schnitzer, click here.
