Israel Diamond Institute Gets New Chief

RAPAPORT... The Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) has appointed Aviel Eliaas managing director, succeeding Eli Avidar, it said Monday."Aviel is very well versed in IDI's mission and activities,"said chairman Boaz Moldawsky. "He has shown leadership, initiative andcommitment. We are all very pleased that he will now be leading theorganization." Elia (pictured) has been legal adviser and company secretary at IDIsince 2013, working on the development of company strategy, negotiatingtransactions, and managing budget, regulations and implementation. Prior to joining the IDI, Elia held managerial positions in nationalsecurity services and the Israel Airports Authority's security operations. "I was fortunate to have worked under Eli Avidar, and Ilearned a great deal from him," Elia said. "IDI is in a unique position to worktogether with all parts of the industry to strengthen the Israeli diamondsector, by initiating new projects and by providing important assistance andtools to diamantaires, as we have in the past." Avidar, who announced his decision to leave the IDI lastmonth, plans to pursue a political career.