| Following the announcement earlier this week of the retirement of DIB's editor and publisher Chaim Even-Zohar, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses' (WFDB) President Ernie Blom has issued a statement expressing his appreciation for the long-standing work of Chaim Even-Zohar and the Diamond Intelligence Briefing (DIB). The full text of the news release follows here below: WFDB Praises Work of Chaim Even-Zohar as he Exits Diamond Intelligence Briefing Antwerp, Belgium - November 29, 2017: World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) President Ernie Blom has expressed his appreciation for the long-standing work of Chaim Even-Zohar and his Diamond Intelligence Briefing (DIB) publication which Even-Zohar has announced he is selling. In a letter to subscribers, the DIB publisher said that since he is now in his 70s, and after 45 years in the industry, the time has come to rearrange his life priorities. He said that working around the clock, being on the road continuously and often being subject to legal and physical threats had taken its toll. The DIB is likely to be sold to an Asian buyer, which is appropriate since that is where the industry has shifted, Even- Zohar wrote. WFDB President Blom said: "I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say that Chaim Even-Zohar has had a huge impact on the diamond business for the past several decades. His breaking of big news and other work based on exceptional research and contacts made him a hugely important figure in our business right around the globe. "I have known Chaim for many years, and always found him to be a person of integrity who was determined to get to the very root of stories. He would not be put off by threats, and declined to take advertisers so that he would not need to take commercial interests into account when reporting. The DIB, which so many of have looked forward to receiving every week, will be sorely missed, and Chaim will be missed even more, I am sure. On behalf of the WFDB, I send him best wishes for a long and enjoyable retirement." |