Israel Honors Indian Diamantaire - Rupen Bhansali

In early December, the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce celebrated 10 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and India. During the evening, five companies were honored for their work furthering relations and business ties between Israel and India, including diamantaire Rupen Bhansali, principal of Aarohi Diamonds.

Over 50 Indian diamantaires and their families now call Israel home and considered by many, as the father of them all is Rupen Bhansali. Bhansali's philanthropic work and public service is renowned not only throughout the industry, but countrywide. When last year's earthquake devastated the Gujrat region in India killing hundreds of thousands, Bhansali organized an evening paying tribute to the members of the Israel Defense Force who traveled to the area in an effort to rescue scores that had been trapped under the rubble. Accepting his award, Bhansali paid tribute to Moshe Edel, calling the diamantaire 'my guru'.

Speaking to the audience of diplomats, business leaders and a large contingency from the country's diamond industry including; IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer, Lev Leviev, Diamond Controller Udi Sheintal, Zvi Shur, IsDMA President Uri Schwartz and many others, who turned out in honor and support of Bhansali, the evening's guest of honor, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres noted "India shows how variations can exist in great harmony."