Members of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association mourn death of IDMA Honorary President Jacques Roisen

Antwerp, Belgium - May 30, 2012: Moti Ganz, President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) issued a statement, on behalf of the entire IDMA membership, mourning the death of Jacques Roisen, who passed away on May 26. Roisen served as IDMA president from 1991 to 1996 and was also an IDMA Honorary President. "Many do not realize it, but Jacques Roisen was one of the industry giants on whose shoulders we stand," Ganz said. "He belonged to that unique generation of diamond manufacturers who helped rebuild our industry after World War II and was instrumental in shaping its post-war identity and its ensuing growth and success. His energy, insights and contributions to the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA), which he led for many years,  and to IDMA under his presidency, will not be lightly forgotten.  He will be missed by all the people he touched during his long life and his impressive and fruitful career," Ganz added.   Meanwhile, IDMA Secretary General Ronnie vanderLinden, who is also a DMIA Vice President, said: "Everybody respected Jacques. His career has been amazing. Fleeing from the Nazi destruction in Europe, he arrived in New York from Antwerp and quickly re-built his life, soon to become one of the key representatives of New York's diamond industry, dedicating himself to its growth and success, for the benefit of the entire diamond district."