Industry's Messages of Support after Hamas Massacre
October 24, 23
(IDEX Online) - Groups representing the diamond and jewelry industries have issued messages of support after Hamas terrorist massacred 1,400 people in Israel.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) said it stood in "full support of Israel and our Israeli friends, family, and colleagues during these trying times".
It put out a joint statement with the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA), the Diamond Dealers Club (DDC), and the Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association (IDCA).
It said: "The horrific acts of violence perpetrated on the citizens of Israel are to be unequivocally condemned, and any actions they take to assure that acts like this can never happen again are to be supported and applauded.
"Any financial help people see fit to provide to the various organizations mobilizing efforts to help the soldiers and citizens alike are to be lauded."
The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) said it stood "together with its members, colleagues and friends who lost loved ones or are the suffering the anguish of the horrifying and inexcusable acts committed against innocent people along Israel's southern border.
"Families feel each other's pain, and the jewellery and gemstone family feels yours."
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) said: "Our hearts and souls are united in condemning horrific crimes of war against civilians. The unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel sent shockwaves around the world and as violence follows violence, we stand with all innocent Israelis and innocent Palestinians who are suffering from loss, grief, the unknown and the horror.
"The RJC stands against terrorism of all forms."
Pic shows a wrecked home in southern Israel after Hamas's deadly attack, courtesy Israel Defense Forces.