Sudden Death of Freddy Hager Shocks Diamond Industry
April 07, 11
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Hager returned home from the morning prayers at the synagogue and complained that he felt weak. Shortly afterwards he collapsed. He leaves behind his wife, four children and grandchildren.
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has received the news with shock and deep sorrow. Hager served as WFDB Deputy Treasurer General.
"The loss of Freddy is immense for so many of us," said Avi Paz, President of the WFDB. "He was a friend, a mentor, a visionary and a person who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for the WFDB, his bourse's own members, his community, and of course for his family. He was a gentleman who was always absolutely frank and straight-forward. Our hearts go out to his wife Louise, his children and grandchildren."
"Freddy was the very epitome of a gentleman, and I considered him one of my closest friends, both personally and in the WFDB as well," said Moshe Mosbacher, DDC President. "He was a role model to all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. Words cannot describe the sorrow. He was leader of men and a devoted public servant, who never looked for nor expected to receive public glory. He was extremely eloquent and also soft-spoken. But he was ready to take a strong stand when he felt it was necessary, but was never disrespectful."
The president of the Moscow Diamond Bourse, Alex Popov, said in a statement "Freddy has been one of my close friends. He was the first who welcomed me personally and the Moscow Diamond Bourse (MDB) into the family of WFDB. Freddy was a perfect gentleman, but was not afraid to speak his mind and his eloquence was always a vital part of all our meetings. He embraced new ideas and challenges, which was demonstrated by him coming up with the concept of the WFDB Mark as well as WFDB Mark Retailer Program. It will be a challenge to anyone to fill Freddy's shoes."
IDMA president Moti Ganz, Secretary General Ronnie VanderLinden, Treasurer Stephane Fischler and the IDMA membership, joined the global diamond community in mourning Hager. “Freddy was first of all a friend," said Ganz. "His qualities were many and without exception endeared him on all in the communities he lived and worked in. We wish his wife, Louise, his children and grandchildren strength and courage to cope with loosing Freddy, who still had so much to offer and died so young," Ganz stated.
Hager entered the diamond business in 1974 in
In 1991 Hager was elected President of the London Diamond Bourse and three years later he oversaw the merger of the London Diamond Bourse and the London Diamond Club into a single body.
He was elected to the WFDB's Executive Committee at the 29th World Diamond Congress in
Hager was heavily involved communal work, serving for almost four decades as lay leader of his
(Last updated Monday, April 11, 2011 2:38 am)