Sourcing

Manager of Grandview Klein Diamond Factory Confirmed Dead in Hamas Attacks

SourcingOct 17, 2023

Manager of Grandview Klein Diamond Factory Confirmed Dead in Hamas Attacks

Isaac Siton managed the company’s facility in Namibia and was the “fabric of the factory,” Moshe Klein said.

Chana and Isaac Siton
Isaac (right) and Chana Siton were among the victims of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. Isaac was the manager of Grandview Klein Diamond Group’s factory in Namibia. (Photo courtesy of Grandview Klein Diamond Group)
Editor's note: This story was updated post-publication following confirmation that Isaac and Chana Siton were among those killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel.

New York—Isaac (Itzik) Siton, a nearly 20-year employee of Grandview Klein Diamond Group, was among the victims of the Hamas attacks that shocked Israel and the world over the weekend.

Isaac, who was in his mid-70s, worked for Grandview Klein for the last 18 years, starting at the company’s diamond factory in South Africa before working his way up to managing the factory in Windhoek, Namibia, company President Moshe Klein said Thursday.

The factory had just doubled its capacity and Isaac, who had been working tirelessly on the expansion, “just wanted to take a vacation,” Klein said.

He flew to Israel with this wife, Chana Siton, to visit her sister, Pessy.

All three, along with the couple’s son, Tal Siton, were in the picturesque kibbutz of Be’eri, located in southern Israel near the border with Gaza, on Saturday morning when Hamas militants stormed the village, killing more than 120 people and kidnapping others.

Klein said when he looked at this phone on Sunday following the Jewish holiday, he had numerous messages and missed calls from an employee at the company’s factory in Namibia, telling him they were unable to get ahold of Isaac.

As the week wore on and Isaac remained unreachable, it became apparent that something had happened to him, though it was unclear if he had been killed or was among those kidnapped by Hamas.

In Namibia, Grandview Klein’s employee held a candlelight service for their leader, praying for his safe return.

Grandview Klein Namibia factory employees
Isaac Siton served as the manager of Grandview Klein’s factory in Namibia for the past decade. He is pictured with the factory’s entire staff, seated in the front row, eighth from left. (Photo courtesy of Grandview Klein Diamond Group)

Klein said Isaac was a father figure to the factory’s local employees, and he was involved in all the local charities.

He loved his quiet life in Namibia and was looking forward to retiring.

“He was just the most lovable, sincere, kind [man], never raised his voice,” Klein said. “He was the fabric of our factory in Namibia. He was such a force.”

Tal and Pessy were confirmed among the dead shortly after the attack, while authorities in Namibia officially identified the bodies of Isaac and Chana on Oct. 17.
 
Klein said he plans to travel to Namibia in the coming weeks and will do something there in Isaac’s memory. 

“He’s going to be missed, I can tell you that. He did not deserve this,” he said.  

“We will never forget. He will always be a part of our family, forever.”

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Lightbox x Roséate Light Wand pendants
Lab-GrownDec 01, 2023
Lightbox Teams Up With Brand Founded by Former Tiffany Exec

The lab-grown diamond brand also collaborated with the website The Future Rocks on a collection launching today.

Lila Moss Calvin Klein campaign
FinancialsDec 01, 2023
Movado Lowers Guidance Again After Q3 Sales Dip

The company said it is facing a “challenging retail environment” but is prepared for the holiday season.

Muzo emerald and argyle pink diamond necklace
CollectionsDec 01, 2023
Piece of the Week: Muzo’s Emerald and Argyle Pink Diamond Necklace

It’s the hero piece of the newest "Green Jewel" collection, a collaborative offering from the two mines.

Platinum  Guild International Diamond Rings
Brought to you by
If It’s Custom, Make It Platinum

With holiday proposals right around the corner, encourage your customers to go for platinum when making the big purchase.

Pink Supreme Diamond
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
This Pink Diamond Reigned Supreme in Hong Kong

The 15.48-carat fancy intense “Pink Supreme” topped Christie’s fall jewelry auction in Asia, while a Patek Philippe led the watch sale.

Weekly QuizNov 30, 2023
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Claire’s CFO COO Chris Cramer
MajorsNov 30, 2023
Claire’s Hires Former Bath & Body Works Exec as CFO, COO

Chris Cramer, who also spent time at Gen Z intimates brand Parade, will take on the dual role.

133 carat yellow diamond
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
Sotheby’s To Auction 133-Carat Yellow Diamond

The stone headlining the upcoming sale could fetch up to $5 million.

IGI-BTYB-103023.jpg
Brought to you by
Did You Know? The Vital Role of IGI: The International Gemological Institute

In a world where the sparkle of a gemstone is only as brilliant as the trust behind it, IGI's purpose is truly invaluable.

Kwiat diamonds
IndependentsNov 30, 2023
Frank Adams Rolls Out Kwiat’s ‘Mine to Shine’ Program

The retail offering lets customers track their diamond’s journey.

Holiday shoppers holding bags
SurveysNov 29, 2023
Holiday Shoppers Broke a Record This Weekend, Says NRF

From Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers shopped online and in stores.

Cast StyleBar Nordstrom
MajorsNov 29, 2023
Cast Debuts at Nordstrom, Closes on More VC Funding

The growing company also plans to open more of its own boutiques.

20180509_Buffett-header.jpg
EditorsNov 29, 2023
Warren Buffett on Success, Mistakes and Betting on America

The best quotes from the Oracle of Omaha and his right-hand man Charlie Munger from the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.

J. Dostie Jewelers
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Maine Jeweler to Relocate After 76 Years

J. Dostie Jewelers will move from Lewiston to Yarmouth this spring.

Finks Jewelers new store
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Fink’s Jewelers Opens 10th Store

It’s the company’s second location in Tennessee.

Mary Tyler Moore and a pair of Elsa Peretti Bone Cuffs
AuctionsNov 28, 2023
Mary Tyler Moore’s Jewelry Is Up For Auction

You can have this jewelry, why don’t you take it?

Original Miami Beach Antique Show 2024
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2023
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Is Celebrating 60 Years

Next year’s milestone show will be full of educational programming and collaborations.

De Beers Metamorphosis high jewelry earrings
EditorsNov 27, 2023
10 Tips for Selling Diamonds This Holiday Season

Sales experts and a diamantaire share their best advice on how to send customers home with diamond jewelry.

Platinum Born new collection
CollectionsNov 27, 2023
See the New ‘Platinum Born’ Jewelry

The brand has released five new collections.

Frank Adams Jewelers
IndependentsNov 27, 2023
Frank Adams Jewelers Named ‘Family Business of the Year’

The Albany Business Review recently honored the 100-year-old company.

GIA Dr. John W. Valley
GradingNov 27, 2023
Dr. John W. Valley Retires from GIA Board of Governors

To honor his legacy, GIA has set up a scholarship in his name.

Stock image of police car with its lights on
CrimeNov 22, 2023
JSA Warns of Surge in Attacks on Jewelers on the Road

There have been eight attacks in the last month, spanning from a jewelry store parking lot in Rhode Island to highways in California.

Buddha Mama citrine bangle
TrendsNov 22, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: November Glow

These 15 pieces of jewelry celebrate November babies and the hues of citrine and topaz that reflect the colors of the season.

Facet Barcelona factory opening
MajorsNov 22, 2023
Facet Barcelona Opens New Factory in Spain

The jewelry manufacturer said it can now better serve the North American market.

David Yurman holiday campaign
TechnologyNov 21, 2023
See David Yurman’s New High-Tech Holiday Campaign

The jewelry brand takes viewers through a virtual winter wonderland set in New York City.

2023 Rock the Jewels Awards winners
Events & AwardsNov 21, 2023
Here Are the Winners of BIJC’s Inaugural ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards

The organization recognized outstanding industry players at its celebratory event.

Rough diamonds from De Beers Gahcho Kue mine
SourcingNov 21, 2023
De Beers’ Rough Diamond Sales Sink to $80M

India’s voluntary moratorium on rough diamond imports coupled with a stunted recovery in China continue to impact the miner.

Smart Age Solutions founder and CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsNov 21, 2023
The Smart Lab: Score Big During Football Season With Hulu Advertising

Emmanuel Raheb outlines three reasons why Hulu advertising and football can be a game changer for your jewelry store’s marketing.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy