Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Israel Diamond Institute Picks a New Managing Director
Aviel Elia succeeds Eli Avidar, who left the position to move into politics.

Ramat Gan, Israel--The Israel Diamond Institute has selected a new managing director to replace Eli Avidar, who left the position after nearly a decade to run for parliament in Israel.
The IDI announced Monday that Aviel Elia is the institute’s choice for the position. An attorney, Elia served under Avidar as the legal adviser and IDI company secretary since 2013. He was involved in developing strategy, negotiating transactions and representing the IDI in dealings with governments and other official bodies. He also oversaw many aspects of corporate and operational management, including budgets, regulatory processes and implementation.
“Aviel is very well-versed in IDI’s mission and activities,” IDI Chairman Boaz Moldawsky said. “He has shown leadership, initiative and commitment. We are all very pleased that he will now be leading the organization.”
Elia has a bachelor’s in business administration and LLB from the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya and is currently enrolled in the executive MBA program at Hebrew University. He also has held managerial positions in the State Security Services and the Israel Airports Authority’s security system.
He will work alongside Moldawsky, who was appointed interim chair in January after Shmuel Schnitzer stepped down.
The IDI is a nonprofit company that represents the interests of all businesses involved in the diamond trade in Israel.
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