Abraham Fischler, one of the pioneers of Antwerp diamond industry died unexpectedly. He was 79.

Mr. Fischler began his career as a diamond polisher. Later on, he started his own polishing factory. His factory has been and always will be a symbol of the Antwerp craftsmanship in diamond processing.

Mr. Fischler was one of several persons from all over the world who came to Antwerp after World War II to form the Antwerp World Diamond Center.

He named president of the Beurs voor Diamanthandel (1 of the four Antwerp diamond bourses) where he had been a member since 1950.

Mr. Fischler was a string supporter of a united diamond sector. From 1988 till 1992, he served as president of the Antwerp Diamond High Council (HRD), the representative umbrella organization of the Belgian diamond sector. In 1998, he became president of the Federation of Belgian diamond bourses, the umbrella of the four Antwerp diamond bourses. In 2000, he was elected president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).

Mr. Fischler remained an active member of the diamond community until the very last day. He leaves behind his wife and his five children.

The Antwerp diamond industry held a final tribute to Mr. Fischler Thursday in front of the Beurs voor Diamanthandel in the Hoveniersstraat in Antwerp.

JCK