Abraham “Bram” Fischler, one of the leaders of the Antwerp diamond industry and former president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, died recently at age 79.

Fischler, the owner of sightholder Fischler Diamonds, was one of the pioneers who returned to Belgium after World War II to rebuild the Antwerp diamond sector. He eventually held many prominent positions in the industry, including the presidency of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse.

In a New York Times obituary, Fischler was praised for his role in devising the industry’s response to the conflict diamond issue.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years and their five children.