I read an article last week in the Los Angeles Times about a person from Central America that learned to be a diamond cutter. They mentioned in the article that most diamond cutters are in Europe or in New York, and for New York they mentioned Hasidic jews.
Did they mean that most diamond cutters in NYC are Hasidic jews, or did they mean that most diamond merchants in NYC are Hasidic jews? Or are both statements true?
On another note, if many jews work in the diamond industry in NYC, could that help explain the famous scene in the novel/movie Marathon Man where the nazi doctor is recognized when trying to get rid of his diamonds?
I guess you’ve never been to New York, Arnold. The diamond district is on west 47th street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and it is 99 and 44/100% Hassidic Jews. So your answer is yes to both the cutter and the dealer question.
I have been told that this goes back to when Jews were denied entry (and therefore employment) in many guilds. The diamond trade was once one of the few areas open.
There is a similar district in Antwerp-- sort of a center of Jewish diamond work.
Actually, Nicky, I have been to New York, but never visited the diamond district. (I was afraid my girlfriend would want a more expensive souvenir than the “I heart NY” bumper sticker.)
In California, I see many people with asian and persian ancestors in jewelry stores (though I don’t know in high-priced jewelry stores since I don’t buy a lot of jewelry.) But diamonds seem to be in a class of their own, at least in NYC.
My parents (native New Yorkers) would confirm both statements. And yes, in Marathon Man the two elderly people that recognize the Nazi are Jews who survived his concentration camp.
–It was recently discovered that research causes cancer in rats.
Thank you Diceman. I knew that part, but now I realize why the nazi doctor was so afraid of trying to sell his diamonds for cash. He knew he would have to go to a part of New York City which, ironically enough, would have a large jewish population.