Supporters of the Boycotts, Divestments and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel have demanded that Queen Elizabeth decline the 35.60 karat diamond placed in the Tower of London to mark her 60 years on the throne because of its affiliation with the Steinmetz family, staunch supporters of Israeli soldiers.

According to the company’s website, Steinmetz supports the Tzabar Unit of the Israel Defense Forces Givati Brigade, a unit designed specifically for Diaspora Jews and children of Israelis who choose to move to Israel and serve in the army.

The foundation “fosters a close relationship with the commanders and their soldiers, helping the brigade to organize events, buying equipment for end-of-course ceremonies and giving aid to needy soldiers.”

The activists are calling the jewel a “blood diamond,” a term used to denote stones which help African rebels finance their movements, which often involve children soldiers, torture and rape.

“We are shocked and disappointed by the decision of De Beers to present the Queen of England with a diamond manufactured by the Steinmetz Diamond company,” said Helmi Sammoni of Gaza. “We the Sammoni family call on the Queen of England and the British people to decline this gift.

“We demand that De Beers be instructed to remove this offensive blood diamond display immediately.” (IsraelNationalNews © 2012 06/13/12)