Leviev in the Spotlight over Myanmar, Education Funding

Israeli diamond magnet Lev Leviev has found himself in the spotlight in the international and Israeli press over rubies from Myanmar (Burma) and a controversial donation to the Israeli education system.

Following the recent civil unrest in Rangoon, a reporter from the Sunday Times visited Leviev's upscale store on Old Bond Street in London, where some of the items included large rubies. Equating them to Conflict Diamonds, the assertion was that ruby exports finance the ruling military regime, thereby supporting the oppression of the Burmese people.

The Leviev Group said in response that it does not deal with conflict goods – diamonds or otherwise – and that the jewels were purchased over the years from private collections.

Tuesday, Israel's Channel 10 reported that Leviev has donated money to 60 schools in the country. Leviev is a big financial backer of Jewish schools in the former USSR, however this time his benevolence caused a stir when parents complained that anyone with deep pockets can alter the educational content to which their children are exposed and decide, without the school system's supervision, what they will learn.

School schedules’ listing showed that among math, history and other classes "Lev Leviev" appeared as a weekly hour. The Leviev Foundation for Jewish Education and Identity promotes traditional values and Jewish culture.