Washington (AFP) – Billionaire casino magnate and donor to Republican causes Sheldon Adelson has died of cancer, his company said on Tuesday, days before Donald Trump, the US president he supported, hands power to Democratic successor Joe Biden. A supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jewish causes worldwide, Adelson’s death was confirmed on Tuesday by Las Vegas Sands, the company with which he built a casino empire sprawling from Las Vegas to the Chinese territory of Macau. “Our founder and visionary leader, Sheldon G. Adelson, passed away last night at the age of 87 from…
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The Lawfare Project issued this statement:
All of us at The Lawfare Project were devastated to learn of the passing of Sheldon Adelson this morning.
He leaves behind an awe-inspiring legacy, having improved the lives of millions of people around the world through his generous philanthropy and commitment to Tikkun Olam.
Please join us in mourning today’s loss and celebrating the life of a man whose place in the history of the Jewish people will never be forgotten.
Yad Vashem issued the following statement:
Yad Vashem mourns the passing of the Patron of the Mount of Remembrance, Sheldon G. Adelson. Adelson was immensely proud of his Jewish and American heritage and deeply committed to the Jewish people, Jewish culture and the State of Israel. A self-made and determined businessman and philanthropist, he was dedicated to the furtherance of Holocaust remembrance and education for generations to come.
“The warm connection that Sheldon had with Yad Vashem was truly exceptional,” reflected Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev. “He had an extraordinary personality and achieved great things throughout his lifetime. Particularly striking was his boundless love for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. He was well aware of the dangers inherent in antisemitism and recognized the duty to instill the memory of the Holocaust, believing in the value of education as a critical means of doing so. It was precisely thanks to these shared goals that Sheldon was particularly committed and closely connected to Yad Vashem. With his support, along with his dear wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, we have implemented Yad Vashem’s International School’s cutting-edge pedagogical approach to Holocaust education and conduct teacher-training programs to thousands of educators who in turn impart meaningful and relevant messages of the story of the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism.
“Yad Vashem, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel owe Sheldon and Miri a tremendous debt of gratitude for their enduring commitment to these fundamental causes. They are true partners, visionaries and pioneers. Sheldon will be sorely missed.”
Sheldon Adelson grew up in a low-income home in Boston, Massachusetts to Jewish immigrant parents. At the early age of 12 his entrepreneurial instincts were already evident, when he started selling newspapers on the streets of Boston. Thanks to a keen intellect and innovative thinking, Adelson was always several steps ahead of his peers. Despite his modest beginning, he dared to dream big, and realized those dreams by building a formidable business empire. Despite his resounding success, he maintained his close connection to his faith and his birthright. He dedicated his energies and resources to supporting the causes close to his heart.
Along with his wife Miriam, the Adelsons unique bond with Yad Vashem began in the early 1990s, with the couple’s first generous contribution providing an infrastructure necessary to launch Yad Vashem into the digital age. Several years later, they endowed Yad Vashem’s new Museum of Holocaust Art. In 2006, they substantially increased their vigorous involvement with the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, undertaking a multiyear commitment of unprecedented support that continues to this day. Their cumulative donations over the years constitute by far the largest private contribution ever received by Yad Vashem.
The Adelson’s spoke on several occasions about their special relationship with Yad Vashem. Sheldon Adelson explained that it was their privilege to help ensure the continuity of the existence of the Jewish people and that he wanted to do everything in his power so that the Holocaust would not be forgotten. At a recent event Sheldon stated, “my wife Miriam and I, a sabra and a diaspora Jew, are united in our commitment to support this institution. We trust that Yad Vashem will find ways to preserve Holocaust education as a priority, to ensure that Israel’s freedom and power are never taken for granted.”
Yad Vashem conveys its deepest condolences to Dr. Miriam Adelson and the entire Adelson family.
United Hatzalah issued the following statement:
United Hatzalah is greatly saddened by the passing of American philanthropist Sheldon Adelson.
Sheldon was a visionary business and philanthropic leader and a great supporter of Israel. He and his wife Dr. Miriam Adelson were also instrumental in helping United Hatzalah Founder and President Eli Beer during his fight with Covid-19 in March and April of 2020. Eli Beer describes Sheldon and Dr. Miriam as his “guardian angels”.
From United Hatzalah Headquarters in Jerusalem, Eli Beer said, “Sheldon was a true role model and inspiration for living life fully. He was also a proud Jewish American. In the last 200 years of history, there are three people who have made a massive impact on Israel, the Jewish people, and me personally: Baron Rothschild, Sir Moses Montefiore, and Sheldon Adelson. We lost a giant today but I am proud to know his family and am sure they will continue his work. Baruch Dayan Ha’emet, may his memory be a blessing.”
Just ten days ago, Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson made a significant donation to the Ambucycle unit of United Hatzalah, a donation that will strengthen the medical response to the citizens of Israel and save lives throughout the country. Sheldon was a true hero of the nation of Israel and helped change the lives of many people both in the United States, in Israel, and around the world. He will be sorely missed.
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces issued the following statement:
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) National Chairman Rabbi Peter Weintraub; National Chairman Emeritus Dr. Nily Falic; National Board Members and Las Vegas Chapter Founders Dana and Michael Werner; and National Director and CEO Steven Weil issued the following statement on the sudden passing of business magnate, philanthropist, and steadfast supporter of Israel Sheldon G. Adelson z”l:
“Today we lost a beloved friend, dear partner, and true Zionist. His generous and unending support for the soldiers of Israel, and his commitment to the strength of the Jewish State and its people, have touched the lives of people all around the world and will live on in our hearts forever. The passing of Sheldon Adelson is a tremendous loss, to us personally, and to the entire Jewish nation. Baruch Dayan HaEmet.”
A pillar of the Jewish community, Sheldon Adelson was one of FIDF’s greatest supporters. Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson were the honorees of the 2016 FIDF National New York Gala, where they were recognized with the inaugural FIDF “Defenders of Israel” award for their lifelong philanthropy and support for a multitude of causes in the U.S. and Israel. The Adelsons have adopted three Israel Defense Forces (IDF) brigades as part of the FIDF Adopt-A-Brigade program; the Kfir, Golani, and Givati Brigades. Profoundly committed to the future of Israel’s soldiers, the Adelsons have also contributed to FIDF’s education and scholarship programs over the years.
The Israeli-American Council issued the following statement:
“THERE IS NO MORE NOBLE GESTURE THAN TO BE THE MASON THAT MIXES THE CEMENT THAT CONNECTS ONE GENERATION OF JEWS TO THE OTHER.” Sheldon G. Adelson
We received the news about the passing of Sheldon G. Adelson with a heavy heart and great sadness. The Israeli-American Council mourns the loss of our visionary, mentor, and true friend.
Sheldon Adelson was one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs and business leaders. Together with his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, he was the greatest Jewish-world philanthropist of our time. He touched countless lives with his generosity, devotion, and passion for Jewish causes and connecting and the younger generation to Israel.
With the foresight and support of the Adelsons, Sheldon’s vision is now in more than 100 communities and more than 90 campuses and has brought Israel to the hearts of hundreds of thousands of Israeli and Jewish Americans across the nation.
Sheldon’s unequivocal love of Israel and of the Jewish people will be a legacy that will always inspire us. We will greatly miss his wisdom, leadership, and dedication and we will strive to continue to fulfill his vision in support of Israel and of the Jewish people.
May his memory be blessed.
The Republican Jewish Coalition issued the following statement:
The Republican Jewish Coalition mourns the passing of RJC Board of Directors member Sheldon Adelson. We have lost one of the most consequential figures in American Jewish history: an American patriot, a dedicated defender of Israel, an extraordinary philanthropist, and a dear mentor and friend.
From very humble beginnings as the child of immigrants in Boston, Mr. Adelson became a serial entrepreneur who created almost 50 different companies over seven decades, including the internationally famous Las Vegas Sands Corp. Mr. Adelson grew businesses that brought opportunities for success to others: his COMDEX tradeshow for the computer industry enlarged the field; his resorts integrated not just hospitality and gaming, but also convention and exhibition space, celebrity chef restaurants, and entertainment.
His business success made him very wealthy, and he used those resources to benefit others. With his beloved wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, Mr. Adelson was the largest funder of Taglit-Birthright Israel. The Adelsons built a $65 million campus in Las Vegas for the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy and Adelson School, which serves students from preschool through high school. They have been significant contributors to the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces and Yad Vashem. The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation funds collaborative research programs to understand and cure cancers, fight immunologic diseases, and develop neural repair and rehabilitation therapies. Dr. Miriam Adelson works with drug addicts; the Adelsons built a clinic in Tel Aviv and Dr. Adelson has contributed enormously to addiction research and therapy. In the US, the Adelsons have hosted “Tribute to the Troops” weekends at their Venetian Resort for wounded American warriors — all-expense-paid vacations to thank the veterans for their service by providing entertainment and encouragement to them and to their caregivers.
In addition to making large donations to foundations and organizations, Mr. Adelson was a caring and generous mentor to friends and others in need. Among many quiet acts of kindness, he made his planes available to people needing medical care and helped small businesses and individuals fallen on hard times. When the Covid-19 pandemic closed down casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues, Mr. Adelson refused to furlough or lay off his employees. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas company continued to provide full pay and benefits to every employee from March 17 onward.
Mr. Adelson’s political activities supported pro-free market and pro-Israel candidates and organizations. He was a passionate supporter of Israel – as the Jewish homeland and the only free and democratic state in the Middle East. Together with Dr. Adelson, he supported strong pro-Israel Republican leaders, as well as organizations working on free market and national security issues. He supported efforts to fight the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement and anti-Israel activism on college campuses.
The Republican Jewish Coalition benefited not only from Mr. Adelson’s generous financial support, but very significantly from his leadership and his counsel. His friendship, encouragement, and wisdom will be sorely missed. His death leaves an empty place where a vibrant, committed, and caring man once stood. We are all diminished by his passing.
May his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. May his memory be a blessing for us all.
The Jewish Agency for Israel made the following comment:
The Jewish Agency for Israel mourns the passing of Sheldon Adelson.
Adelson was a great supporter of the Jewish people and a tremendous advocate for the State of Israel. His boundless dedication and generosity will serve as his legacy for generations to come.
Adelson, along with his wife Dr. Miriam Adelson, were passionate about bringing world Jewry closer to Israel. In this capacity, the Adelsons have been key supporters of The Jewish Agency’s shlichut (Israeli emissaries) program, which sends shlichim to serve in hundreds of communities around the world, working to strengthen ties between Jewish communities and Israel. In recognition of their generosity, The Jewish Agency’s Shlichut Institute and its host building in Kiryat Moriah in Jerusalem were recently named in honor of the Adelsons.
The Adelsons’ commitment to the shlichut program was personal and heartfelt. Jewish Agency shlichim serving in the United States have shared countless stories of being invited to the Adelson home for dinner and moving personal conversations with the family, a true testimony to the extent of the Adelsons’ dedication.
Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel, Isaac Herzog: “I always told Sheldon that he’s the modern-day Moses Montefiore of our generation. Just as he who broke barriers and built Jerusalem, so did Adelson in Jewish education and connection to Israel. I had the honor of a close relationship with him for many years and he was no doubt among the greatest leaders of the Jewish people throughout this generation. His generosity, openness, modesty and accessibility always stood out. Even when we had differences of opinion, I always loved him.”
Chairman of the Board of The Jewish Agency for Israel, Michael Siegal: “Today, the entire world lost one of its greatest philanthropists. Sheldon Adelson made a profound difference to countless young Jews around the world with his unyielding commitment to the Birthright program. He was approachable and principled. It was a privilege to know him and his loss will be felt by many. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Miriam and his entire family.”
Former Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency and Founding Chairman of The Adelson Shlichut Institute, Natan Sharansky: “Sheldon has been a dear personal friend to me, as well as to the shlichut program. Without his belief in the work of shlichim and his vision of the long-term impact shlichim have in forging ties to Israel and in combating BDS and antisemitism, the growth of the shlichut program, thanks to his support over the past decade, wouldn’t be possible. I will miss him greatly.”
The Adelson Shlichut Institute provides training to over 2,000 Jewish Agency emissaries who serve in Jewish communities around the world to strengthen ties with Israel. They serve in local Jewish schools, youth groups, summer camps, universities, promoting the cause of Israel and fighting antisemitism.