Many will write about the businessman and the giant philanthropist, but I do not stop thinking about the man who was • personally, he saved my life • President and founder of the Rescue Union in a column in his memory
Adelson at a conference of Discovery
Photography:
Oren Ben Hakon
Many will write in the coming days about the successful businessman and giant philanthropist Sheldon Adelson.
But I do not stop thinking about the man Adelson.
A great figure from life and a humane and warm Jew, who personally saved my life.
In my opinion, Adelson was one of the great leaders of the Jewish people in the last century.
In Jewish history he stood in line with Moses Montefiore and Baron Rothschild.
He devoted his life to strengthening the Jewish people and the State of Israel in the mighty enterprises he initiated and developed, but things he told me when we met were what left a huge impression on me.
About two years ago, at the wedding of the daughter of US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, Adelson excitedly told me about his Zionist ventures. I know that in the Diaspora my ability to help Israel is much more significant. "" This is a big concession, "I said. He smiled warmly in response.
In great pain: Sheldon Adelson 2021-1933
Adelson is an admirable model and object of imitation in the worlds of business and philanthropy, but I have seen in him and his wife also pick up an example of love the like of which is not met every day.
They are meant for each other.
When I asked him recently how he felt during the global epidemic, he was proud that he did not fire anyone due to the crisis, but sweetened a secret for me: "This is an opportunity to be with family. In the end, they are the most important thing for a person."
Together with his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, he supported the Rescue Union and thus helped save the lives of many. At a salute to the organization in the U.S. Adelson thrilled us all with the praise he shared with the volunteers on stage.
But at the end of the evening, as I sat next to him, he said to me: "Do you know why I love you? The Rescue Union has all the Jewish values that are important to me: love of others, value of life and entrepreneurial spirit, but I also love your impudence. That saves many lives. "
I also feel a personal duty to Adelson.
Ten months ago, while I was in the US, I fell ill in Corona and my doctors put me to sleep and breathed me in. Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson saved my life.
They took care of me professionally and prayed for my healing.
After I woke up, they made sure I returned to Israel in their private plane.
Like any Jew, I believe that world repair brings redemption closer.
Mr. Adelson along with his wife Miriam have performed this practice in almost all of their activities over the years.
There is nothing Jewish about it in my eyes.
Of blessed memory.
The author is the president and founder of the Rescue Union