Adelson took care of all the Jews Israel today

Sheldon used to tell about his father who was a poor man and dreamed of coming to Israel, but he was not allowed to • He believed that success in his business was so that he would have the opportunity to help his people and his country

• Adelson.

  One of the greatest philanthropists for strengthening the Jewish people and the State of Israel in history

  Photography: 

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The first time I met Sheldon, more than 30 years ago, he asked me, "How can I help the Jews of the USSR behind the Iron Curtain?" Since then, I have met with him and his wife Miri hundreds of times, and my impression has been that every moment of his life "How can he help and strengthen the people of Israel and the State of Israel."

Sheldon used to tell about his father who was a poor man and dreamed of coming to Israel, but he was not allowed to;

Who identified with the problems and weaknesses of other Jews, but was not allowed to help them.

Sheldon liked to tell that his first job was as a newspaper distributor, the boy running the streets and distributing newspapers.

He would proudly add that he sold the newspaper that announced the establishment of the State of Israel.

In great pain: Sheldon Adelson 1933-2021

Sheldon seemed to believe that he was successful in his business so that he would have the opportunity to help his people and his country, which his family did not have at the time.

His approach to philanthropy was no different from his approach to business.

He and Miri worked as a dedicated and determined duo, testing the tools for strengthening the existing Jewish people, developing long-term approaches.

And when they were sure it was the right way, their generosity knew no bounds.

for example:

The Birthright Project - Sheldon was not the initiator of the program, but once he realized that it was the tool that would lead to the strengthening of the Jewish people in a time of weakness, and there was a queue of people interested in participating - his decision was clear.

From now on - no queues.

The project is accessible to every Jew in the world.

And if that means - that he personally has to contribute tens of millions every year - then that's how it will be.

The project has become global and significant of all to strengthen the Jewish identity that exists today.

During the second intifada, I told then-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that the most important battlefield for the future of the young generation and the Jewish people is on campuses in America - and it is important to have Israeli emissaries there. But in light of budgetary restrictions After many tests, Sheldon and Miri realized how influential the apostles could be, and the situation changed. Today the apostles sit on hundreds of campuses. The entire mission preparation process has been upgraded thanks to the Adelson family, who have invested tens of millions of their money.

It is most important to emphasize in these two and other examples, that despite the tremendous contributions and personal interest - Sheldon has never tried to politically pressure the projects.

Help for the Jewish people should be beyond political disagreements.

The projects will be accessible to every Jew, regardless of political affiliation.

There is no doubt that Sheldon was one of the greatest philanthropists for strengthening the Jewish people and the State of Israel in history, thus fulfilling his father's dream.

Of blessed memory.

The author is a former chairman of the Jewish Agency and a recipient of the Israel Prize.