Miriam Adelson & Family: Philanthropy and Influence
Miriam Adelson, born on October 10, 1945, in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a physician, philanthropist, and the widow of Sheldon Adelson, the American casino magnate and former CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Upon Sheldon Adelson’s passing in January 2021, Miriam inherited much of his fortune, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world. She is known for her significant influence in U.S. and Israeli politics, her philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the fields of healthcare and Jewish causes, and her ongoing role in managing the family’s business interests.
Early Life and Medical Career
Miriam Adelson, born Miriam Farbstein, grew up in British Mandate Palestine, which later became the state of Israel. She pursued a career in medicine, earning a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and genetics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, followed by a medical degree from Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine. Specializing in internal medicine, she also developed a focus on drug addiction treatment.
In the early 1980s, Miriam moved to the United States to further her medical training and worked as an internist in the New York City area. It was here that she met Sheldon Adelson in 1989 at a conference in Las Vegas. They married in 1991, marking the beginning of their partnership, which would have a profound impact not only on the business world but also on global philanthropy and politics.
Miriam’s medical expertise extended into her philanthropic work. Together with her husband, she founded the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Research Clinic in Las Vegas, specializing in treating people struggling with opioid addiction. This clinic represents Miriam’s lifelong dedication to combatting addiction, which remains one of her core causes.
Las Vegas Sands Corporation
After her marriage to Sheldon Adelson, Miriam became closely involved in the family business. Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the casino empire that Sheldon built, includes some of the most famous and luxurious casinos in the world, including The Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas, as well as properties in Macao and Singapore. The company became a global powerhouse in the casino and hospitality industry, generating billions in revenue annually.
After Sheldon’s death, Miriam assumed greater control over the family’s stakes in Las Vegas Sands, ensuring the continued growth and success of the company. Under her leadership, the company has sustained its global influence, especially in the Asian markets, where it has some of its most profitable properties. Though her primary focus is not on running the day-to-day operations of Las Vegas Sands, she is deeply involved in maintaining its strategic vision.
Political Influence
Miriam Adelson, like her late husband, has been a significant figure in conservative political circles, both in the United States and Israel. The Adelsons were major donors to the Republican Party, and their financial contributions had a considerable impact on U.S. politics. Sheldon Adelson was one of the most influential donors to conservative causes, particularly during the presidency of Donald Trump, with the Adelsons reportedly donating hundreds of millions of dollars to Republican campaigns and political action committees (PACs) over the years.
Miriam herself is a strong advocate of U.S.-Israel relations, and the couple were known for their unwavering support for Israel’s right-wing Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Their support extended to funding pro-Israel causes in both the U.S. and Israel, particularly those focused on strengthening Jewish identity and supporting Zionism.
In 2018, President Donald Trump awarded Miriam Adelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, recognizing her philanthropy and contributions to strengthening U.S.-Israel relations.
Philanthropy and the Adelson Foundation
Miriam Adelson is perhaps best known for her philanthropic work, much of which is carried out through the Adelson Family Foundation, which she co-founded with Sheldon. The foundation focuses on a wide range of causes, including healthcare, Jewish identity, education, and pro-Is
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