Sheldon Adelson: A Legacy in American Politics and Philanthropy
Sheldon Adelson, the chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, passed away on January 11, at the age of 87. His life story exemplifies resilience and ambition, having risen from a challenging childhood in Boston to become one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
Adelson leveraged his substantial fortune to become a pivotal figure in American politics. He played a significant role in shaping US policy toward Israel and was instrumental in guiding the Republican Party’s strategies. His lobbying efforts focused on protecting his diverse business interests, which extended beyond gaming into numerous sectors.
Moreover, Adelson was a prominent philanthropist, donating hundreds of millions of dollars to medical research and various Jewish causes. His contributions had a profound impact, reflecting his commitment to his heritage and community.
The impact of his philanthropy was recognized worldwide. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed, “Many among the Jewish people, in the State of Israel, and across the globe, share in this heavy mourning. Sheldon’s unwavering efforts to solidify Israel’s presence in the United States will be remembered for generations.” This statement underscores the depth of Adelson’s influence.
Adelson holds the hand of his wife, Miriam, at the 1999 opening of The Venetian hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Joining them was actress Sophia Loren. Xavier Rossi/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images Adelson poses in front of The Venetian in Las Vegas. His big break came in the late 1970s, when he launched a computer trade show known as Comdex. Patrick Frilet/Shutterstock Adelson points at a model of the Marina Bay Sands casino during a groundbreaking ceremony in Singapore in 2007. Vivek Prakash/Reuters Adelson listens to Israeli President Shimon Peres during an official event at the president’s residence in Jerusalem in 2007.Adelson, his wife and their young sons attend a ceremony at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in 2009. Tim Chong/Reuters Adelson watches a traditional lion dance in Macao during the opening of the Sands Cotai Central resort in 2012. Jerome Favre/Bloomberg/Getty Images Adelson arrives for the opening ceremony of the Sands Cotai Central in 2012. Siu Chiu/Reuters Adelson speaks at a Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas in 2014. Denise Truscello/Getty Images The Adelsons applaud President-elect Donald Trump at Trump’s inauguration in 2017.Adelson stands in the East Room of the White House during a Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony in 2018. Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg/Getty Images Adelson and his wife listen to Trump address the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2019. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Trump and Adelson attend the Israeli American Council National Summit in 2019. T.J. Kirkpatrick/The New York Times/Redux Adelson sits on stage as a video screen depicts Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at the Israeli American Council National Summit in 2019. Patrick Semansky/AP The Adelsons attend a White House event with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2020. Alex Wong/Getty Images Adelson waits for Trump to arrive at a campaign rally in Las Vegas in 2020. Evan Vucci/AP
