Sheldon Adelson, who rose from selling newspapers on Boston street corners at age 12 to one of the most successful luxury resort developers, philanthropists and political influencers of his generation, died Monday night at his home in Malibu, California. He was 87.
Adelson founded and served as Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., the world’s largest gaming corporation, from its inception in 1988. He had been on medical leave from the company since Jan. 7 to resume his fight against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which he had battled since 2019.
Adelson was a strong supporter of Israel and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and generously donated to countless Israeli and Jewish causes.
He and his wife were Trump’s largest donors; they provided the largest donation to Trump’s 2016 campaign, his presidential inauguration, his defense fund against the Mueller investigation into Russian interference, and the 2020 campaign.
Dr. Miriam Adelson’s heartfelt tribute to her husband, businessman and philanthropist Sheldon G. Adelson following his passing today:
Statement from the President on the passing of Sheldon Adelson pic.twitter.com/YxFciHpZux
— Avi Berkowitz (@aviberkow45) January 12, 2021
President Bush #43 releases a statement on the passing of Sheldon:
Sheldon Adelson’s life represents the best of the American dream. Susan and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to his family as the world mourns his passing. pic.twitter.com/QkL60v7iOE
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) January 12, 2021
Tammy and I are heartbroken by the passing of Sheldon Adelson. He was the greatest of Jewish philanthropists with boundless commitment to his beloved wife Miriam and entire family. While blessed with vast wealth, he had exceptional humility and faith. No one will fill his shoes. pic.twitter.com/samPCJn3Fu
— David M. Friedman (@USAmbIsrael) January 12, 2021
RJC Statement on the Passing of Sheldon Adelson pic.twitter.com/nsac7YesrC
— RJC (@RJC) January 12, 2021
Today is a daythat words fail to capture the feeling of sadness and loss. I lost a great friend and mentor with the passing of Sheldon Adelson. A great man, a true giant. The world is a better place because of him.
I’m blessed to have had him in my life. This pic makes me smile pic.twitter.com/sABOU2wXel— Matt Brooks (@mbrooksrjc) January 12, 2021
Heidi & I send our heartfelt condolences to the Adelson family. From advancing medical research to championing the US-Israel relationship, Sheldon was a patriot. He was a friend & a tenacious fighter who will sorely be missed. The world is much better because of his faithfulness.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) January 12, 2021
