MIRIAM ADELSON

MIRIAM ADELSON BIOGRAPHY
Miriam Adelson, born in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 1945, is a prominent Israeli-American physician, philanthropist, and businesswoman, best known for her extensive contributions to medicine and her influence in the gaming industry. Her career and charitable work are distinguished by her dedication to medical research and her support for Jewish and Israeli causes. With an estimated net worth of $36 billion as of 2023, Adelson is one of the wealthiest women in the world, primarily due to her majority ownership in Las Vegas Sands Corp., the global casino and resort empire once helmed by her late husband, Sheldon Adelson.
Adelson’s early years and education laid the foundation for her career in medicine. She was raised in a Zionist household in Tel Aviv, where her father, a member of the militant Irgun, instilled a deep-rooted patriotism in her. After completing her military service, she pursued a degree in microbiology and genetics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and earned her medical degree from the Sackler Medical School at Tel Aviv University. She later specialized in internal and emergency medicine.
Her career in medicine brought her to the United States, where she completed a residency in internal medicine. She established herself in addiction research and treatment, becoming a respected figure in the field of addiction medicine. Adelson co-founded the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse Treatment and Research in Las Vegas in 2000. This clinic, along with its counterpart in Tel Aviv, offers treatment for drug addiction, focusing on helping patients rehabilitate through evidence-based approaches. Miriam’s dedication to addressing addiction reflects her commitment to social causes, particularly in areas where her influence can directly impact public health.
Adelson’s life took a transformative turn in the early 1990s when she met Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire entrepreneur with significant holdings in the casino and hospitality industry. They married in 1991, and she became deeply involved in his business and philanthropic ventures. Following Sheldon’s passing in 2021, Miriam inherited a controlling stake in Las Vegas Sands Corp., which operates major resorts in Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore. Under her leadership, the company continues to be a dominant force in the global gaming industry.
In addition to her role in the family business, Adelson is a prolific philanthropist, with a particular focus on Jewish and pro-Israel causes. She has donated extensively to the Birthright Israel program, which provides trips to Israel for young Jewish people worldwide to strengthen their connection to their heritage. Miriam is also a strong supporter of Israeli political interests and is one of the top financial backers of conservative political causes in the United States, reflecting her and her late husband’s shared dedication to strengthening U.S.-Israel relations.
Adelson’s influence extends beyond philanthropy and business; she has received several honors and recognitions for her work. In 2018, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump in acknowledgment of her contributions to society, particularly in addiction treatment and her philanthropic efforts supporting Jewish communities.
In her later years, Adelson has taken steps to continue her legacy in medicine and philanthropy. She actively supports scientific research, with a focus on finding solutions to health crises like addiction and has also donated to universities and institutions dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge. Despite her low public profile, her philanthropic contributions and strategic influence in media and politics continue to shape her legacy.
Today, Miriam Adelson remains a prominent figure in multiple fields, from business and philanthropy to healthcare and advocacy. Her multifaceted career and dedication to social causes highlight her commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on society. Her leadership in the gaming industry, combined with her influence in politics and support for medical research, solidify her as a powerful figure on the global stage.