Miriam Adelson

Early Life and Background

Born Miriam Farbstein on August 10, 1945, in Tel Aviv, then part of Mandatory Palestine, Miriam Adelson's early life was shaped by the nascent state of Israel. Her parents, Menucha and Simcha Farbstein, were Holocaust survivors who had fled Poland before World War II. Her father, a prominent member of the Revisionist Zionist movement, was a veteran of the Irgun, a Zionist paramilitary organization that operated in Mandatory Palestine. This background instilled in Miriam a strong sense of Jewish identity, resilience, and a deep connection to Israel. She grew up in a household that valued education and public service, reflecting the aspirations of the post-Holocaust generation in the newly established Jewish state.

Education

Miriam Adelson pursued a rigorous academic path in medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Microbiology and Genetics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a foundational step in her scientific career that provided her with a strong understanding of biological processes. Following her undergraduate studies, she enrolled in Tel Aviv University's Sackler Medical School, where she successfully completed her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, demonstrating her commitment to clinical practice. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Adelson specialized in internal medicine, honing her clinical skills and knowledge of complex health conditions through extensive residency training. Her commitment to advanced medical understanding led her to undertake a post-doctoral fellowship at the prestigious Rockefeller University in New York City, a world-renowned center for biomedical research. This period further broadened her expertise and exposed her to cutting-edge scientific inquiry, particularly in areas related to neurological and genetic research. Later in her career, driven by a growing interest in public health challenges, she pursued further specialized studies in addiction medicine, first at Rockefeller University and subsequently at the Oregon Health & Science University. This specialized training laid the groundwork for her groundbreaking work in the field of substance abuse treatment and research, equipping her with the knowledge to address a critical global health issue.

Career

Dr. Miriam Adelson began her medical career as a chief internist at Rokach (Hadassah) Hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, where she served her community with dedication and skill, managing complex patient cases and contributing to medical education. Her profound interest in the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals and families led her to pivot her career focus towards addiction medicine. Recognizing a critical unmet need for effective, compassionate treatment, particularly in the United States, she established the first of her pioneering clinics. In 1993, she founded S.A.F.E. House (Substance Abuse Free Environment) in Las Vegas, Nevada, a facility dedicated to the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. This was followed in 2000 by the establishment of the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Research Clinic, also in Las Vegas, which focused on researching and developing innovative treatments for substance abuse, including pharmaceutical interventions and behavioral therapies. These clinics employed a unique approach, emphasizing abstinence and long-term recovery, and became models for comprehensive addiction treatment programs. Her work at these centers significantly advanced the understanding and practical application of addiction medicine.

Beyond her direct medical contributions, Dr. Adelson's career expanded significantly through her marriage to casino magnate Sheldon G. Adelson in 1991. She became intimately involved in their shared philanthropic endeavors and, over time, assumed a more public role in their vast media and business empire. Notably, she became the publisher of Israel Hayom (Israel Today), a highly influential Hebrew-language daily newspaper in Israel, which was launched by her husband in 2007. Under her and her husband's stewardship, the newspaper became the most widely distributed in Israel, known for its generally conservative and pro-Likud stance, often criticized for its perceived influence on Israeli politics. Following the death of her husband in January 2021, Dr. Adelson inherited a controlling stake in Las Vegas Sands Corporation, one of the world's largest casino and resort companies, making her a formidable figure in the global business landscape and one of the wealthiest women in the world. She also became the largest shareholder of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks in December 2023, further diversifying her business portfolio and influence into professional sports ownership.

Major Achievements

Dr. Miriam Adelson's achievements span both the medical and philanthropic realms, leaving an indelible mark on public health, charitable giving, and media. Her most significant medical contribution is undoubtedly her pioneering work in addiction treatment and research. By establishing the S.A.F.E. House and the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Research Clinic, she created vital resources for individuals struggling with substance abuse, impacting countless lives through evidence-based treatment and dedicated care. These clinics are recognized for their innovative approaches to recovery, including a strong emphasis on abstinence and comprehensive support systems for patients and their families.

In the sphere of philanthropy, Dr. Adelson, often alongside her late husband, has been an exceptionally generous donor to a wide array of causes. Their philanthropic efforts have focused extensively on medical research, particularly in the fields of addiction and cancer, Jewish causes, Holocaust remembrance, and pro-Israel advocacy. They were major benefactors to Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, contributing millions to ensure its mission of remembrance and education. They also contributed significantly to various educational and cultural institutions in both Israel and the United States, including Birthright Israel, which provides free trips to Israel for young Jewish adults. Their political donations, primarily to conservative and Republican causes in the U.S., were also substantial, making them one of the most influential donor couples in American politics for decades, shaping policy debates and election outcomes.

In recognition of her profound contributions to medicine and philanthropy, Dr. Adelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Donald Trump in November 2018. This award celebrated her dedication to fighting addiction and her extensive charitable work, acknowledging her national and international impact. Her role as publisher of Israel Hayom also marks a significant achievement in media, solidifying her influence in Israeli public discourse and shaping national narratives. More recently, her acquisition of a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks further diversified her impact into the professional sports industry, showcasing her expanding business acumen and influence.

Personal Life

Miriam Adelson's personal life has been marked by a blend of professional dedication and deep familial connections. She was first married to Dr. Ariel Ochshorn, with whom she had two daughters, Yasmin and Sivan Ochshorn. In 1991, she married Sheldon G. Adelson, a prominent American businessman and philanthropist, after meeting him on a blind date. Their marriage formed a powerful partnership, both personally and professionally, and lasted until his passing in January 2021. Together, they navigated the complexities of a blended family; Miriam adopted Sheldon's three sons from his previous marriage (Gary, Adam, and Matan Adelson), and Sheldon adopted Miriam's two daughters. This created a family of five children, though the precise legal adoption details can sometimes be nuanced in public records, they were publicly recognized as a unified family. The couple was known for their strong bond, shared values, and mutual support in their extensive philanthropic and business ventures, frequently appearing together at public events and political rallies. Dr. Adelson is a devout Jew and maintains a strong connection to her Israeli heritage, often dividing her time between her homes in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Herzliya Pituah, Israel. Her personal wealth, largely derived from her inheritance of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, makes her one of the world's wealthiest individuals, enabling her continued philanthropic and business pursuits.

Legacy

The legacy of Dr. Miriam Adelson is multifaceted, encompassing her transformative impact on addiction medicine, her monumental philanthropic endeavors, and her enduring influence in media and business. In the medical field, her pioneering work in establishing and funding dedicated addiction treatment and research centers has provided hope and recovery for countless individuals, setting new standards for care and advocating for comprehensive, abstinence-based approaches. Her advocacy for abstinence-based treatment continues to shape discussions around public health strategies for substance abuse, emphasizing long-term recovery and support.

Philanthropically, her and her late husband's contributions have left an indelible mark on numerous institutions and causes, particularly those supporting Jewish life, pro-Israel initiatives, medical research, and conservative political movements. Her unwavering support for Israel and her commitment to Jewish continuity are central tenets of her public persona and her philanthropic strategy, often manifested through significant donations to organizations like the Birthright Israel Foundation and the Republican Jewish Coalition. As the publisher of Israel Hayom, she has wielded significant influence over Israeli public opinion, shaping national discourse and reflecting a conservative viewpoint within the Israeli media landscape. Post-2021, as the chair and majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, she continues to steer a global business empire, cementing her status as a powerful businesswoman and a key figure in the international casino and resort industry. Her receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom underscores the national recognition of her contributions to public health and philanthropy. Dr. Adelson's legacy is one of profound impact, driven by a deep commitment to her medical calling, her heritage, and her vision for a better world, albeit one often aligned with specific political and ideological stances. She remains an active and influential figure on the global stage, continuing to build upon the foundations laid throughout her remarkable career, ensuring her influence persists across various sectors.