Dr. Miriam Adelson was honored by the Israeli-American Council in Los Angeles on Sunday with its “Defender of Am Yisrael, The People of Israel, Lifetime Achievement Award,” the organization said. The award was presented at the IAC’s Los Angeles regional gala, “Together We Rise: One Heart, Israel 78,” in recognition of Adelson’s support for Israel, the Jewish people, and efforts to secure the return of hostages, after all 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas returned to Israeli territory.
IAC Chairman Emeritus Shawn Evenhaim presented the award to Adelson at a private Beverly Hills home. Former hostage Bar Kupershtein also joined the ceremony, months after The Jerusalem Post reported on his return home after 738 days in Hamas captivity, and after JPost reported on Adelson’s reported behind-the-scenes role in the hostage saga and IAC Celebrate Israel events marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day.
IAC praises Adelson’s leadership after October 7
In bestowing the honor, the IAC cited Adelson’s “courageous and visionary leadership” and her “unwavering commitment to strengthening and safeguarding the State of Israel and the Jewish People.”
Evenhaim said Adelson had used her influence and resources after the October 7 Hamas attack to advocate for the hostages’ return. “You were persistent until the last hostage was brought home,” he said, adding that Adelson had treated the hostages’ families “as your own.”
Accepting the award, Adelson said the return of the hostages had been deeply personal. “The best day of my life was when all the hostages returned,” she said. “It was around my birthday, and I said, ‘God gave me this gift.’ It added a few years to my life.”
Carr says Adelson strengthened US-Israel ties
Elan S. Carr, IAC’s CEO and former US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism praised Adelson for her history of leadership in Jewish and Israeli relations.
“Dr. Miriam Adelson is a titan of our times and a tireless champion for Am Yisrael. Her transformative leadership and philanthropy have profoundly shaped the Jewish world and immeasurably strengthened the US-Israel alliance,” he said.
“Her commitment to the security and unity of our people is more vital than ever during these challenging times. With this award today, we celebrate her and honor her remarkable legacy and ongoing devotion to our shared future.”
Miriam Adelson, together with her late husband, billionaire businessman Sheldon Adelson, have contributed heavily to charity through the Adelson Foundations. Since their inception in 2007, these foundations have provided hundreds of millions of dollars for worthy Israeli, Jewish, and other charitable causes.
During the Israel-Hamas War, Adelson was reported to have met often with families of hostages held in Gaza. A Trump confidant, she reportedly used her connections in Washington to make sure their voices were heard.
Adelson is also the majority owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom.