Sylvan Adams, the Canadian-Israeli businessman and philanthropist often dubbed Israel’s “self-appointed ambassador,” continues to rank among the most influential figures shaping the country’s global image. Through bold philanthropy, high-profile cultural initiatives, and international leadership, Adams has become a bridge between Israel and the world at a time of rising hostility and scrutiny.
This year marked another milestone in Adams’s public life: his unanimous appointment as President of the World Jewish Congress Israel. The role places him at the heart of global Jewish diplomacy, tasked with strengthening Israel’s ties to communities worldwide and ensuring a united front in the face of surging antisemitism. From advancing Aliyah initiatives to reinforcing Israel’s standing among Jewish leaders, Adams has already begun using the platform to expand Israel’s influence and strengthen its voice on the international stage.
Adams’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In May, TIME Magazine named him to its inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy List, recognizing the 100 most influential leaders in global giving. The honor placed Adams alongside Melinda French Gates, Michael Bloomberg, and Oprah Winfrey, highlighting not only his extraordinary generosity but also his ability to leverage philanthropy for strategic impact. TIME cited Adams’ $100 million gift to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev following the October 7 Hamas attacks, one of the largest donations in Israel’s history, emblematic of his vision: rebuilding communities through economic opportunity.
The power of philanthropy
Philanthropy has long been Adams’ chosen instrument of influence. As the only Israeli signatory to the Giving Pledge, he has committed the majority of his fortune to causes that strengthen Israel and Jewish life worldwide. His contributions have built hospitals, children’s health centers, sports science institutes, and Jewish educational institutions from Tel Aviv to Montreal. Through his Sylvan Adams Family Foundation, he has supported life-saving medical programs like Save a Child’s Heart, which provides surgeries for children from Israel and across the world.
Yet Adams is not only a benefactor; he is a strategist who uses culture and sport as diplomatic tools. As the driving force behind the Israel – Premier Tech professional cycling team, Adams has placed Israel on the map of global sporting prestige. Under his leadership, the team has competed at the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and the Vuelta a España, making history as the first Israeli squad to participate in cycling’s grand tours.
This year, that achievement carried an added weight. As antisemitic protests followed the team across Europe, Adams and his riders became living symbols of resilience. Competing proudly under the Israeli flag, they refused to bow to hostility, embodying Israel’s determination to hold its place in international arenas where it has often been excluded or boycotted. For Adams, the races were never just about sport; they were about identity, visibility, and defiance in the face of prejudice.
Beyond cycling, Adams has masterminded some of Israel’s most visible cultural diplomacy projects. He brought Lionel Messi and Argentina’s national soccer team to Israel for a historic friendly match, sponsored Madonna’s headline performance at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, and built the Middle East’s first Olympic-standard velodrome. These ventures, designed to showcase Israel’s vibrancy, have reached millions worldwide and countered the narratives of isolation and delegitimization that often surround the Jewish state.
Inside Israel, Adams’ philanthropic footprint continues to expand. He has funded a new emergency ward in Tel Aviv’s largest hospital, a children’s hospital in Holon, and state-of-the-art gymnasiums at leading universities. His projects consistently combine infrastructure with symbolism: investments not just in buildings, but in the message that Israel is modern, resilient, and open to the world.
Recognition within Israel has matched his international accolades. In 2023, Adams was chosen to light a torch at Israel’s 75th Independence Day ceremony, an honor that underscored his role in linking Israel to the wider Jewish world.
Adams’s career reflects a singular vision: that Israel’s strength lies in projecting confidence, generosity, and excellence. Whether through billion-dollar philanthropy, world-class sports, or global Jewish leadership, he has shown a relentless drive to ensure Israel is not only defended but celebrated.
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