Miriam Adelson, born Miriam Farbstein on October 10, 1945, in Tel Aviv, Mandatory Palestine, is a prominent Israeli-American physician and political donor. She is widely recognized for her significant contributions to the Republican Party and her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of drug addiction treatment. Following the death of her husband, Sheldon Adelson, in 2021, she became the majority owner of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, a leading global casino and resort company. As of August 2024, her net worth is estimated at an impressive $27.7 billion, making her the fifth richest woman in America and the richest Israeli in the world.
Adelson’s wealth primarily stems from her ownership of the Las Vegas Sands, which operates major casino resorts in Las Vegas, Singapore, and Macao. The company has a storied history, having been founded by her late husband, who was a key figure in the expansion of the gaming industry in Las Vegas. After taking over the company, Adelson has continued to uphold its legacy while also exploring new ventures, including a recent agreement to purchase a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
In addition to her business endeavors, Miriam Adelson is known for her political activism and philanthropy. She has been a major donor to various Republican campaigns and causes, particularly those aligned with her strong support for Israel. Her contributions have made her a significant figure in American politics, especially during the Trump administration, where she was recognized for her financial backing of Trump’s campaigns and initiatives.
Early Life and Education
Miriam Adelson was born to Jewish parents who fled Poland before the Holocaust. Her father was a prominent member of the Mapam political party in Israel, and the family later settled in Haifa. Adelson attended the Hebrew Reali School and served as a medical officer in the Israeli army. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Genetics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and graduated magna cum laude with a medical degree from Tel Aviv University.
Her medical career began in Israel, where she became the chief internist in an emergency room at Hadassah Hospital. In 1986, she moved to the United States to specialize in drug addiction treatment at Rockefeller University, where she collaborated with renowned researcher Mary Jeanne Kreek. In 1993, she founded a substance abuse center and later established the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Research Clinic in Las Vegas.
Philanthropy and Political Involvement
The Adelson family is known for their philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Adelson Foundation. They have supported various causes, including drug addiction research, education, and Jewish community initiatives. In 2008, the couple received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship from the Smithsonian Institution, recognizing their contributions to society.
Miriam Adelson has been a significant political donor, particularly to the Republican Party. She was the top female donor in the 2012 elections, contributing an estimated $46 million. Her support for Donald Trump has been particularly notable, as she and her late husband were among his largest donors during his presidential campaigns. In 2018, Trump awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, highlighting her influence and contributions to American politics.
Recent Developments and Business Ventures
In December 2023, it was announced that Miriam Adelson and her son-in-law, Patrick Dumont, had reached a binding agreement to purchase a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks. This move marks a significant entry into the world of professional sports for the Adelson family, further diversifying their business interests. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2024, pending approval from the NBA Board of Governors.
Adelson’s decision to invest in the Mavericks comes on the heels of her recent sale of $2 billion worth of shares in Las Vegas Sands, which she plans to use to fund the purchase. This strategic move underscores her commitment to expanding her family’s influence in both the gaming and sports industries.
Personal Life
Miriam Adelson was previously married to Ariel Ochshorn, with whom she had two daughters. She met Sheldon Adelson in 1988, and they married in 1991. Together, they had two sons, Adam and Matan. Following Sheldon’s death in 2021, Miriam has continued to honor his legacy through her philanthropic and business endeavors.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2024, Miriam Adelson’s net worth is estimated at $27.7 billion, making her one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Her financial success is attributed to her majority ownership of Las Vegas Sands, which has been a leader in the global casino industry. The company’s strategic decisions, including the sale of its Las Vegas Strip assets for $6.25 billion in 2022, have further solidified her financial standing.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Miriam Adelson |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1945 |
| Net Worth (2024) | $27.7 billion |
| Nationality | American-Israeli |
| Education | Hebrew University of Jerusalem (BS), Tel Aviv University (MD) |
| Spouses | Ariel Ochshorn (div. 1980), Sheldon Adelson (m. 1991; died 2021) |
| Children | 5 |
| Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom (2018), Woodrow Wilson Award (2008) |
FAQs
What is Miriam Adelson’s net worth?
As of 2024, Miriam Adelson’s net worth is estimated at $27.7 billion.
What is Miriam Adelson known for?
Miriam Adelson is known for her role as a physician, political donor, and majority owner of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.
Who was Miriam Adelson married to?
Miriam Adelson was married to Ariel Ochshorn and later to Sheldon Adelson, who passed away in 2021.
What philanthropic efforts has Miriam Adelson been involved in?
She has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly in drug addiction research and support for the Jewish community.
What recent business ventures has Miriam Adelson pursued?
Recently, she has agreed to purchase a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.