Miriam Adelson & Family: A Legacy of Influence, Philanthropy, and Power

Miriam Adelson, a physician, philanthropist, and political donor, has become a prominent figure in both American and Israeli circles, not only due to her individual accomplishments but also through her marriage to the late Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire casino magnate. As the inheritor of a vast empire and a continuing force in conservative politics, her life story intertwines medicine, business, politics, and global philanthropy. Born Miriam Farbstein in Tel Aviv in 1945, she grew up in a modest home with strong values rooted in education and community service. Her early academic promise led her to pursue a medical degree, eventually specializing in internal and emergency medicine.

After completing her medical training in Israel, she moved to New York City for further specialization, then to Las Vegas where she met Sheldon Adelson in the late 1980s. The union of Miriam and Sheldon became not only a personal partnership but a powerful alliance that spanned industries and international borders. Together, they shaped business ventures and conservative political landscapes, particularly in the United States and Israel. Sheldon, who founded the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, had built a gaming empire stretching from Nevada to Macau and Singapore. Miriam became instrumental in philanthropic ventures, particularly those related to medicine and Jewish causes.

Miriam Adelson co-founded the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Research Clinic in Las Vegas, focused on treating drug addiction—a cause close to her heart as a practicing physician. The clinic offers innovative methods for helping patients recover from opioid dependency and has received international acclaim. She has often spoken about the dignity of patients and the importance of medical solutions over criminal penalties. Her medical expertise lent credibility and depth to the family’s philanthropic engagements, making her more than just a figurehead in their charitable giving.

The Adelsons’ political influence soared during the 2000s and 2010s. Sheldon Adelson was a well-known Republican megadonor, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to conservative causes, candidates, and super PACs. Miriam continued this legacy, especially after Sheldon’s passing in 2021. In 2023, Forbes listed her as one of the wealthiest women in the world, with an estimated net worth exceeding $30 billion, most of which came from her inherited stake in Las Vegas Sands. Miriam’s political donations and vocal support for certain candidates made her a significant player in Republican politics, particularly in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Despite public criticism for the scale of their political donations and influence, Miriam and Sheldon viewed their involvement as a civic duty, especially when it aligned with their values on Israel, economic freedom, and national defense. Miriam’s Zionist beliefs have been a cornerstone of her philanthropic work. She has supported a variety of Israeli institutions, including medical centers, educational programs, and military support services. In recognition of her contributions to the State of Israel, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018.

Family remains a central aspect of Miriam Adelson’s life. She has four children, some from a previous marriage and some whom she raised with Sheldon. The family continues to maintain a private profile despite their public influence. Her children have varying degrees of involvement in the Adelson family enterprises and philanthropy, though none have yet taken the public reins the way Sheldon did during his lifetime. The Adelson family’s continuity rests in its institutions, foundations, and carefully maintained public image.

In recent years, Miriam has taken on an even more direct role in business. Following her husband’s death, she took over many leadership responsibilities, particularly in managing the family’s investments and philanthropic strategy. While she does not have the business background of her late husband, she has surrounded herself with trusted advisors and long-time associates of Sheldon to maintain the family’s vast financial and political network. Under her guidance, the Adelson Foundation continues to support medical research, Jewish identity programs, and U.S.-Israel relations.

The Adelson family is also a major player in media. Sheldon Adelson once owned Israel Hayom, a free Israeli daily newspaper widely seen as supportive of former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Miriam continues to influence the publication, both editorially and financially, ensuring that the family’s political and cultural values are represented in the public discourse. Their media ventures reflect a broader goal of shaping public opinion and influencing national dialogue, especially on issues of security, democracy, and Jewish heritage.

The family’s philanthropic footprint extends globally, touching communities in the U.S., Israel, and Asia. From funding Birthright Israel programs that allow Jewish youth to explore their heritage, to supporting medical research and educational initiatives, the Adelsons have become synonymous with large-scale, impact-driven philanthropy. They have been praised for their generosity, though also criticized for the political strings sometimes perceived to be attached to their donations.

Miriam Adelson’s legacy is complex and multi-faceted. She stands at the intersection of healthcare, politics, philanthropy, and media. Her influence is magnified by her wealth, yet her work in drug addiction treatment and medical research reveals a woman deeply committed to causes she believes in. Even as she wields considerable political power, she has never abandoned her roots as a physician—a healer first, with a global mission. She once said that medicine and politics are not so different, both aiming to fix broken systems and help people live better lives.

Looking forward, Miriam Adelson remains a major political and philanthropic force. As discussions about future presidential candidates continue, she is often cited as a potential kingmaker, her support and funding considered vital for any Republican hopeful. Meanwhile, the Adelson family’s business holdings continue to evolve, especially as the gaming industry adapts to a post-pandemic world with increased focus on digital entertainment and Asian markets.

In the broader historical context, Miriam Adelson represents a unique blend of intellect, compassion, and strategic power. Few figures have managed to bridge the worlds of medicine, business, and politics as successfully. Her journey from Tel Aviv to the highest circles of American influence is a testament to vision, resilience, and the transformative power of partnership. Whether admired for her generosity or scrutinized for her political involvement, Miriam Adelson will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative of American and Israeli public life for years to come.