Many will write in the upcoming days about Sheldon Adelson, the successful businessman and great philanthropist. But I can't stop thinking about Sheldon Adelson, the person.
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Adelson was larger than life itself. He was a kind Jew, and he saved my life.
Adelson was one of the greatest leaders of the Jewish people this past century. In Jewish history, he stands alongside philanthropic giants like Moses Montefiore and Edmond Rothschild.
He devoted his life to helping the Jewish people and Israel through the mighty enterprises he built, but it is the things he told me when we met that made the biggest impression on me.
I once asked Adelson why he didn't move to Israel, and he answered, "Eli, I would very much like to, but I know that in the Diaspora, I'm much more capable of helping Israel."
"It's a great sacrifice," I told him, and he smiled.
Adelson is an incredible role model in business and philanthropy, but having spent time with him and his wife, they are also my role models for a loving relationship. They were meant for each other.
When I asked Adelson how he was coping during the global pandemic, he told me how proud he was that he had not had to flay off any of his employees, and that most importantly, it had been an "opportunity to spend time with family. In the end, they are the most important thing."
Together with his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, he supported United Hatzalah and helped save countless lives. He once told me: "You know why I love you? United Hatzalah encompasses all the Jewish values that are important to me: loving others, the value of life, entrepreneurial spirit. But I also love your chutzpah. You created this organization out of nothing, and now you're saving lives."
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Ten months ago, when I was in the US, I contracted coronavirus. My doctors anesthetized me and put me on a ventilator. Sheldon and Miriam Adelson saved my life. They made sure that I received professional healthcare, paid for my medical bills, and prayed for my recovery.
Like every Jew, I believe that tikkun olam [making the world a better place] hastens the Redemption. Sheldon and Miriam Adelson practiced that throughout all their years together. There is nothing more Jewish, in my opinion.
May his memory be a blessing.
Eli Beer is the founder of United Hatzalah of Israel, a volunteer-based emergency medical services organization, and president of US-based organization Friends of United Hatzalah.
