A memorial ceremony marking five years since the death of Sheldon Adelson was held Tuesday morning at the Mount of Olives cemetery in Jerusalem. Adelson, a devoted supporter of Israel, was among the largest donors to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and co-founded Israel Hayom together with his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson.
Among those attending were his widow, Dr. Miriam Adelson, their children, relatives, admirers, friends and longtime associates. The ceremony was led by cantor and singer Shai Abramson, who recited the memorial prayer El Malei Rachamim. Singer Maya Abraham performed When the Heart Cries, written by Yossi Gispan, and Hannah Szenes' Walking to Caesarea.
Speaking of her deepening sense of loss, Dr. Miriam Adelson said: "Five years is half a decade and a quarter of a generation, no small period of time. In gematria, the number five corresponds to the letter heh, one of the names of God. Over these five years, we have lived through a war unprecedented in its scope, in which the Jewish people were tested in unbearably difficult hours and proved themselves through acts of extraordinary heroism. We witnessed the miraculous return of our friend Donald Trump, the greatest US president of all time, to the White House. We experienced the horrifying resurgence of global antisemitism. At the same time, we saw the steadfast resolve of so many Jews who, in body and spirit, embody the declaration 'Never again.' We also experienced the conscription crisis, as large segments of society fail to understand that this is a moment for change and a time to enlist and contribute equally to the defense of our country."
"Every moment and every hour since your passing has sparked thoughts of you," she continued. "Of how you looked every person in the eye, without pretension. You multiplied good deeds and philanthropy, and thanks to the bone marrow donation center we established together, 600 people who desperately needed healing were saved. Our Aliyah enterprise has grown and strengthened, and tens of thousands more participants have joined Birthright Israel. Five years ago, I stood here and vowed that as long as my heart beats, it would beat for you. Our love is eternal and exclusive, but now I understand that I was right in another sense as well. Even though you are no longer here physically, you continue to act through me, in my heart, my mind, my thoughts and my memory."
Their daughter, Yasmin Lukatz, spoke at the graveside. "Five years ago, at the funeral, I spoke about what a loving and devoted husband he was, a wonderful partner, a family man, a beloved grandfather whose grandchildren would jump onto his mobility scooter, what a friend he was and what a son of the Jewish people he was, how deeply he cared," she said. "Sheldon was an anchor for all of us in his lifetime and continues to be an anchor even after his passing. Thank you for always being a man of family and a man of tradition. We continue, as a family, to seek our anchors and the opportunities to do things together."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also paid tribute at an event held at the City of David, speaking of his long-standing relationship with Sheldon Adelson and with Dr. Miriam Adelson. "I came to know Sheldon's worldview and his endless strength, and I always compare him to the Montefiore of our generation," the president said. "Sir Moses Montefiore came with his power and his wealth and transformed Jerusalem. He electrified the Jewish people and united them around Jerusalem, around our story and our return to the Land of Israel. Sheldon did exactly the same thing, together with Miri. Together they carried out a tremendous revolution within the Jewish people."
Herzog added: "I had the great privilege of working with Sheldon and with Miri when I served as chairman of the Jewish Agency. They had an enormous vision, with Birthright Israel, projects to combat antisemitism, building the country and its institutions, and advancing education and health. Sheldon's monumental legacy will endure for generations across so many areas of our lives. I also had the great honor of awarding Miriam the Presidential Medal of Honor of the State of Israel for countless important actions on behalf of Israeli society and the State of Israel, and especially for her struggle to secure the release of the hostages. Without Miriam, this would not have happened. Michal and I thank you, and we believe Sheldon is proud of you, of your family and of all that you do. May his spirit and legacy continue to accompany us from generation to generation."
