The president opened with a reference to the antisemitic attack that occurred during Hanukkah in Sydney, saying it was "an antisemitic attack, exactly what it is," and added that "all nations must stand together against the forces of radical Islamic terror." According to him, the US "joins in mourning the dead and prays for the speedy recovery of the wounded."

Trump then moved to sharp criticism of the American political system, warning of a profound shift in the balance of power. "The Jewish and Israeli lobby used to be the strongest in Washington. That's no longer the case. Today you have to be very careful," he said. According to him, "You have a Congress, especially the House of Representatives, that is becoming antisemitic," and added that there are members of Congress "who don't like Israel. They hate Israel." Trump noted that such a phenomenon would have been "unthinkable 15 years ago."

The president linked the growing antisemitism to the denial of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. "There are people who deny it even happened – just like they deny the Holocaust. This didn't happen many years ago; this happened now," he said. According to him, he himself was exposed to footage from the attack, and said, "I saw the tapes. I wish I hadn't seen them." Trump emphasized that his administration will not allow the spread of such phenomena, but called on Jews in the US to be vigilant.

During the event, Dr. Miriam Adelson, publisher of Israel Hayom, was invited to the stage. Trump noted that Adelson contributed to his campaign, "indirectly and directly, $250 million," and described her as "an amazing woman, with a wonderful husband, a man who loved Israel." Adelson, in turn, recalled that she came to the Knesset in October specifically "with a scooter... just to hear you, I wanted to hear you live." She later noted that she recently spoke with attorney Alan Dershowitz, who raised with her the legal thing about "four more years," referring to the possibility of a third term for President Trump.

The president then quipped about Adelson, suggesting she offered to give him "another $250 million" if he ran for a third term.

Later in his speech, Trump sent a clear threat to Hamas. "If Hamas plays games, they will be in big trouble," he said, emphasizing that his administration acted decisively to return all the hostages, both living and fallen, and responded to the call of the families of fallen hostages. According to him, this was an effort that even he thought was impossible, but was completed.

Toward the end, the president addressed the Jewish audience directly and said, "You are protected. You are a special people." He concluded with a symbolic message for the holiday. "The Hanukkah story reminds us that light will always triumph over darkness."

Earlier, during a Hanukkah reception at the White House, US President Donald Trump hosted the Neutra and Alexander families, the parents of late Captain Omer Neutra, killed while held hostage by Hamas, and Staff Sergeant Edan Alexander, who was released from Hamas captivity and re-enlisted in the IDF.

According to Ronen Neutra, Omer's father, "President Trump spoke about the release of the hostages with emphasis on the fallen and called us to the stage, where we emphasized that there is still a fallen hostage, Ran Gvili, who must be returned."

Full disclosure: The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom. Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom.

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The Israel Hayom summit, scheduled for next week in New York, will spotlight one of the most significant and ambitious initiatives discussed in Israel in recent years – "The 11th Million." This wide-ranging vision seeks to advance a national goal in the coming years to bring a million Jews from around the world to Israel within a decade, as part of a strategic effort to strengthen the economy, demographics, and connection with the diaspora.

The discussion will be led by three of the most influential voices in the Jewish and business arena – World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder, philanthropist and entrepreneur Sylvan Adams, and senior tech investor Michael Eisenberg. They will be joined by leaders of the Jewish community in New York, the city where much of the global Jewish discourse is currently taking shape. The combination of voices with influence from the business, diplomatic, and community worlds is expected to make discussions with them highly significant.

The initiative comes at a time when Israel faces a growing need to strengthen human capital, alongside a desire to renew trust and connection with world Jewry. According to the vision's architects, millions of Jewish people currently live in centers where Jewish identity faces challenges, partly due to rising antisemitism and political shifts in New York. Israel seeks to become a destination offering security, community stability, and exceptional professional opportunities.

Michal Cohen, CEO of Rashi Foundation, who will participate in the summit, said, "The State of Israel, especially the north and south, is still in trauma and stands at a critical decision point. Our ability to respond to the crisis is being tested now. We must not allow a situation where we settle for rehabilitating buildings and physical infrastructure and leave our society as it was, only more scarred. Physical rehabilitation is certainly required, but what is needed here most of all is growth with a long-term perspective."

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The gathering seeks to forge bridges of connection and trust linking Israel with Diaspora Jewry, businesses with the US administration, and classical Zionism with the emerging landscape of technology, economics, and global communications. The summit will spotlight the period's central questions – how to build the day after the war, what role the American Jewry plays in shaping Israel's future, and how to preserve mutual responsibility and shared values connecting the Jewish people across the ocean.

The summit comes at a dramatic moment. Israel has been recovering from its longest war in history, while the American Jewish community confronts a rising wave of antisemitism and a New York mayoral election where an anti-Israel candidate leads in polls. Against this backdrop, New York – home to the world's largest Jewish community outside Israel – will transform for one day into an extraordinary gathering place for leaders, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, and diplomats.

Among the many prominent figures participating in the New York summit are Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon, former Ambassador David Friedman, former Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel's Ambassador to the US Rabbi Dr. Yechiel Leiter, the parents of fallen hostage Omer Neutra, the parents of returned hostage Edan Alexander, Senator John Fetterman, philanthropist Sylvan Adams, Strauss Group Chairwoman Ofra Strauss, businessman and entrepreneur Adam Neumann, Rashi Foundation Chairmain Shaul Shani, philanthropist and businessman Michael Eisenberg, HaShomer HaChadash CEO Yoel Zilberman, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, Masa Israel Journey CEO Meir Holtz, Rabbi Ari Berman, Elan Carr, and additional senior guests from the worlds of policy, academia, high-tech, and the Jewish community.

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During a special conversation, Dr. Adelson shared personal stories about her and her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, and their donations to Taglit. "In his time, we saw there was a waiting list for young Jews who wanted to come to Israel. It pinched Sheldon's heart – it pained him that there would be young Jews who wanted to come to Israel and couldn't, because his father had wanted his entire life to come to Israel, and it wasn't possible for him because his family was without means. So we sat with the person in charge, asked him how much he wanted, and he answered, '5 million.' So, when we left, Sheldon told me, 'I planned to give him 50 million.'"

"In the first year, there was a waiting list of zero young people, and it worked. Masses stayed and started studying in Israeli institutions, and it was a pleasure to see them walking around with the branded shirts in Tel Aviv."

"How do we choose who to donate to? Sometimes we choose who to donate to, and sometimes people come to us and tell us about their activity. We donate to United Hatzalah and to Shomrim HaChadash, which establishes settlements throughout the country. At first, we donated in a relatively small way; however, after we saw that our donations helped realize the vision, we started donating more. I think we are everywhere."

At the conference's opening, a conversation was held with Dr. Miriam Adelson, Taglit's leading donor, and her son, Matan Adelson, a businessman and Taglit Excel graduate from the 2019 cohort. The two discussed Israel's current situation, Jewish philanthropy, the responsibility of the younger generation, and the ongoing connection between Israel and the Diaspora.

"We don't have money like Qatar, but Israelis have a sharp mind, and we can use it to reduce the propaganda against Israel. I'm optimistic because of the people in Israel; I know we'll never surrender, for so many years we survived, suffered, and I'm sure we'll continue. I'm not worried about that, but rather about the consequences of what happened on October 7, for example, it reminds me sometimes of the stories about the periods before the Holocaust. Everything started like this. I call October 7 'another Holocaust.' It was evil to kill, rape, loot, and burn people alive in one place. In the Holocaust, they found one solution – at one time, they could kill many. Here – it's terrible too, to rape women and then shoot them."

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Upon entering office, the president appointed an advisory committee, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Professor Yoram Danziger, to recommend worthy candidates for the medal on a regular basis. Since then, the president has awarded the medal to prominent figures in Israel and worldwide in various fields, including heads of state, key social figures from different sectors, and Jewish leaders in Israel and around the world.

The "Presidential Medal" will be awarded by the president in an official ceremony expected to take place at the President's House after the High Holy Days.

The medal recipients announced by the president are: Dr. Miriam Adelson, Professor Avi Uri, retired Judge George Karra, Galila Ron-Feder Amit, Professor Dina Porat, Dr. Yossi Vardi,  Sheikh Muafak Tarif, Moti Malka, and Mathias Dopfner.

President Herzog personally notified each winner of their selection, and in each conversation he held, the president said that "in each and every one of you I see a figure providing personal example. Your unique contribution is an example of activity worthy of special recognition. The State of Israel owes you deep gratitude for your work, for the uncompromising commitment to values of excellence, solidarity, and innovation, and for your outstanding contribution to strengthening Israeli society and defending and advancing Israel's reputation in the world." The president mentioned and emphasized that "even at these moments the hostages remain in all our hearts – we do not forget them, and continue to act and pray for their swift return."

In the committee's reasoning for selecting the award's recipients, it was written that Dr. Miriam Adelson is "a pioneering scientist, physician and addiction treatment specialist, devoted her life to saving souls, groundbreaking research in the field of drug rehabilitation and fighting stigmas surrounding addiction."

"Together with her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, she made enormous contributions to significant projects for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, in the fields of Jewish identity and Zionism, academia, education, research, medicine, and culture. As a Jewish and Israeli leader with global influence, she uses her power to influence American public opinion and media in favor of advancing Israel's national and security interests, and in the past year used this position to lead a significant contribution to the struggle for the release of the hostages – a contribution that placed her at the forefront of the public and international struggle and reflected her personal commitment to values of solidarity and constant concern for human life."

It was further written that Adelson's years-long contribution "combines medical, educational and philanthropic activity on the national and international level, and establishes her status as one of the central figures working for the Israeli people and the State of Israel throughout the world."

Presidential Medal winners alongside Dr. Adelson:

Professor Avi Uri, one of the world's leading rehabilitation physicians and experts in treating war-wounded individuals. A former captive of the Yom Kippur War, he led rehabilitation medicine in Israel and rehabilitated thousands of patients.

Dr. Mathias Dopfner, CEO of the German "Axel Springer" group, is a brave voice against antisemitism and a staunch supporter of Israel. Demonstrated unprecedented solidarity with Israel in the current war.

Retired Judge George Karra was the first Arab Christian Supreme Court justice of his kind, known for courageous and fair rulings. A symbol of equality before the law and integration in Israeli society.

Galila Ron Peder Amit is a leading children's and youth author who has written hundreds of books that have shaped entire generations. Her works instilled values of curiosity, tolerance, and love of homeland.

Professor Dina Porat, Israel's leading Holocaust researcher, wrote foundational books in the field and leads the fight against antisemitism. Serves as academic advisor at Yad Vashem.

Dr. Yossi Vardi is instrumental in building Israel's high-tech industry and founder of Mirabilis (ICQ). Invested in and established dozens of high-tech companies and serves as a mentor to thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide.

Sheikh Muafaq Tarif is the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, leads a path of moderation and unity. A symbol of the covenant of life between the Druze community and the State of Israel.

Moti Malka is the founder of the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra and led the multicultural revolution in music. He made Andalusian music part of the Israeli cultural map.

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A major gift from the Adelson Family Foundation will establish Israel's first dedicated research center for smart materials development at Bar-Ilan University, a press release announced today. The new Adelson Institute for Smart Materials aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial applications in fields ranging from medicine to energy storage.

The institute will unite researchers from diverse disciplines, including artificial intelligence, medicine, engineering, chemistry, and life sciences to develop advanced materials with practical applications. According to university officials, the center will focus on rapidly transforming scientific concepts into marketable products.

"We are gratified to partner with Bar-Ilan University in maintaining and expanding Israel's status as a force for scientific advancement in the fields of energy and health care through the groundbreaking launch of the Adelson Institute for Smart Materials," Dr. Miriam Adelson, co-founder of the Adelson Family Foundation with her late husband, the businessman and philanthropist Sheldon Adelson, said.

Bar-Ilan University President Professor Arie Zaban expressed gratitude for the contribution, emphasizing its importance to Israel's scientific and technological resilience. The university aims to position Israel at the forefront of global innovation in smart materials research and strengthen connections between academia and industry.

"Through the Adelson Institute for Smart Materials, Bar-Ilan University aims to strengthen ties between academia and industry, promote technological advancement, and bridge the gaps between academic research and practical solutions. Bar-Ilan University strives to position the State of Israel at the forefront of global innovation in the field of smart materials, making a significant contribution to the worldwide advancement of science and technology," Zaban said.

The institute will provide advanced chemical capabilities to both academic researchers and industrial partners, with a particular focus on accelerating development in medical treatments, display technologies, and next-generation energy storage solutions. It will also actively seek new partnerships through open calls for proposals to facilitate collaborations both within Israel and internationally.

Jessica Feldan, CEO of American Friends of Bar-Ilan University, highlighted the university's capacity to scale research for practical applications, noting that the new institute will bring together "Israel's best minds" to work collaboratively on innovative solutions.  "Bar-Ilan University is precisely the Israeli institution where internationally renowned research and capabilities can be reproduced for large-scale application, and where Israel's best minds can come together to work collaboratively on innovative solutions. We are immensely grateful for the generosity of the Adelson Family Foundation in enabling the university and its American supporters to play a direct role in impacting tomorrow, today," she said.

Disclosure: Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of "Israel Hayom." The Adelson family is the owner of the company that holds shares in "Israel Hayom."

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At the opening ceremony of Israel's first Drize High-Tech Empowerment Center (DTEC), held Monday in Isfiya, Dr. Miriam Adelson, publisher of Israel Hayom, received the prestigious "Druze Community Honorary Award" for her significant contributions toward Israel's security and the Druze community.

The award was presented during the festive inauguration of the first innovation center for Druze soldiers, named in honor of the community's late spiritual leader, Sheikh Amin Tarif.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who attended the ceremony, addressed the current situation in Syria at the beginning of his remarks, "These days in Syria, our Druze brothers are being slaughtered by the disturbed Islamic extremists of Abu Mohammad al-Julani, who disguises himself as a friendly Westerner. I call on everyone not to stand idly by. This is both the moral course of action and serves the security interests of the State of Israel. To keep these extremist fanatics away from our border, we need to help our brothers by providing assistance and equipment, and taking action from above, below, and wherever necessary."

The first innovation center for Druze soldiers, DTEC, was born through the initiative of Koptan Halabi, who founded the association for promoting the status of Druze soldiers in 2009. Koptan recognized the essential need to empower young people in the community, particularly active-duty soldiers, veterans, and reservists – to help them succeed in all aspects of Israeli society.

The newly established center aims to strengthen collaborations, brand Isfiya and its surroundings as a unique advanced hub for technology and high-tech, and conduct professional training in partnership with the Technion Israel Institute of Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Defense, and other authorities. Additional goals include increasing motivation for higher education among Druze youth, providing guidance for meaningful military service, promoting women by encouraging girls from the community to pursue studies in high-tech and exact sciences, and strengthening ties with industry.

"The Jewish people support us"

Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the community's supreme spiritual leader, also addressed the troubling situation in Syria, "Due to the ongoing events in Syria and the disturbing images coming from there, where Druze villages around Damascus have been attacked, hundreds murdered, and hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes, we are reminded of a dark period in history. The international community remains inactive and isn't doing everything possible to provide assistance."

"The Jewish people in Israel and worldwide support and help us, and who better than the Jewish people understands the feeling of helplessness when your people are under attack. The massacre perpetrated against the Druze should serve as a warning – just two hours away from here are terror forces that could pose a serious threat to Israel. After October 7, can the State of Israel afford to allow terrorist organizations to operate on its northern border?"

"I connected with this place"

The opening event was also attended by Dr. Danny Gold, inventor of the Iron Dome; Shlomo Gradman, Chairman of the High-Tech CEOs Forum; Billy Harboiya, CEO of Amazon Israel; and Professor Nava Zisapel, owner of Bynet Communications – all key partners in establishing the new center for fostering entrepreneurship within the Druze community. At the conclusion of his remarks, Bennett invited Dr. Miriam Adelson to the stage to receive the award.

Dr. Miriam Adelson expressed her gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her by Sheikh Tarif and shared with the audience how Koptan's determination led her to contribute to the innovation project.

"I thank Koptan who persisted and didn't give up on me. Gradually, I connected more and more with this place and witnessed something truly wonderful being established here. Thank you for bringing me to such a meaningful place. It's deeply moving to be a partner in this endeavor."

Dr. Adelson expressed appreciation for the recognition granted by Sheikh Tarif for her substantial contribution to Israel's security and to the Druze community. "Your work illuminates our path," the spiritual leader told her.

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In the candid conversation, Adelson recounts her early career as a young physician in Israel, details the story of meeting her late husband Sheldon Adelson, and discusses their journey to have a child together. The interview offers listeners rare insight into the personal life of one of Israel's most influential media figures.

When asked about her reaction to Donald Trump's election victory, Adelson described a deliberately low-key election day: "Like on the previous election day, I went to work at my clinic in Las Vegas, saw a patient. I returned home, ate, swam, and didn't turn on the television all day. I asked my political advisor to just send me text messages occasionally. He wrote to me in the afternoon, 'it looks good.' Later in the evening I turned on the television."

Rather than celebrating with champagne, Adelson revealed a more poignant moment. "At two in the morning in Las Vegas, Trump gave his speech. How did I celebrate? I looked at Sheldon's picture, I have a large picture of him in the bedroom, almost life-sized. I don't forget him, the love of my life. I consult with him sometimes, I'm very spiritual. So I go to the picture and I say 'Sheldon, are you proud of me? Surely you're proud of me?'"

The conversation took an emotional turn when Lukatz brought up the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, visibly moved to tears as she stated, "All our children in Gaza, wow I'm about to cry. We need to turn the world upside down."

Adelson responded with empathy for the hostages' families: "That's right. I always say that if I were a captive – I'm already older, I've already lived my life, I don't care, no soldier should be killed for me. But if my child or grandchild were a captive, I would move worlds. I understand them and understand their pain. When people ask me how I am, I say 'fine, but,' and 'but' is what weighs on all our shoulders."

The interview offers viewers a rare glimpse into the personal thoughts of Dr. Adelson, who rarely grants such intimate conversations to the media.

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A moving memorial ceremony for Sheldon Adelson took place Tuesday at the Mount of Olives cemetery in Jerusalem, commemorating four years since the passing of one of the Jewish people's greatest benefactors and a passionate supporter of Israel, who founded Israel Hayom with his wife Dr. Miriam Adelson.

The memorial drew his widow Dr. Miriam Adelson and their children, alongside relatives, admirers, friends, and close associates. The touching ceremony featured IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson performing the "El Malei Rachamim" prayer, while vocalist Marina Feingold rendered Queen's "Love of My Life."

Speaking with deep emotion, Dr. Miriam Adelson reflected on her enduring loss: "Sheldon was so unique, so dynamic, instinctive and wise, overflowing with affection yet tough. His absence pierces my heart like a dagger. The example he set for me in his life continues to provide guidance and healing to my life."

Dr. Adelson continued by acknowledging "our friends, near and far, who still raise a glass to life in Sheldon's precious memory," and "all those who will forever be guided by the Adelson doctrine, which means kindness of heart and respect for every person."

By his graveside, Yasmin Lukatz shared heartfelt remembrances. "It's hard to believe four years have passed since we parted from you," she said with palpable longing, "but what's amazing is how present you still are in our lives. You taught us how to embrace life fully, to live and enjoy. But beyond that, you taught us something greater than love of life – you taught us the power of giving and sharing with others.

"Whether it was your generosity toward the Jewish people, or the many other ways you influenced the lives of those around you – everyone was influenced by you. You are the inspiration for all of us to try to make the world a better place.

"We miss you every day, but we also celebrate you every day – in laughter, in stories, in the traditions you left us, all reminders of what it means to laugh, to love and to live a life with purpose."

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An event marking three years since the passing of Sheldon Adelson was held Wednesday at Reichman University in Herzliya. Adelson, who founded Israel Hayom together with his wife Miriam, passed away at 87 on January 11, 2021. The event was held at the Adelson School of Entrepreneurship, which the couple helped build along with other schools in the university, some seven years ago. 

The event was attended by Dr. Adelson, Prof. Reichman – the founding president and chairman of the university's board of director – the current president Prof. Boaz Ganor, the university's Governor Oudi Recanati, and graduates of the Adelson School of Entrepreneurship.

At the event's opening, Prof. Reichman said: "About seven years ago we celebrated here in this hall the inauguration of this institution and the Miriam and Sheldon Adelson School of Entrepreneurship. Since then, our undergraduates and alumni have reached seventh place in the world in the number of unicorns in universities with fewer than 15,000 students. Over the past decdes, I have had the privilege and experience to follow not only Sheldon Adelson's achievements but also to learn about his character, his entrepreneurial thinking, and the courses of action derived from it."

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Video: Dr. Miriam Adelson speaks at the event / Moshe Ben-Simhon

Dr. Adelson said in her speech: "Sheldon and I were here in the early days, 20 years ago, when Reichman University was founded under the name  Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya. It was an academic startup, an entrepreneurial act. It was only natural that the university would establish an entrepreneurship school proudly bearing the name Adelson. I promise you that this charming corner of Herzliya had a special place in Sheldon's heart."

In her remarks, Dr. Adelson also spoke about the ongoing war and Israelis' rallying around the flag, saying: "The enemy cannot defeat us. A nation that sanctifies life chooses life. It cannot defeat the Start-Up Nation – the land of dreamers and inventors. We all need to be entrepreneurs today; we need to find a way to bring our captives home, whether through sophisticated negotiations or military brilliance. We have to win this war in a way that ensures October 7 will never happen again. And we must reinvigorate our social contract – between Right and Left, religious and secular, the Jewish majority and the Arab minority, native-born Israelis and Diaspora Jews. Israel is a miracle, and it will shine anew."

Full disclosure: The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom. Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom.

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