ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA NEWS RELEASE It Hurts to Have Lost the Extraordinary Zionist Sheldon G. Adelson; But Impact of His Holy Work Lives On It has now been a year since the world lost the extraordinary philanthropist and Zionist Sheldon G. Adelson, of blessed memory. It feels as if Sheldon was here only a moment ago, because his good and sacred works continue daily to inspire, educate, and promote a better world for America, for Israel, for Jews, and for all people. It’s telling that even though Sheldon Adelson was a brilliant businessman extraordinaire, his own heroes were not great business stars, but were the world’s great humanitarians and Zionists. I met Sheldon G. Adelson at the national executive committee meetings of a major pro-Israel group. At these meetings, I typically presented about a dozen strong pro-Israel resolutions. Before I even knew him, Sheldon regularly stood up to support my resolutions. He gave powerful, important reasons why the resolutions should be approved and adopted. Sheldon’s support and persuasive insights helped insure that most of these resolutions were adopted. Afterward at one of these meetings, Sheldon walked over to me and said “I strongly and regularly agree with all of your resolutions. But I don’t know who you are. Who the heck are you?” I responded that I’m Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America - And who the heck are you?” He said “I’m Sheldon Adelson.” That was the start of a great friendship that I treasure and cherish to this day. I remember some twenty years ago, sitting in Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson’s apartment in Tel Aviv, and telling them, after seeing what incredible Zionists they were, I and the ZOA want to establish the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Defender of Israel Award. Sheldon’s immediate response was, “No, I don’t deserve it.” That was but one example of the endearing humility of one of the world’s most accomplished human beings. Not only did we establish the Adelson Award, but that year, ZOA was honored and privileged to present Sheldon G. Adelson with our rare and highest honor, normally reserved for prime ministers and presidents; the Theodore Herzl Gold Medallion. Previous recipients of this Award included David Ben Gurion and Winston Churchill. That year, ZOA was also honored to present Dr. Miriam Adelson with our distinguished Louis D. Brandeis Award, a gorgeous bust of Louis Brandeis. Previous distinguished recipients of this award included Elizabeth Taylor, Abba Eban, Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg, and Mortimer Zuckerman. READ MORE You can watch the full 2021 ZOA Virtual Superstar Gala on our Youtube Channel. WATCH NOW ‌ ‌ ‌ About Us News Videos ZOA Report Events Founded in 1897, ZOA played a key role in the Jewish State's re-establishment. Today, ZOA is the leading major American Jewish organization courageously defending Israel and the Jewish people; fighting against all forms of antisemitism, including anti-Jewish boycotts; and promoting the Jewish people's lawful right to live in and settle historic Jewish lands. ZOA exposes that a Palestinian state would endanger Israel's existence; presents the facts about the Arab/Islamic war against Israel; and combats the anti-Israel lie that Israel is an "occupier" of her own land. ZOA spearheaded long battles to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and apply civil rights protections to Jewish students. ZOA provides free legal assistance and programs to pro-Israel students at numerous college campuses. ZOA's bold, unapologetic voice has a significant impact on public discourse and policy. DONATE NOW Copyright © Zionist Organization of America 2022, All rights reserved. Zionist Organization of America | 633 Third Ave, 31 B, New York, NY 10017 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]