From left to right: Israeli entertainer Yehoram Gaon, philanthropist Haim Saban, Shawn Evenhaim, and Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson. Photo: Idan Ozeri-Tal.

JNS.org – Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson announced an additional $13 million gift on March 18 to support the Israeli American Council at its 10th annual Los Angeles gala.

The gift was donated in the wake of the couple’s more than $50 million in previous donations to the organization. According to an IAC press release, more support is expected to continue the Adelsons’ bold vision to “build and engage a coast-to-coast Israeli-American community that strengthens the American Jewish community and the State of Israel.”

Dr. Miriam Adelson commented: “When we first became engaged with the Israeli American Council in 2013, we saw great untapped potential to develop a united and nationwide Israeli-American community. Today, we see this bold vision coming to life all across the country. We are proud to be part of this remarkable development, which is bringing the Jewish-American community closer to Israel.”

“The IAC has achieved remarkable progress in advancing its historic mission,” said Sheldon Adelson. “We are deeply invested in the organization’s long-term success and its vision of a coast-to-coast community with Israel in its heart. This is an investment in the future generations of Jewish Americans and the State of Israel.”

According to the IAC board of directors, “Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson are among the great Jewish leaders of our time. Their bold vision, passionate leadership and unmatched generosity have been an inspiration to all of us, and have propelled the IAC’s rapid growth and great success. We look forward to partnering with the Adelsons in the years ahead to further the rapid growth of our community and our donor base, working together to make a historic impact for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.”

The gala, which drew more than 1,000 attendees to the Beverly Hilton, including prominent philanthropists, business leaders, tech innovators and thought leaders from across the country, raised more than $16.5 million, including a $1 million pledge from Haim Saban.