With Great Sorrow: Sheldon Adelson, 1933-2021

(Israel Hayom) It is with unbearable pain that I announce the death of my husband, Sheldon, of complications from a long illness.

Sheldon was the love of my life. He was my partner in romance, philanthropy, political activism and enterprise. He was my soulmate.

To me—as to his children, grandchildren and his legions of friends and admirers, employees and colleagues—he is utterly irreplaceable.

Much has been written and said about how Sheldon, the son of poor immigrants, rose to the pinnacle of business success on the strength of grit and genius, inspiration and integrity. His was an all-American story of entrepreneurship. When Sheldon launched a new venture, the whole world looked on with anticipation.

But he went beyond bettering the lives of individuals: He crafted the course of nations. Some of the historical changes that he helped effect—in the United States, Israel and elsewhere—are publicly known. Others are not. For Sheldon, recognition of his own indispensable role was unimportant. What counted was that good be done. 

He cared about standing up for what was right, even if that meant standing alone. His ideal day’s end was in the company of family and friends, not statesmen or celebrities.

Sheldon and I grew up on coasts: him in Boston, me in Haifa. Together we sailed across oceans, pushed back the Pearl River Delta to help develop Macao’s future, recreated the Venice lagoon canals in Las Vegas. To me, Sheldon had power and depth and mystery like the sea. His devotion touched me like waves, lifting me up and through challenges both personal and professional.

And now he is gone. The supporting waters have vanished heavenward. Only a vast, dry seabed remains. The loss is colossal.

Farewell, my darling, my one true love. After gaining and giving so much, you’ve earned this rest.