The Adelson family gathered on Sunday at the Mount of Olives Cemetery in Jerusalem to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of the late Sheldon Adelson.
Israel Hayom's founder was a beloved businessman and philanthropist; an avid Zionist who loved Israel, and contributed greatly to the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
The memorial service was attended by his widow, Dr. Miriam Adelson, his children and grandchildren, former Chairman of the Jewish Agency Natan Sharansky, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, former chief rabbi of Israel, Chairman of the Yad Vashem Council Professor Uriel Reichman, former Yad Vashem chair Avner Shalev, and Chairperson of the Israel Olympic Committee Yael Arad, as well as many of Adelson's friends, who came to pay their respects.
Rabbi Lau recited a psalm chapter in Adelson's memory, and Adelson's sons recited the Kaddish prayer for their late father. . Cantor Shai Abramson recited the El Malei Rachamim (God have mercy) prayer, the Jewish prayer for the soul of the deceased.
Adelson's son Adam spoke at the service: "Death is not something that most people enjoy thinking about. No one wants to come to terms with the fact that life is not perpetual; every human will come into existence, live what is hopefully an enjoyable and fulfilling life, and eventually pass on. But it is silly to think that this is not the case, because death is a natural successor in life, and you often think about what it will be like to lose a loved one – someone who you hold closest to your heart.
"In the final years of my father's life, I was experiencing all of those thoughts constantly. While this may mad rather morose when my father's time came to move on from this life, I was grateful that I forced myself to think about those things over the past few years.
"I did what I could to prepare for the emotional onslaught that accompanies the death of an immediate family member. While I felt I had done all that I could figure for the moment of my father's passing, when it happened it was clear to me that there's no real way to prepare for the death of a father. No matter how many questions you ask yourself, no matter how many different scenarios you play in your head, there was nothing I could have done to have been fully prepared.
"As time continued to pass, and I was able to find a semblance of peace after his passing, I realized something profound: losing a man like my father – specifically my father – is a loss twofold. First and foremost, the loss is felt most strongly by his immediate family. The amazing woman he devoted his life to and his children, that he spared no effort in raising are the first ones to bear the full weight of his loss.
"But with all of the lives that my father has changed around the world and his many humanitarian and efforts in undertakings, it became abundantly clear to me that the loss of such an extraordinary man is felt by millions across the world.
"There are many words and ways to describe a man like my father. He was a proud Jew and Zionist, a philanthropist, an entrepreneur, an exemplary father, a perfect husband, a comedian, an iced tea connoisseur, a food critic, a man more stubborn and steadfast than an ox, a visionary, a leader.
"While these are all, I feel, accurate descriptions of him, there was something about him that was intangible; indescribable by words but an ever-present quality and infectiousness that struck anyone who was in a dream that he just entered.
"Yet with all of his accomplishments and accolades, he never lost sight of what it meant to be human – to be a true mensch. He knew that he was human like everyone else no matter the magnitude of what he was able to achieve, and he expressed humility in everything he did. He was a man who always did the right thing no matter the personal cost.
"While my relationship with my father was extremely unconventional with such a vast age difference, there is no man I would want to have raised me more. I feel that the way my father raised me provided me with knowledge and experience beyond my years.
"However as I have been reflecting on the time and relationship with him over the past year, I understand now more than ever how much I and his other children meant to him. What truly amazes me is how he was able to take on so many different responsibilities, pouring his heart and soul into everything he decided to do while still always putting his family first.
"A year has passed since my father left this world. It has been a year of silent mourning but also of reflection and realization. While this Earth is no longer graced by my father's presence it has never been more clear to me than in this moment that he will never truly be gone. All of the memories that I have with him, everything that he is taught me, all of the morals and values that he instilled in me, all of the people whose lives he changed through his philanthropic work, all of the Jews and Zionists that he helped, his support of his people, all of the businesses that he created and employees that he cared for.
"These are just a few examples of how his legacy continues but most importantly, he lives on within us. As we continue to move forward in the journey of life we can take what we have learned from him and apply it to our everyday lives. Aba, you are the greatest man I've ever known. I cannot express how grateful I am to have had you as my father, to have had the opportunity to spend time with you. You always led by example showing Hashem and the world the best of that humanity has to offer.
"Even from beyond the grave, I feel like as if I learn from you every day, as I contemplate what an amazing a man you were. I love you with all my heart."
Next, Matan Adelson spoke: "Thank you all for coming today and joining us in remembering and celebrating the life of my dad. It's hard to believe that a year has passed. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you, Dad. Not a day goes by that I don't' miss your phone calls, your humor, your radiant smile, your guidance and your mentorship, but most importantly; your love, that you never ceased to display.
"For our family, COVID was a blessing in disguise. When the whole world felt like it was flipped upside down and everyone was sitting at home fearing for the worst, our family had the chance to spend the last year of our Dad's life with him by his side – an opportunity that would not have been had life continued as normal.
"The mourning process itself was quite difficult. Naturally, there is a feeling of denial in the beginning. It was hard to come to terms with the fact that our Superman couldn't beat his last fight, especially given how many times he prevailed despite coming face-to-face with death on several occasions before.
"Mourning is also about re-evaluation. Re-evaluating your life and trying to find all the good things. This year has brought me a lot closer to my family. This year has matured me and strengthened me in ways that I didn't think were possible: it taught me to cherish relationships more and to let the people in your life consistently know how important they are to you.
"I'd be lying if I didn't say that this past year didn't make me a better person in some respects. My Mom consistently repeats a quote from the Bible, 'Choose life.' As we finish this period of mourning and start 2022, it's important to remember to choose life every day. This has been a year of sorrow, change, obstacles, and sadness, and in some ways, it seems impossible to choose life, but my thoughts will be to choose life every day and live with no feeling of regret.
"It's tough to try to fill the shoes of a very accomplished man. He was a man amongst boys, a Goliath amongst Davids. One day, when my life on this Earth comes to an end, all I could ask for is that if I look back on my life, I can feel as if lived my life with the same sense of purpose as he did. I love you and miss you daily, Dad. There will never be a day that passes that I don't."
Speaking after her children, Dr. Miriam Adelson said, "Sheldon was so full of passion and compassion, so abounding in dreams and diligence. He squeezed dozens of lifetimes and careers into his 87 and a half years. Someone who burns that bright cannot but leave an afterglow when he is gone.
And, indeed, Sheldon lives on: in the children and grandchildren who are so reminiscent of him; in the philanthropic projects that bear his name; in the industries and city skylines that he created or reshaped; in the gratitude of the countless people who benefited from his leadership and largesse."
To read Dr. Adelson's remarks in full click here.
