Tycoon Sheldon Adelson dies at 87

Mr Adelson “was the proudest of Jews, who saw in the State of Israel not only the realisation of an historical promise to a unique and deserving people, but also a gift from the Almighty to all of humanity,” she added.

Mr Adelson was a supporter of Benjamin Netanyahu and a donor to Likud. He was also a major, longstanding donor to Republican causes in the US, giving over $430 million during the 2020 campaign. 

He was an early supporter of President Trump bid for the White House.

"Laura and I mourn the passing of a friend," former President George W. Bush said. "He was an American patriot and a strong supporter of Israel. Sheldon was a generous benefactor of charitable causes, especially medical research and Jewish heritage education. He will be missed by many - none more than his beloved family."

A spokesman for Las Vegas Sands said: “Born to immigrant parents and raised in a poor section of Boston, Mr. Adelson went from a teenager selling newspapers on a street corner to becoming one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.” 

His funeral will be held in Israel, with plans for a memorial service in Las Vegas at a later date, the firm said. 

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