Jewish American philanthropist, Trump supporter, Sheldon Adelson, dies

Sheldon Adelson, a Jewish American businessman, philanthropist and casino magnate, has died.

He was 87.

A funeral will be held in Israel, with a separate memorial planned for Las Vegas at a later date.

"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 company said in a statement.

Adelson was a big supporter of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has supported many Israeli charities. He also funded the Israel Hayom newspaper which was distributed free of charge at newsstands and on street corners.

"Sara and I are heartbroken by the passing of Sheldon Adelson," Netanyahu said when he heard the news today. "He was a wonderful friend to us personally and an incredible champion of the Jewish people, the Jewish state and the alliance between Israel and America."

"Sheldon unabashedly loved America and cherished the freedom and opportunity it gave him. He worked tirelessly to ensure that very same freedom and opportunity would be given to others in America and around the world," Netanyahu continued. "With his wife Miri he contributed endlessly to strengthening the Jewish people and the Jewish state, funding breakthroughs in medicine and science and advancing higher education. He gave anonymously to help victims of terror and countless other people in need."

Gov. Mike Huckabee — a member of the ALL ISRAEL NEWS advisory board — tweeted, "Saddened by death of Sheldon Adelson who went from poverty to wealth by vision & hard work. He loved America & was also one of Israel's greatest friends. He gave away more than he kept. Was no-nonsense, but had great sense of humor. Condolences to wife Dr. Miriam Adelson."

In a New York Post column, Adelson once wrote: “As the son of hardworking, low-income, immigrant parents, I grew up with the same anxiety people across the nation are feeling right now. … I recall one of the most important lessons I learned from my father. He would come home from work — when he could find work, that is — and put loose change in the family pushke (charity box). When I asked why he would give to others when we had so little, he would say, ‘There is always someone whose need is greater than ours.’”