Miriam Adelson honored by IAC with Defender of Am Yisrael award in Los Angeles

Dr. Miriam Adelson was honored by the Israeli-American Council in Los Angeles on Sunday with its “Defender of Am Yisrael, The People of Israel, Lifetime Achievement Award,” the organization said. The award was presented at the IAC’s Los Angeles regional gala, “Together We Rise: One Heart, Israel 78,” in recognition of Adelson’s support for Israel, the Jewish people, and efforts to secure the return of hostages, after all 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas returned to Israeli territory.

In bestowing the honor, the IAC cited Adelson’s “courageous and visionary leadership” and her “unwavering commitment to strengthening and safeguarding the State of Israel and the Jewish People.”

Evenhaim said Adelson had used her influence and resources after the October 7 Hamas attack to advocate for the hostages’ return. “You were persistent until the last hostage was brought home,” he said, adding that Adelson had treated the hostages’ families “as your own.”

Accepting the award, Adelson said the return of the hostages had been deeply personal. “The best day of my life was when all the hostages returned,” she said. “It was around my birthday, and I said, ‘God gave me this gift.’ It added a few years to my life.”

Elan S. Carr, the IAC’s CEO and former US special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, described Adelson as “a titan of our times and a tireless champion for Am Yisrael.”

“Her transformative leadership and philanthropy have profoundly shaped the Jewish world and immeasurably strengthened the US-Israel alliance,” Carr said. “Her commitment to the security and unity of our people is more vital than ever during these challenging times.”

The ceremony followed a series of IAC events across the United States marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day. The organization said its celebrations were intended to reinforce Israeli and Jewish identity and strengthen ties between the American Jewish community and Israel.

“Her commitment to the security and unity of our people is more vital than ever during these challenging times,” Carr said.