The Adelson Family Foundation, established by Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson in 2007 as a tax-exempt private family foundation, aims to support “the State of Israel and the Jewish people.” Notably, it has been a significant financial contributor to anti-Muslim groups, contributing $5.85 million to such organizations between 2014 and 2016 and nearly $4 million between 2017 and 2019.
Before his passing in 2021, Sheldon G. Adelson was described by Right Wing Watch as a committed Islamophobe.
The foundation has provided financial support to organizations like the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA), and the Endowment for Middle East Truth, which have been associated with anti-Muslim activities.
Anti-Muslim Activities
One noteworthy instance of this support is the foundation’s financial backing of the Clarion Project’s anti-Muslim film “Obsession,” as revealed in a 2012 New York Times investigation. The film aimed to create a perception among Americans that radical jihadists were on the verge of launching attacks, and it utilized translations from the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). “Obsession” was even screened on Fox News in 2006.
During a 2012 conference, Sheldon Adelson publicly stated, “You don’t have to worry about using the word ‘Islamo-fascism’ or ‘Islamo-terrorist’ when that’s what they are. Not all Islamists are terrorists, but all the terrorists are Islamists.”
Moreover, Adelson reportedly distributed copies of the film “Obsession” during Birthright Israel trips. Birthright Israel has faced criticism for its perceived promotion of an apartheid agenda and a one-sided portrayal of Israel while disregarding Palestinian life and rights. The Adelson Family Foundation has been a substantial financial contributor to Birthright Israel, providing over $500 million to the organization over a 15-year period.
Influence
The Adelsons were prominent Republican party donors and enjoyed a close relationship with former President Donald Trump. Sheldon Adelson was the largest individual donor to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and, as a result, the Adelsons were appointed as finance vice-chairmen of Trump’s inaugural committee.
Houda Abadi, an associate director at the Carter Center’s Conflict Resolution Program, identified the Adelson Family Foundation as part of a well-funded and well-connected network that promotes Islamophobia.