February 2021 Newsletter
Dear Friends, Supporters, Alumni, and Parents, I am writing this as I look out at a massive snowstorm that hit the East Coast! The snow is beautiful and it is nice to be able to enjoy a winter wonderland. Our friends in Israel continue to be in lockdown but the good news is the vaccine is being administered in record time. There is light at the end of the tunnel! We recently received the sad news at IDC Herzliya of the passing of Sheldon G. Adelson. Mr. Adelson was a pillar of our IDC family and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Miri and the entire Adelson family. This year American Friends of IDC is focused on building the Endowment Fund that was established by our Board. For IDC Herzliya to continue its mission of being a non-government funded, private institution for higher learning, we must prepare for the future and ensure the financial stability of the University. We are also looking to our alumni to make the Founders' Pledge and support the University through their start-up ventures. These initiatives and our continuance of raising annual funds for immediate use, for scholarships and programming, are of the utmost importance to our office. News from campus: The fall semester has come to an end and the students have almost completed their exams. The spring semester begins in March and we continue to have a strong interest in our 2021-2022 academic year. Please be sure to join us for our many upcoming virtual information sessions, more information below, or share them if you know of students that might be interested, because at IDC, they can “Live in Israel, Study in English!" Please enjoy all of the great news and updates below.
Best Regards,
Leslie Skyba Executive Director American Friends of IDC
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IDC Herzliya mourns the passing of Sheldon G. Adelson, a friend and benefactor, whose support enabled the establishment of the first and only school in Israel to offer academic entrepreneurship studies
Sheldon G. Adelson, one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our generation and one of the most influential Jewish figures in the world, was a dear friend of IDC for many years. Last year he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by IDC Herzliya for his contribution and commitment.
Prof. Uriel Reichman, President and Founder of IDC Herzliya, spoke about his friend of many years, saying: "Sheldon Adelson will be remembered as a man who made a historic contribution to the State of Israel. His influence helped advance the state’s vital interests. His vast contributions to Birthright Israel and the Israeli American Council (IAC) have had a significant impact on the preservation of Jewish heritage and the connection between the Jewish people. The philanthropic giving of Sheldon and his wife Miri knew no limits; they supported healthcare institutions, universities, Yad Vashem, the City of David, organizations helping youth at risk, and more. It was typical of Sheldon and Miri to demand that the SpaceIL spacecraft, which they generously provided backing for, bear the inscription 'Am Yisrael Chai'."
"Sheldon was a legendary entrepreneur. His daringness and creativity yielded unprecedented ventures, such as the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, the reclaiming of land in Macau on which he built a Las Vegas-style strip, and the establishment of the center in Singapore that has become the symbol of the country. These endeavors are the fruit of unmatched venturousness and ingenuity."
"Sheldon will always be remembered as a unique historical figure and as a man who demonstrated a deep commitment to the Jewish people all his life. As one of his friends, I mourn his passing." In recognition of his life’s work and contribution to Israel and the Jewish people, Mr. Adelson received an Honorary Doctorate from IDC Herzliya.
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