Donald Trump: The Israel–Ukraine Question
Here is a list of 10 Jewish figures who were part of Donald Trump’s close circle:
1. Jared Kushner – Trump’s son-in-law, Senior Advisor on the Middle East and domestic policy.
2. Ivanka Trump – Trump’s daughter, who converted to Judaism; served as a presidential advisor.
3. Stephen Miller – Chief Policy Advisor and architect of Trump’s immigration policy.
4. David Friedman – U.S. Ambassador to Israel under Trump.
5. Boris Epshteyn – Advisor on communications and legal matters.
6. Miriam Adelson – Major donor to the Republican Party, widow of billionaire Sheldon Adelson.
7. Steve Witkoff – Businessman appointed as special envoy to the Middle East.
8. Gary Cohn – Former Director of the National Economic Council.
9. Michael Cohen – Trump’s former personal attorney.
10. Elliott Abrams – Diplomat involved in U.S. policy on Venezuela and Iran.
This list includes both official administration members and influential allies and donors.
Sheldon Adelson (1933–2021) was an American billionaire, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential donors to the U.S. Republican Party. He founded and led Las Vegas Sands, which owned world-renowned casinos and resorts, including The Venetian in Las Vegas and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
He was born in Boston to a family of Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Lithuania. From a young age, he showed entrepreneurial talent: at 12, he began selling newspapers and later ran various businesses, including trade shows and travel packages. In 1979, he launched the COMDEX computer expo, which he sold in 1995 for $862 million.
Political and Philanthropic Activity
Adelson was one of the largest donors to the Republican Party, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to support candidates and political causes. He strongly backed Donald Trump, including funding his presidential campaign and inauguration.
His philanthropic efforts focused on supporting Jewish and Israeli organizations. He was the largest donor to the Birthright Israel program, funding trips for young Jews to Israel, and he supported the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and other educational initiatives.
Adelson had deep ties to Israel. He owned Israeli media, including the newspaper Israel Hayom, and was a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He actively promoted pro-Israel U.S. policy, including the move of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.
In 1991, Adelson married Miriam Farbstein Ochshorn, an Israeli physician and addiction researcher. Together, they established clinics and research centers in both Israel and the United States focused on addiction treatment and study.
Sheldon Adelson died on January 11, 2021, at the age of 87. He was buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, underscoring his profound connection to Israel.