Yad Vashem officials said Thursday that American casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has pledged USD 25 million to the Holocaust memorial, the largest gift ever given to the museum by a private donor.
Yad Vashem said the money would be used to strengthen outreach programs in Holocaust education, documentation and research.
"It is our hope that our donation assures the continuity of Yad Vashem and its activities," Adelson and his wife, Miriam, said in a joint statement.
Yad Vashem planned to honor the Adelsons at a ceremony on Friday to be attended by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Nobel Peace laureate Elie Wiesel and other dignitaries.
Sheldon Adelson, chairman and chief executive of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., has a net worth of roughly USD 20.5 billion, making him the third-wealthiest American, according to Forbes magazine.
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