Sylvan Adams is an Israeli-Canadian businessman and philanthropist and the President of the World Jewish Congress Israel Region. The son of Holocaust survivors, he emigrated to Israel in 2015 and has since become one of its most prominent benefactors, giving to causes spanning education, healthcare, sports, and innovation, including $100 million to Ben-Gurion University and $100 million to rebuild Soroka Hospital after an Iranian missile strike.
He’s brought major global events to Israel, from the Giro d’Italia to Eurovision’s Madonna performance, to showcase the country abroad. A Giving Pledge signatory and 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy honoree, Adams became President of the World Jewish Congress–Israel in 2025, leading efforts to counter antisemitism and promote large-scale Aliyah to Israel.
As the benefactor of the Bonei Zion Prize, Sylvan Adams’ generosity and vision have been instrumental in its growth and impact, helping ensure that the extraordinary contributions of Olim to Israel are recognized and celebrated. We are deeply grateful for his continued support and for his broader philanthropic commitment to strengthening Israeli society and contributing to the future of the State of Israel.
