Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson have announced an additional $5 million gift to the Birthright Israel Foundation for 2011, raising their total contribution to $10 million for this year. In all, the Adelson Family Foundation has contributed over $100 million to Birthright Israel since 2007.

In light of this announcement, Taglit-Birthright Israel is now sending letters to 2,000 North American young adults who had applied for a trip this winter but were waitlisted, informing them that they will now be able to participate. Nearly 22,500 North Americans had registered for Taglit-Birthright Israel trips this winter and over 10,000 young adults had been waitlisted.

As a result of the Adelson’s gift, global participation in winter trips will reach 17,000 from 32 countries.

The Adelsons will also be actively supporting upcoming Birthright Israel Foundation fundraising efforts this month, attending events in Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York, hoping to encourage others to follow their lead.