Early Life
Sylvan Adams was born on November 1, 1958, in Quebec City, Canada. His parents were Romanian Holocaust survivors. He grew up in a Zionist home and developed a strong connection to Israel at a young age, visiting the country at a young age. He served for 25 years as president and CEO of Iberville Developments, a Canadian real-estate company founded by his father Marcel Adams.
Rise to Success
Adams's business success stemmed from his leadership at Iberville Developments, one of Canada's largest real estate development companies. In 1997, he took over the family business. He later transitioned his focus to philanthropy and promoting Israel, becoming a prominent figure in the country. Adams made aliyah (immigrated to Israel) in 2015.
Key Business Strategies
While CEO of Iberville Developments, Adams oversaw the management of a significant real estate portfolio. He later downsized the company before focusing on his philanthropic endeavors. Adams is known for his strategic investments in sports and cultural events to promote Israel on a global scale.
Philanthropy
Sylvan Adams is a dedicated philanthropist who has invested heavily in various causes. He established the Margaret and Sylvan Adams Family Foundation to support educational and medical projects in Israel and Canada. He has donated over $100 million to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. In 2025, he donated $100 million to Soroka University Medical Center in Beersheba after an Iranian missile strike. His giving is based on the Jewish tradition of *tikkun olam*, which means repairing the world. He is a signatory of the Giving Pledge.
