Billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, have pledged $13 million to Birthright Israel to reduce the waiting list for participants. The money comes on top of a $20 million challenge grant made by the Adelsons earlier this year.

“With over 20,000 young adults on the waiting list, we feel that reducing that list must be a top priority of the Jewish community, “ Sheldon Adelson said in a statement.

In addition to the Adelson family’s gifts, the Birthright Israel Foundation campaign has raised $28 million for 2012.

The government of Israel provides matching grants to Birthright. The Adelsons have been significant financial backers of Republican presidential candidates. — jta