The Adelson Family Foundation, in Las Vegas, has pledged $30-million to the Birthright Israel Foundation, in New York, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The gift is the latest given by Sheldon G. Adelson, chairman of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, and his wife, Miriam Adelson, to the charity, which supports trips to Israel for young Jewish adults. The Adelsons have given nearly $100-million in the past two years to Birthright Israel.

The latest pledge will be paid in two installments, with $20-million being given next year and the remainder in 2010, said Michael Bohnen, president of the Adelson Foundation.

In the statement, Mr. Adelson — whose net worth was estimated last year by Forbes magazine at $28-billion, making him the third richest American — said the gift was intended to challenge other donors to give to the charity despite difficult economic times.