David Azrieli & family

$3.10 B

Ranked #520 in World

About David Azrieli & family

David Joshua Azrieli (1922-2014), an influential Israeli-Canadian real estate magnate, philanthropist, and architect, amassed an impressive estimated net worth of US$3.1 billion by 2013, securing his position as the 9th wealthiest Canadian and 401st globally, according to Forbes. His significant contributions to architecture and philanthropy are highlighted by the establishment of the Azrieli Foundation in 1989, to which he bequeathed the majority of his estate. Azrieli's remarkable journey from a Polish refugee to a prominent business figure underscores his diverse engagements, from constructing key buildings in North America and Israel to his extensive philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare. Despite controversies, including the demolition of Montreal's Van Horne Mansion, Azrieli's legacy is adorned with prestigious recognitions such as the Order of Canada and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, reflecting his impactful contributions to society. His published memoirs further encapsulate his enduring influence on the architectural and philanthropic landscapes.

Born

May 10, 1922 in Makōąw Mazowiecki, Poland

Died

July 09, 2014 (aged 92)

Source Of Wealth

Shopping Malls

Industries

Real Estate

Citizenship

Canada

Education

Bachelor of Arts / Science, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology; Master of Science, U of Carleton, Ottawa

Spouse

Stephanie Lefcort (Married: 1957)

Children

4, including Sharon and Danna

David Joshua Azrieli was born on March 10, 1922, in Maków Mazowiecki, Poland, to an Ashkenazi Jewish family. His early years were marked by the challenges of World War II. In 1939, when he was just 17 years old, the German invasion of Poland forced him to flee his homeland. He sought refuge in the Soviet Union and eventually made his way to the British Mandate for Palestine in 1942.

During the Holocaust, Azrieli lost his entire family, except for one brother. This tragic loss would profoundly impact his life and shape his future philanthropic endeavors.

David Azrieli & family: Family

Azrieli married Stephanie Lefcort, and together they had four children: Rafael, Sharon, Naomi, and Danna. He divided his time between Herzliya, Israel, and Westmount, Canada, in his later years.

David Azrieli & family: Career Highlights

Azrieli's career in real estate development began in Montreal, Canada, where he established a building business. He constructed duplexes, apartment buildings, and shopping malls, transforming the city's landscape. His success in Canada led him to expand his operations to the United States and Israel.

Azrieli founded two prominent companies: Canpro Investments Ltd. in Montreal and Azrieli Group Ltd. in Tel Aviv. He took Azrieli Group public in 2010, making it the largest real estate company in Israel. Among his notable projects are the Canion Ayalon, the first enclosed mall in Israel, as well as Malha Mall, Beersheba Shopping Mall, and the Azrieli Centre in Tel Aviv.

David Azrieli & family: Companies

Canpro Investments Ltd. (Montreal, Canada)
Azrieli Group Ltd. (Tel Aviv, Israel)

David Azrieli & family: Major Achievements

Azrieli's major achievements include:

Establishing a successful real estate development empire in Canada, the United States, and Israel.
Taking Azrieli Group public in 2010, making it the largest real estate company in Israel.
Creating numerous iconic landmarks, including the Canion Ayalon, Malha Mall, Beersheba Shopping Mall, and the Azrieli Centre in Tel Aviv.

Establishing the Azrieli Foundation to support education and excellence in various fields.

David Azrieli & family: Awards & Achievements

Azrieli received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to society, including:

Member of the Order of Canada (1984)
Chevalier to the Ordre national du Quebec (1999)
Honorary doctorates from Concordia University, Yeshiva University, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, Carleton University, and Weizmann Institute of Science
Jubilee Award of the Prime Minister of Israel (1998)
Honorary Fellow of the City of Jerusalem (2001)
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002)
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)

David Azrieli & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Azrieli was known for his philanthropic efforts through the Azrieli Foundation, which he established in 1989. The foundation supports education and excellence in various fields, including Jewish education, architecture, medicine, and systems biology. He also established the Azrieli Schools of Architecture at Tel Aviv University and Carleton University, as well as the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine at Bar-Ilan University.

Azrieli's legacy is one of generosity, vision, and a deep commitment to education and community building. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world.

David Azrieli & family: Trivia

Azrieli completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Thomas More Institute and earned a Masters of Architecture from Carleton University at the age of 75.
He was involved in a controversial incident in 1973 when he demolished the Van Horne Mansion in Montreal despite opposition, leading to the formation of the Save Montreal advocacy group.
Azrieli reportedly donated NIS 30,000 (CAD $10,000) to the Im Tirtzu NGO, which aims to stop the academic boycott of Israel, despite Azrieli Group's claim of no political agenda.

Wealth History

Timeline

1922

David Joshua Azrieli is born in Maków Mazowiecki, Poland, to an Ashkenazi Jewish family.

1939-1950

Azrieli flees the German invasion of Poland during World War II, takes refuge in the Soviet Union, and arrives in the British Mandate for Palestine in 1942.

1942

Azrieli loses his entire family except one brother in the Holocaust.

1948

Azrieli studies architecture at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and fights in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.

1954

Azrieli immigrates to Canada and settles in Montreal, where he reconnects with surviving cousins.

1973

Azrieli demolishes the Van Horne Mansion in Montreal despite opposition, leading to the formation of the Save Montreal advocacy group.

1984

Azrieli is appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada.

1989

Azrieli establishes the Azrieli Foundation to support education and excellence in various fields.

1998

Azrieli receives the Jubilee Award of the Prime Minister of Israel.

1999

Azrieli is appointed as a Chevalier to the Ordre national du Quebec.

2001

Azrieli is named an Honorary Fellow of the City of Jerusalem.

2002

Azrieli receives the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

2010

Azrieli Group goes public on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, becoming the largest real estate company in Israel.

2012

Azrieli receives the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

2013

Azrieli's net worth is estimated at US$3.1 billion, ranking him as the 9th wealthiest Canadian and 401st overall by Forbes.

2014

Azrieli passes away, bequeathing the bulk of his estate to the Azrieli Foundation.

David Azrieli & family : FAQs

What is David Azrieli's net worth?

As of 2014, David Azrieli's net worth was $3.10 billion.

What are David Azrieli's main sources of wealth?

David Azrieli's main source of income comes from Shopping Malls.

In which industry does David Azrieli primarily operate?

David Azrieli is primarily involved in the Real Estate industry.

What is David Azrieli educational background?

David Azrieli holds a Bachelor of Arts / Science from Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and a Master of Science from U of Carleton from Ottawa.

Is David Azrieli dead?

Yes, David Azrieli died on July 09, 2014 (aged 92).

How many children does David Azrieli have?

David Azrieli has 4 children.

Who was David Joshua Azrieli and what is his significance in real estate and philanthropy?

David Joshua Azrieli was an Israeli-Canadian tycoon, real estate developer, architect, and philanthropist known for his vast contributions to architecture and community welfare. With an estimated net worth of US$3.1 billion in 2013, he was ranked as the 9th wealthiest Canadian. He founded the Azrieli Foundation in 1989, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy by bequeathing the bulk of his estate to the foundation upon his death in 2014.

What are some of David Azrieli's contributions to education through philanthropy?

David Azrieli made significant contributions to education and academic excellence through the Azrieli Foundation. He supported the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration at Yeshiva University, established schools in Canada and Israel, donated to Azrieli Schools of Architecture at Tel Aviv University and Carleton University, founded the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine at Bar-Ilan University, among other initiatives, thus impacting positively on education in various fields.

Can you tell us about David Azrieli's early life and his journey during World War II?

David Azrieli was born in 1922 in Maków Mazowiecki, Poland, into an Ashkenazi Jewish family. Fleeing the German invasion of Poland during World War II, he took refuge in the Soviet Union and later arrived in British Mandate for Palestine in 1942. He lost his entire family except one brother in the Holocaust. This challenging period formed the backdrop to his later achievements in life and business.

What were some of the key projects and achievements in David Azrieli's career in real estate?

David Azrieli established himself as a prominent figure in real estate by constructing duplexes, apartment buildings, shopping malls, office buildings, and high-rise residences across Canada, the United States, and Israel. His notable projects include the Canion Ayalon, Malha Mall, Beersheba Shopping Mall, and the iconic Azrieli Centre in Tel Aviv. He also led the largest IPO on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in 2010, with Azrieli Group Ltd. becoming Israel's largest real estate company.

What controversies were associated with David Azrieli, and how did they impact his legacy?

David Azrieli faced controversy for the demolition of the Van Horne Mansion in Montreal in 1973, which despite opposition, led to the formation of the Save Montreal advocacy group. Additionally, a reported donation of NIS 30,000 to the NGO Im Tirtzu, aimed at stopping academic boycott of Israel, sparked debate over the Azrieli Group's claim of having no political agenda. Despite these controversies, Azrieli maintained a significant positive impact through his philanthropic and professional endeavors.