Ottawa, July 9, 2014 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on the passing of David Azrieli:
“It was with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of a remarkable Canadian, David Azrieli, at the age of 92. David was one of Canada’s great entrepreneurs. His success led him to become one of Canada’s most generous philanthropists in the fields of education, architecture and design, Holocaust education, developmental disabilities, scientific and medical research and the arts.
“David’s story represents the essence of overcoming adversity. As a child of parents who perished in the Holocaust, David escaped to Israel, fought in Israel’s War of Independence, and finally settled on Canada’s shores. As a Canadian, he proceeded to achieve extraordinary success in business, founding the Azrieli Group. He channeled much of that success into active support for charitable causes that have served to strengthen our country in innumerable ways.
“The Azrieli Foundation, which is based in Canada, has given out more than $100 million over the past 23 years and plans to give out $100 million more over the next five years in support of important causes within Canada and in Israel. David was so committed to his work that he served as Chairman of the Azrieli Group until his health prevented him from doing so.
“On behalf of the Prime Minister and Government of Canada, I extend my sincere condolences to the Azrieli family on their loss. David’s countless contributions to Canada’s Jewish community and to the building of our country represent a remarkable legacy that will not be forgotten by his fellow citizens.
“May his memory be a blessing.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexandra Fortier
Minister’s Office
819-994-2482
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
