Israel Canada (Canada Global): The Luxury Mixed-Use Developer Reshaping Tel Aviv's Skyline
Introduction: Bold Vision, Premium Execution
In the competitive world of Israeli real estate, Israel Canada — now rebranded as Canada Global — stands out as the developer that has consistently pushed boundaries. For over two decades, this powerhouse group has been fearlessly designing the complex urban fabrics of Israel's most prominent, high-demand central hubs, creating some of the country's most iconic residential and mixed-use developments.
Led by visionary co-founders Barak Rosen and Asaf Touchmair, Israel Canada has earned a reputation for "Better & Different" — a motto that encapsulates the company's approach to real estate development. The group is a leader in mixed-use development, combining residential towers, commercial spaces, hotels, and public amenities into integrated urban experiences that have redefined what it means to live in Tel Aviv and beyond.
From the celebrity-studded luxury towers of Tzamarot Ayalon — ranked as one of Israel's wealthiest neighborhoods — to ambitious urban renewal projects and a growing international portfolio, Israel Canada represents the cutting edge of Israeli residential development.
Company History and Evolution
Founding and Rise (2000s)
Israel Canada was founded as a real estate investment group focused on identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in Israel's rapidly evolving urban landscape. From the beginning, the company distinguished itself through its willingness to take on complex, large-scale projects that other developers found too risky or too challenging.
The founding team's background in both real estate and investment gave the company a unique perspective — viewing each project not just as a construction exercise but as a comprehensive urban development opportunity that could create value far beyond the sum of its parts.
The Minrav Acquisition (2020)
A watershed moment came in 2020 when Israel Canada, in cooperation with the Nakash Brothers Group, acquired Minrav Projects — one of Israel's established real estate and construction companies — in a deal reportedly worth NIS 574 million. This acquisition gave Israel Canada a dedicated residential construction arm, which was reorganized as ICR (Israel Canada Residences).
Following the merger, Minrav Projects was delisted from the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and became a private company. This integration of a major construction capability with Israel Canada's development and investment expertise created a vertically integrated platform capable of handling projects from conception through construction and beyond.
Becoming Canada Global (2022–Present)
In November 2022, Israel Canada acquired Aviv Arlon, a publicly traded real estate company, further expanding its portfolio. The company subsequently rebranded as Canada Global, reflecting its growing international ambitions while maintaining its Israeli roots.
The rebranding coincided with a strategic push into international commercial real estate. In November 2024, Canada Global announced the purchase of a $116 million office complex on 10 acres in the Aventura neighborhood of Miami — a clear signal that the company's ambitions extend well beyond Israel's borders.
Adding to the company's momentum, in September 2024, Flow — the company founded by WeWork's Adam Neumann and backed by Andreessen Horowitz — invested NIS 89 million in Canada Global, alongside Assaf Rappaport, the founder of cybersecurity giant Wiz. This investment from high-profile tech entrepreneurs underscores the market's confidence in the company's vision.
Flagship Residential Projects
Tzamarot Ayalon: Israel's Wealthiest Neighborhood
Israel Canada's most iconic achievement is Tzamarot Ayalon, a luxury residential enclave in Tel Aviv that has become synonymous with premium Israeli real estate. The neighborhood, developed primarily by Israel Canada, has been ranked as one of Israel's wealthiest neighborhoods — notably located just three miles from one of the city's poorest areas, illustrating the dramatic transformation the developer has achieved.
The roster of residents reads like a who's who of Israeli celebrity culture, with buyers reportedly including Bar Refaeli, Lior Suchard, Eden Ben Zaken, Idan Raichel, Yossi Benayoun, Eran Zahavi, Aviv Geffen, Noa Kirel, and Omer Adam. This concentration of high-profile buyers has created a powerful brand association that elevates the perceived value of every Israel Canada project.
Da Vinci TLV
One of the company's signature Tel Aviv developments, the Da Vinci project has become a landmark in the city's luxury residential market. In May 2024, Israel Canada further expanded its presence in this area by purchasing a 2.4-dunam parking lot in central Tel Aviv for NIS 443 million, with plans for a 45-floor tower on the site — located between Dubnov Street and Leonardo Da Vinci Street, not far from the original Da Vinci TLV project.
Midtown Tel Aviv
Through its partnership with Electra Residences, Israel Canada has been involved in the Midtown Tel Aviv project, which has set new standards for urban mixed-use development in Israel. The project combines residential living with commercial, entertainment, and public spaces in a way that creates a self-contained urban village.
Major Land Wins
Israel Canada has consistently demonstrated its ability to compete at the highest levels of Israel's land market. In April 2021, the company won a tender for 33 dunams in western Hod Hasharon at the Beit Hana'ara location, offering NIS 511 million for a site planned for 450 prestige homes. Just months later, in June 2021, Israel Canada won the largest land reserve in Israel's central district — approximately 1,000 apartments worth more than NIS 2 billion in north Tel Aviv.
Urban Renewal
Despite its luxury brand positioning, Israel Canada has also made significant investments in urban renewal. In 2020, Israel Canada Rem Residence announced a NIS 650 million urban renewal project for Kiryat HaYovel in Jerusalem — one of the capital's most densely populated neighborhoods. This project represents the company's commitment to participating in Israel's national urban renewal effort while bringing its signature quality standards to areas that have historically been underserved.
ICH: The Hospitality Arm
Israel Canada's ambitions extend into hospitality through ICH (Israel Canada Hotels), established in 2019. The hotel chain owns or manages hotels in Israel and abroad, with assets under management encompassing thousands of accommodation units. Notable properties include Galei Kinneret in Tiberias, Lake House in Tiberias, Nofey Gonen Holiday Village at Kibbutz Gonen, Play Midtown in Tel Aviv, and others.
The hospitality arm complements the residential business by enabling Israel Canada to create truly integrated mixed-use developments that include hotels alongside residential, commercial, and entertainment components.
Tech Investment: ICT
In 2021, Israel Canada established ICT (Israel Canada Tech Investments), entering the world of startup investing with a focus on companies with affinity to real estate. ICT's investment thesis targets property technology (PropTech), construction technology (ConTech), and renewable energy across all investment stages.
This venture reflects the company's forward-thinking approach to the real estate industry, recognizing that technology will play an increasingly important role in how buildings are designed, constructed, managed, and experienced. By investing in relevant startups, Israel Canada positions itself to adopt cutting-edge innovations before they reach the mainstream market.
Sports and Brand Partnerships
Since the 2021/2022 season, Israel Canada has served as the official sponsor of Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C., one of Israel's most prominent and successful football clubs. This sponsorship provides significant brand visibility and reinforces Israel Canada's association with premium quality, ambition, and Israeli cultural identity.
Why Israel Canada Stands Out
For prospective buyers and investors, Israel Canada offers a distinct proposition in the Israeli market:
Luxury Positioning: Israel Canada's projects consistently set the standard for premium residential living in Israel, attracting high-net-worth buyers and celebrities.
Mixed-Use Expertise: The company's ability to create integrated developments that combine residential, commercial, hospitality, and entertainment creates unique living environments.
Vertical Integration: The acquisition of Minrav Projects gives Israel Canada construction capability alongside its development expertise.
Innovation Culture: Through ICT, the company actively invests in technologies that will shape the future of real estate.
Growth Trajectory: Aggressive land acquisitions and a growing international portfolio suggest continued expansion.
High-Profile Backing: Investments from Flow (Adam Neumann/Andreessen Horowitz) and Wiz founder Assaf Rappaport validate the company's strategic direction.
Looking Ahead
Canada Global's trajectory points toward an increasingly international and diversified future. The Miami acquisition, tech investments, hotel expansion, and continued dominance in Tel Aviv's luxury market all suggest a company that is thinking bigger and broader than its Israeli roots might imply.
At the same time, the domestic market remains central to the company's identity. With massive land reserves in central Israel, an active urban renewal pipeline, and an unmatched brand in the luxury segment, Israel Canada will continue to play a major role in shaping the residential landscape of Tel Aviv and beyond.
Key Facts at a Glance
Founded: Early 2000s
Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
Current Brand: Canada Global
Stock Exchange: Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
Co-Founders: Barak Rosen, Asaf Touchmair
Residential Arm: ICR (Israel Canada Residences, formerly Minrav Projects)
Hospitality Arm: ICH (Israel Canada Hotels)
Tech Investment Arm: ICT (Israel Canada Tech Investments)
Iconic Development: Tzamarot Ayalon, Tel Aviv
Sports Sponsorship: Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. (since 2021/2022)
International Expansion: Miami commercial real estate (2024)
Key Investors: Flow (Adam Neumann), Assaf Rappaport (Wiz)
Motto: "Better & Different"