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Mitchell Goldhar
Mitchell Goldhar
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Mitchell Goldhar (Hebrew: מיטשל גולדהר) is a Canadian billionaire and businessman.[1]

He owned SmartCentres, a firm that developed Walmart-anchored shopping malls in Canada and retains a significant ownership stake in its successor firm SmartCentres REIT.[2] Since August 2009, he has also been the owner of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club.[3]

Goldhar was born in 1962. He completed his bachelor's degree at York University in Toronto. Goldhar's net worth is estimated at US$2.6 billion as of December 2019.[3]

In 2010, Goldhar bought the sweater Paul Henderson wore while scoring the decisive final goal in the Summit Series; it was being auctioned off by an anonymous American collector for US$1,067,538 (a world record for hockey memorabilia).[4]

On December 30, 2011, Goldhar issued a libel notice against Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper, after they published an article that Goldhar claimed was libel.[5][6] Haaretz responded by challenging the lawsuit, on the basis of a lack of jurisdiction and forum non conveniens.[5] In 2018 the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the case could not be heard in Canada, and that if Goldar wished to pursue the case further, it must be done in Israel.[6]

He is Jewish.[1] His father Leo Goldhar is Canadian, and his mother Sala Goldhar (née Armal) was a Holocaust survivor from Poland.[7]

In February 2023, Forbes Israel listed his net worth at US$2.3 billion.[8]

On October 2nd, 2025, he became a father, at age 63.

Further reading

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Mitchell Goldhar (born 1962) is a Canadian developer and the founder of , a firm that constructed over 265 shopping centres across , many anchored by stores, including the chain's inaugural Canadian location in , , in 1994. As Executive Chairman of REIT, he oversees a portfolio of retail properties focused on open-air centres that emphasize community-oriented urban development. Goldhar also owns Football Club, an Israeli professional team that has achieved domestic success under his tenure, including multiple league titles. His business ventures have positioned him among Canada's wealthiest individuals, with a estimated at US$2.6 billion derived primarily from holdings.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Upbringing

Mitchell Goldhar was born in 1962 in , , , to a Jewish family with roots in Eastern European immigration and survival. His father, Leo Goldhar (1932–2023), was a Canadian-born entrepreneur who did not complete high school but built a successful carpet-contracting from modest beginnings tied to family retail operations. Leo's parents, Mitchell's paternal grandparents, were Eastern European Jewish immigrants who operated a and cigar shop near West in , exemplifying the entrepreneurial grit of post-immigration Jewish communities in the city. Goldhar's mother, Sala Goldhar (née Armal), was a Polish survivor who endured Nazi persecution by being hidden during by a local Polish family, the Dembinskis; in , Goldhar publicly honored this act by facilitating recognition for the rescuers' descendants. This maternal heritage of resilience amid extreme adversity contributed to a family emphasizing perseverance, as Goldhar was raised in an environment where stories of and self-made success were central. Goldhar grew up in , immersed in a working-class Jewish milieu that valued hard work and community ties, with his paternal grandparents' cigar store and his father's business expansions providing early exposure to commerce and dealings. The family's immigrant-driven narrative, blending Canadian opportunity with European trauma, shaped Goldhar's worldview, fostering a drive for achievement evident in his later career trajectory.

Academic Career

Goldhar earned a degree in from in . Following his undergraduate studies, Goldhar served as an at the of 's , where he taught courses on . His teaching tenure spanned approximately a decade, initially in the geography department before transitioning to the Rotman School. Goldhar's instructional role drew on his practical experience in commercial , emphasizing applied aspects of development and management rather than theoretical research. Goldhar has been recognized as an award-winning professor for his contributions to education at the . His lectures focused on integrating business strategy with urban development principles, reflecting his belief in the value of in professional training.

Business Career

Founding and Growth of

Mitchell Goldhar established in the early 1990s with a focus on developing value-oriented, open-air shopping centers anchored by major discount retailers, particularly . His efforts began earlier, around 1989, when he pursued opportunities to enhance affordable retail access in and facilitated 's initial market entry through strategic site development and partnerships. This groundwork led to the construction of 's first store in , , which opened on November 22, 1994, serving as a foundational project for the company's expansion. The company's growth accelerated through a model emphasizing as lead tenants, who often took equity stakes in projects, enabling rapid scaling across . By securing development rights for stores, Goldhar built approximately 175 such locations, prioritizing suburban sites with high accessibility and ample parking to cater to everyday consumer needs. Over the subsequent two decades, developed more than 265 centers, establishing itself as Canada's largest developer of -anchored retail properties and capitalizing on the retailer's dominance in discount big-box formats. This expansion was driven by Goldhar's hands-on approach, including direct negotiations with executives—such as a pivotal agreement in the early —and innovative site planning that integrated retail with future mixed-use potential on excess land holdings. By the early 2010s, had amassed a portfolio reflecting efficient , with areas comprising about 75% of holdings available for densification, while maintaining high occupancy through tenant-aligned leasing strategies focused on essential providers. The firm's success underscored a pragmatic response to Canadian retail demands, prioritizing cost efficiency over luxury formats amid economic shifts toward value shopping.

Key Partnerships and Developments

Goldhar established a pivotal partnership with in the early 1990s, facilitating the retailer's entry into the Canadian market through a handshake agreement with Walmart executive Duncan Mac Naughton in 1993. This led to the development of the first store in in , , in 1994, followed by the construction of -anchored power centres across the country. By 2011, had invested $8 billion to build 47 million square feet of retail space in partnership with , creating a unique developer-retailer relationship unmatched globally. In 2003, SmartCentres formalized a with , which owned 100 shopping centres, enabling further expansion of big-box retail formats. This collaboration extended into mixed-use developments, such as a 2019 for a relocated 140,000-square-foot store in Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, , with subsequent residential intensification on the site. Over two decades, SmartCentres developed more than 170 Walmart-anchored centres, leveraging land acquisition and site preparation expertise to support Walmart's growth. Beyond retail, Goldhar pursued diversified partnerships through and his Penguin Group of Companies. In 2019, partnered with Greenwin Inc. for a landmark residential development in , , combining rental housing with retail elements on a 10-acre site. The company also entered joint ventures with Revera Inc. for retirement living residences, announcing four projects in 2020, including sites in and Markham, where and Penguin handled development while Revera managed operations. Additionally, formed a partnership with SmartStop for multiple facilities, adding sites in and Scarborough by 2023, bringing the total to six projects. Goldhar's Penguin Group continued providing development services to SmartCentres, focusing on expertise for intensification and mixed-use projects, as outlined in investor presentations emphasizing Penguin's role in site contributions and execution. SmartCentres also maintained a joint-venture arrangement with for Premium Outlets in and , integrating outlet retail into its portfolio. These initiatives reflected a strategic shift toward urban and multi-asset developments while preserving core retail anchors.

Transition to REIT and Ongoing Leadership

In April 2015, Calloway Real Estate Investment Trust announced its acquisition of the SmartCentres development platform and a portfolio of 24 properties from Mitchell Goldhar for C$1.16 billion, including 20 Walmart-anchored centres with approximately 5.5 million square feet of gross leasable area. The transaction closed on May 28, 2015, integrating SmartCentres' property development, leasing, and management capabilities into the REIT structure, which had previously acquired individual SmartCentres properties starting in 2003. This move transformed Calloway into a fully internalized entity with enhanced development expertise, enabling it to pursue large-scale retail and mixed-use projects under public market oversight. Following the acquisition, Goldhar received approximately $880 million in SmartREIT (the rebranded Calloway) shares, cash, and assumed debt, retaining a substantial ownership stake estimated at around 10% or more as of recent filings. He assumed the role of Executive Chairman, providing continuity in strategic direction while the REIT focused on expanding beyond traditional retail into residential and mixed-use developments. In 2017, the entity rebranded to Smart Real Estate Investment Trust to better reflect its heritage, later adopting the REIT name. Goldhar's leadership persisted post-transition, with a 2020 arrangement extending his services through 2025, including a broadened to align his interests with the REIT's long-term growth. As of September 2025, he serves as both Executive Chairman and CEO, overseeing operations across a portfolio of over 190 properties valued at billions, with emphasis on urban intensification and Walmart-anchored sites. Demonstrating ongoing commitment, Goldhar has continued acquiring units, including 66,602 Class B units in February 2025 via indirect holdings. Under his guidance, REIT has navigated retail sector challenges by diversifying into multi-residential assets, completing projects like high-rise developments in .

Sports Investments

Ownership of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC

Mitchell Goldhar, a Canadian developer, acquired in August 2009, becoming its principal owner. The transaction involved securing the club's 80% controlling stake from previous owner , a Russian-born Canadian who had purchased it two years earlier for an estimated €12 million, by agreeing to assume all of the club's outstanding financial commitments. Goldhar separately bought the remaining 20% stake held by the Maccabi Tel Aviv sports federation for NIS 2.85 million (approximately $750,000 USD at the time). The deal followed Shnaider's decision to divest amid ongoing operational and financial strains at the club, including a recent rejection of a NIS 32 million offer for 50% of his shares, ultimately transferring his majority interest for effectively nominal consideration due to the inherited liabilities. This structure allowed Goldhar to gain full control without a large upfront payment to Shnaider, positioning him to stabilize and invest in the historic Israeli club, known for its 23 national league titles prior to his involvement. Under Goldhar's ownership, which has continued uninterrupted as of 2025, he has maintained direct oversight as the executive chairman and primary , delegating day-to-day to local executives while funding and player acquisitions from his base in . The acquisition reflected Goldhar's personal affinity for the club, rooted in his Jewish heritage and interest in Israeli sports, rather than immediate financial returns, as evidenced by his subsequent capital infusions exceeding initial costs.

Club Achievements Under Goldhar

Under Mitchell Goldhar's ownership since 2009, has achieved significant domestic success, securing seven (Ligat ha'Al) titles in the 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2023–24, and 2024–25 seasons. These victories include back-to-back triumphs in 2013–14 and 2014–15, followed by consecutive wins in 2018–19 and 2019–20, and recent dominance with titles in 2023–24 and 2024–25, the latter clinched on the final matchday with a 5–0 victory over Beitar Jerusalem on May 25, 2025. The club also captured two Israel State Cups (Gvia haMedina) during this period, in 2014–15 and 2020–21. Additionally, won multiple Toto Cups (Gvia HaToto le'Premier League), including the 2014–15 edition and the 2024–25 title on December 25, 2024, against Maccabi Haifa, contributing to at least three such victories since 2013. In European competitions, advanced to the group stage in 2015–16, one of only three Israeli clubs to achieve this feat twice in club history. The team has regularly qualified for tournaments, including multiple group stage appearances and progression to the round of 32 in 2019–20. A highlight came in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League, where Maccabi reached the quarter-finals—the deepest run by an Israeli club in a major competition since the 1980s—before elimination by Fiorentina. In the 2024–25 season, the club qualified for the league phase.
CompetitionTitles Won Under Goldhar (2009–Present)Seasons
72012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2023–24, 2024–25
22014–15, 2020–21
(Premier League)At least 3Including 2014–15, 2024–25

Management Style and Criticisms

Goldhar's management of Football Club emphasizes meticulous oversight and operational efficiency, drawing from his background where he maintains close involvement in daily affairs despite operating primarily from . This hands-on style includes frequent remote decision-making on player acquisitions, budgets, and staffing, with Goldhar reportedly reviewing club operations in granular detail. Criticisms of this approach surfaced prominently in a November 29, 2011, article, which portrayed Goldhar's leadership as marked by "overconcentration bordering on megalomania, penny-pinching, and a lack of long-term ," suggesting it imported cost-cutting measures from his Walmart partnerships at the expense of competitive sustainability. The piece further implied associations with questionable figures in Israeli football circles, though these claims were contested as unsubstantiated by Goldhar's legal team. Goldhar responded by filing a libel suit against in in 2011, arguing the article impugned his business acumen and reputation among Canadian stakeholders; the ruled in 2018 that jurisdiction lay in , effectively dismissing the Canadian proceedings without adjudicating the merits. Additional friction arose early in his 2009 ownership, including a public confrontation with coach in March 2010 after reports emerged of Goldhar meeting potential successors, highlighting perceived interference in coaching autonomy. While the club achieved multiple titles under his tenure, detractors have attributed occasional underperformance to this centralized control, which prioritizes fiscal restraint over bold investments in talent scouting or infrastructure. , known for its critical stance on Israeli institutions, framed these elements as risks to long-term viability, though Goldhar maintained they fostered disciplined growth.

Philanthropy and Civic Engagement

Contributions to Education

Mitchell Goldhar has made significant contributions to higher education through teaching, curriculum development, and philanthropic support at the (UofT). In the mid-1990s, he was invited by then-department chair to develop and teach a course on in the Department of Geography, which later transitioned to the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, where he served as an for over a decade. The course provided students with an overview of the real estate industry, drawing on Goldhar's practical experience in commercial development, and contributed to strengthening UofT's programs in and . As a member of UofT's Chancellors' Circle of Benefactors, Goldhar has volunteered on key committees, including the Boundless Campaign Closing Committee and the Rotman School Campaign Cabinet, supporting the university's strategic initiatives in city-building and education. His involvement has helped shape curricula and in emerging areas, such as urban development, benefiting future leaders and aligning academic programs with industry needs. Goldhar's legacy in education is further evidenced by the Mitchell Goldhar Award for Excellent Achievement in the Planning Program, administered by UofT's Department of Geography & Planning. Established in his honor, the award recognizes outstanding graduate students entering or continuing in the MSc Planning program based on academic merit, reflecting his commitment to fostering excellence in urban planning studies. Additionally, he has delivered guest lectures, such as at York University's in 2019, sharing insights on and business strategy drawn from his career. These efforts underscore Goldhar's role in bridging theoretical with practical application in Canadian academia.

Broader Community Involvement

Goldhar has supported healthcare initiatives through substantial personal donations, including a $10 million gift to Mackenzie Health in May 2022, which funded the state-of-the-art Mitchell Goldhar Surgery Unit at , emphasizing patient-centered care and family support during treatment. Earlier, in 2009, he contributed $3 million to the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation in , aiding broader pediatric care efforts amid the organization's fundraising campaigns. In sports-related health research, Goldhar donated $1 million in October 2012 to The Brain Campaign, supporting the Canadian Sports Concussion Project aimed at advancing understanding and treatment of concussions, reflecting his interest in athlete welfare beyond his ownership of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC. Through SmartCentres, his company has directed funds to children's charities, aligning with corporate social responsibility practices in retail development. Goldhar has engaged in civic activities via political contributions, donating $39,343 to 65 candidates in municipal elections as of September 2023, primarily supporting local council races amid developer interests in . As a supporter of , he has expressed commitment to the country's society through his long-term involvement with , viewing it as a platform for broader societal contribution, though specific non-sports donations in this area remain less documented.

Haaretz Libel Lawsuit

In November 2011, published an article titled "Soccer Profile: Long-distance Operator," which criticized Mitchell Goldhar's management of , portraying him as overly involved in minute details while engaging in "penny-pinching" and lacking long-term planning, potentially dooming the club. Goldhar contended that the piece falsely implied he suffered from a or mental illness and made irrational business decisions, damaging his reputation in both business and personal spheres. On December 29, 2011, Goldhar filed a libel action in the against , its sports editor, and the article's reporter, seeking damages for the alleged disseminated online and accessible in . moved to stay the proceedings, arguing lacked jurisdiction and that the case constituted "libel tourism"—a practice where plaintiffs forum-shop in plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions like for defamation suits—and that was the more appropriate venue given the article's focus on Goldhar's Israeli soccer operations. The Superior Court initially denied the stay, finding sufficient connection to due to Goldhar's residence and business interests there, and ruled not clearly more convenient. The Court of Appeal upheld this in 2016, emphasizing the harm to Goldhar's Canadian reputation. However, on June 6, 2018, the reversed in a 6-3 decision, holding that while had jurisdiction simpliciter over the publication, was the "clearly more appropriate forum" based on factors including the article's subject matter (Israeli club management), witnesses' location, applicable , and loss of evidence risks, thereby staying the action to prevent forum-shopping in multi-jurisdictional cases. The ruling underscored the need to balance reputational harm with and efficiency in online libel disputes, without opining on the merits of the claim.

Implications for Media Accountability

The Haaretz.com v. Goldhar decision by the Supreme Court of Canada on June 6, 2018, underscored jurisdictional barriers in cross-border online defamation, ruling 6-3 to stay Goldhar's libel action in Ontario on grounds of forum non conveniens, as Israel presented the more convenient venue given the article's focus on his ownership of Maccabi Tel Aviv FC and the location of most witnesses. This outcome did not adjudicate the article's merits—published August 27, 2011, by Haaretz reporter Asaf Kleiman, it accused Goldhar of autocratic management, employee exploitation, and unethical business tactics in both his Canadian real estate operations and Israeli club stewardship—but shifted potential accountability to Israeli courts, where no subsequent suit was filed. By prioritizing defendants' convenience over plaintiffs' choice of forum, the ruling potentially shields foreign media from suits in jurisdictions where reputational harm occurs, complicating enforcement of accountability for unverified claims disseminated globally via the . argued the piece constituted fair comment on public-interest matters, yet Goldhar alleged factual inaccuracies damaging his professional standing across continents; the unresolved merits exemplify how such disputes can evade scrutiny, reducing incentives for outlets to substantiate allegations beyond opinion. This dynamic may embolden critical reporting on investors in sensitive sectors like , where narratives of foreign influence often prevail without rigorous empirical checks, as evidenced by the article's reliance on anonymous sources and generalizations about Goldhar's practices. The case reveals systemic challenges in media verification amid digital borderlessness, particularly for publications like , which has faced accusations of selective sourcing in coverage of Israeli institutions under non-local ownership, potentially prioritizing ideological critique over causal evidence of . Without a merits determination, it perpetuates uncertainty over the claims' truthfulness—e.g., assertions of "sweatshop-like" conditions at Goldhar's firms—highlighting the inadequacy of self-regulatory norms when jurisdictional hurdles limit judicial oversight. Legal scholars note this fosters a "" in accountability standards, as publishers anticipate procedural dismissals over substantive defenses, urging reforms like uniform international protocols for online libel to balance expression with reputational rights.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Private Interests

Mitchell Goldhar was born in in 1962 to Leo Goldhar, a successful Canadian businessman and philanthropist who built a company and later engaged in extensive initiatives, and Sala Goldhar (née Armal), a Polish Jewish Holocaust survivor who was hidden by a local during . He has two siblings: a brother, (also referred to as Steven), and a sister, Karen. In 2018, Goldhar publicly honored the Polish daughter of the that sheltered his , recognizing her father's role in Sala's survival and facilitating her receipt of a title from . Goldhar, who identifies as Jewish, has maintained a low public profile regarding his and personal relationships, with no verified details available on a or children. His private interests appear centered on family heritage and cultural ties, including efforts to preserve survivor narratives, though he rarely discusses personal hobbies or residences beyond his primary base in . Leo Goldhar passed away in March 2023 at age 91, leaving a legacy of that influenced his son's approach to .

Net Worth and Economic Impact

Mitchell Goldhar's net worth was estimated at US$2.8 billion as of September 2025, positioning him among Canada's wealthiest individuals through his real estate holdings. This fortune derives primarily from his founding and leadership of SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), which he established in the early 1990s by identifying prime locations for Walmart-anchored retail developments across Canada. Goldhar's economic influence manifests through SmartCentres' portfolio, which encompassed approximately $12.0 billion in assets by October 2025, including value-oriented retail properties, purpose-built rentals, office spaces, and self-storage facilities. The company has developed over 265 shopping centers, fostering suburban commercial growth by integrating big-box anchors like and , which drive local and ancillary business activity. These developments, particularly in areas like , —where Goldhar spearheaded the SmartVMC master-planned community—have transformed underutilized land into mixed-use hubs, supporting regional infrastructure and transit-oriented projects. Additionally, Goldhar's ownership of since 2010 has contributed to the economic ecosystem of professional sports in , with investments in team operations, player acquisitions, and facilities like enhancing tourism, event revenue, and youth soccer participation in the . ' operational metrics, such as 98.6% occupancy and 8.5% rent growth (excluding anchors) in Q2 2025, underscore sustained economic contributions amid retail sector challenges.

References

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