Some 60,000 people attended the “Walk with Israel” parade in Toronto on Sunday, according to police, the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the event organizer, said.
The Federation said that the event, which included elected officials from all three levels of government, drew the largest turnout in its 57-year history and “again transformed the streets of midtown Toronto into a vibrant celebration of Jewish pride, community and connection.”
“This year’s Walk with Israel was a remarkable demonstration of the strength, resilience and unity of our community,” stated Ken Tanenbaum, chair of the Federation’s board. “Today sent a clear message: We stand together with pride, strength and determination. We are grateful to be joined by so many friends and allies.”
“This turnout speaks to the deep connection our community feels to Israel and to one another,” he added.
Adam Minsky, president and CEO of the Federation, stated that “what we witnessed today was an extraordinary expression of solidarity, Jewish pride and hope.”
“Tens of thousands of people chose to come together publicly and proudly in support of our community, our values and our connection to Israel,” he said. “Today was a powerful reminder that hate will not define us. We choose unity over division, connection over fear and hope over hate.”
The Toronto Police Service said that five people were arrested. At 8:40 a.m., officers arrested a woman for allegedly obstructing a peace officer at Bathurst Street and Sheppard Ave West, the department said, and some hour-and-a-half later, it said that its officers arrested a man, who is accused of assaulting a peace officer, at the same location.
Shortly after 11 a.m., officers arrested and ticketed a man for operating a remotely piloted aircraft system in connection with the parade, and some 45 minutes later, the department said that it arrested a woman at Bathurst and Sheppard for allegedly breaching the peace. Just before 1:10 p.m., officers arrested a man for alleged assault. (JNS sought comment from the Toronto Police Service.)
“We walk for peace, justice, pluralism and the right of every person to thrive in a Toronto that is welcoming, tolerant and safe for all,” stated Brad Bradford, a mayoral candidate and member of the Toronto City Council. “To Toronto’s Jewish community: I stand with you, and I will walk alongside you today and every day.”
