Some 60,000 people attended the “Walk with Israel” in Toronto on Sunday, according to the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the event organizer, which cited police estimates.
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 six 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 pro-Israel event, 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.
The police department told JNS that at shortly before 2 p.m., officers arrested a woman for obstructing a peace officer.
JNS asked how many of the six were protesting against the pro-Israel event. “Any other details about the arrests will come by way of a news release,” the department told JNS.
“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.”
Melissa Lantsman, a Jewish member of the Canadian Parliament and deputy leader of the Conservative Party, stated that “when your government doesn’t stand with you, your voice gets louder.”
“Thank you to all of those who kept us safe today and every ally who showed up to be counted,” she wrote. She shared photos of herself at the event wearing an Israel shirt and a Canadian flag.
Vince Gasparro, a parliamentarian from the Liberal Party, also attended the event.
“Today, I joined 60,000 community members and allies at the UJA Federation’s annual Walk with Israel,” he stated. “No Canadian should ever feel unsafe for who they are or how they worship. Combating antisemitism is a responsibility shared by every level of government and part of our society.”
