Thousands from Toronto’s Jewish community took to the streets on Sunday for the annual pro-Israel event organized by the United Jewish Appeal (UJA). The “Walk with Israel,” featuring a five-kilometre walk and a vibrant festival, unfolded in the city’s north end amidst heightened security and multiple protests.
Bolstered by the recent recovery of four Israeli hostages in Gaza, this year’s event saw a record-breaking turnout of over 50,000 participants. Marchers waved Israeli flags and displayed posters of hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas attack, which sparked the current conflict with Israel.
The march included survivors from Kibbutz Be’eri, an Israeli community near Gaza that suffered significant losses during the Hamas invasion. Their presence added a poignant element to the event, reminding participants of the personal toll of the conflict.
A significant police presence ensured safety along the route, particularly on sections of Bathurst Street, a historically Jewish neighborhood in Toronto. Law enforcement strategically used buses to separate marchers from counter-protesters, ensuring minimal direct confrontation.
“Thank you @TorontoPolice for keeping us safe as we walked in solidarity with our Jewish neighbours in support of our democratic ally,” wrote Kevin Vuong, Liberal Party MP for Spadina—Fort York.
Despite the heightened tensions, interactions with counter-protesters were mostly controlled. A small group of anti-Israel demonstrators, carrying Palestinian flags and loudspeakers, lined the path at various points, chanting slogans such as, “Go back to Europe! Leave Palestine alone!” directed at the predominantly Canadian Jewish crowd.
The “Walk with Israel” march not only served as a show of solidarity with Israel but also highlighted the community’s resilience and unity in the face of ongoing global tensions, as members of other communities were also present at the event.