Over 60,000 people marched in support of Israel at the annual Walk With Israel event in Toronto on Sunday, according to the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of Greater Toronto, rallying under heavy police protection and the scrutiny of anti-Israel counterprotesters.
Canadian Jews and other supporters of Israel waved Israeli, Canadian, and the Lion-and-Sun Iranian flag as they walked from Temple Sinai Congregation and down Bathurst Street, raising over $670,000 (Canadian) to support those impacted by war in Israel. The sum raised fell short of the goal of $780,000 in honor of the 78 years of the state’s existence.
“We've got to go strong. We have to be proud, we’re here, and we’re going to win this terrible current of antisemitism and anti-Zionism,” 98-year-old Holocaust survivor Nate Leipciger said, as he cut the ribbon at the start of the route, according to the UJA Federation. “We’re going to march like never before.”
Participants didn’t just walk. There were dance performances and youth events, as well as a marketplace featuring art exhibitors and a social lounge.
Federal deputy opposition leader Melissa Lantsman said that participants were marching for “freedom, for democracy, for the rule of law.”
Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford said on social media that the community walked for “peace, justice, pluralism, and the right of every person to thrive in a Toronto that is welcoming, tolerant, and safe for all.”
Toronto-St. Paul’s MP Leslie Church said on X/Twitter that the gathering showed “resilience, solidarity, and joy in the face of resurgent antisemitism.”
The spectre of rising antisemitism in Canada was also addressed by Eglington-Lawrence MP Vince Gasparro, who posted, about the event, that citizens should not have to feel unsafe to follow their religion in the country.
“Combating antisemitism is a responsibility shared by every level of government and part of our society,” Gasparro said on X/Twitter.
Walk With Israel protected by heavy police deployment
The event was protected by a heavy police deployment, with the Toronto Police Service reinforcing its ranks with officers from the York Regional Police, Durham Regional Police, Peel Regional Police, and Ontario Provincial Police. Officers were present on foot, bicycle, and horseback alongside the walk and throughout the surrounding neighborhoods, according to a Friday briefing by TPS Deputy Chief Frank Barredo.
Barredo had informed that counter-protesting would occur, as was a right of Canadian citizens, but warned that intimidation, harassment, and threats would not be tolerated.
Six people were arrested during the event, as anti-Israel counter-protesters gathered near Earl Bales Park for the Walk Against Israel.
A group of protesters reportedly left the designated area, leading to one altercation in which 35-year-old John Eusebio allegedly spat at an officer.
The Toronto resident was charged with assaulting an officer. Sixty-year-old Ghada Hamouda was charged with obstructing an officer after she refused to comply with remaining within the designated counter-protest zone. The same charge was leveled against 39-year-old Diana Bosco, who was alleged by the TPS to have been observed attempting to provoke pro-Israel marchers.
Forty-year-old Richmond Hill resident Ali Reza Hojjati allegedly also began to agitate attendees with anti-Israel signage and taunts. He was charged with assault after he spat on a participant during a verbal confrontation.
Another woman was arrested for breach of the peace, but she was later released. A sixth man was issued a ticket under aviation regulations for operating a drone in the area.
Walk Against Israel protestors harass participants, police
Anti-Israel groups captured some of the confrontations in videos published on social media, with activists chanting for “intifada” at passing participants. In one video, anti-Israel activists called an officer a “terrorist” and “baby killer” because he had a Hebrew-language tattoo.
Walk Against Israel said on Instagram that those who joined the counter-protest were courageous for standing “for Palestine,” and accused pro-Israel marchers of hate speech, hostility, and vulgar behavior.
“Simply being there and holding a Palestinian flag was more than enough,” the organizers said, urging supporters to join next year’s rally.
Among the flags being waved by counter-protesters were the Iranian Islamic regime flag and the Lebanese flag, as conflict continued between Israel and Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah.
The UJA Federation said on Instagram that as Israelis took shelter from a fresh salvo of Iranian ballistic missiles on Sunday night and Monday morning, the march of 60,000 supporters demonstrated pride in and unity with the Jewish state.
“The events unfolding in Israel are a reminder that our connection to Israel is not symbolic – it is personal. When Israelis face uncertainty and danger, our community stands with them,” UJA said.