Tens of thousands of individuals participated in the annual fundraising walk for Israel in Toronto on Sunday. The event, known as Walk with Israel and organized by the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of Greater Toronto, aimed to show unwavering support for the people of Israel during times of conflict and unease.
The fundraising goal for the event, as stated on the UJA website, was set at $780,000 to address urgent needs in Israel. By Monday, the 57th walk had achieved 85 percent of its target. Adam Minsky, the president and CEO of UJA of Greater Toronto, emphasized the significance of the walk as a demonstration of community strength and unity.
Toronto police had heightened their presence at the walk, resulting in a total of six arrests made before, during, and after the event. Roughly 60,000 attendees were estimated to have joined the 3.9-kilometer walk, starting at Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto and concluding at UJA’s Sherman Campus, where a festival was held.
While many participants carried Israeli flags, some also displayed Iranian and American flags. Omer Antebi, a volunteer from Israel in Canada, highlighted the theme of love prevailing over hate during the walk, emphasizing the importance of unity and positivity.
Protesters gathered along the walk route to voice opposition to Israeli military actions in the Middle East, with some condemning what they labeled as an ongoing genocide in Palestine and calling for intervention by the Canadian government. Insults were exchanged between participants and protesters, separated by a significant police presence and barriers.
Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Frank Barredo assured reporters of a comprehensive security plan in place, including officers on foot, bicycles, and horseback, along with various tactical resources to maintain public safety. The police aimed to ensure a peaceful and incident-free march during the event.
The presence of antisemitism in Toronto has been a longstanding concern, with recent incidents targeting the Jewish community, including violent acts at synagogues and schools. Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the rise in antisemitic incidents, acknowledging the challenges faced by Jewish Canadians in the country’s civic landscape.