Tens of thousands join Israel solidarity walk in Toronto amid heavy police presence
Walk with Israel in Toronto draws 60,000 and raises support at UJA event See police details, arrests and counter-protests from the citywide march
Tens of thousands of people took part in Toronto’s annual Walk with Israel on Sunday, an event organized by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto as a fundraiser and public show of support for Israel.
The 3.9kilometre march began at Temple Sinai Congregation on Wilson Avenue and ended at UJA’s Sherman Campus, where a festival was held. Toronto police estimated attendance at about 60,000 and said six people were arrested before, during and after the event on charges including obstructing a peace officer, assault and breaching the peace.
Police maintained a large presence along the route, with barriers at major intersections and officers working to separate marchers from nearby counterprotesters who gathered to oppose the war in Gaza and Israeli military actions in the region. Toronto police said they supported lawful protest while taking steps to keep the event and surrounding streets safe.