A heavy police presence is on site as tens of thousands of people participate in Toronto’s annual Walk With Israel on Sunday, with police confirming at least three arrests have already been made.
Organizers say they are expecting turnout similar to last year’s estimated 56,000 participants.
Toronto police say they have increased their presence this year to prevent confrontations, as competing groups could gather along the route.
Already, police said a woman was arrested for obstructing a peace officer near Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West at approximately 8:40 a.m., just before the walk began.
A second arrest was made at Earl Bales Park at approximately 10:22 a.m., where police said a man was arrested for assaulting a peace officer.
A third arrest was announced just after 1 p.m. where officials say a woman was arrested for “Breach of the Peace.”
Further information about the arrests is expected to be released later today.
Participants are carrying Israeli flags, while Iranian and American flags are also visible in the crowd.
Organizers say the walk is a show of support for Israel and the Jewish community.
The event comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and repeated protests in Canada over the war in Gaza.
With files from The Canadian Press.
