A heavy police presence is on site as tens of thousands of people participate in Toronto’s annual Walk With Israel on Sunday, with officials confirming at least five arrests have already been made.
Organizers say they are expecting turnout similar to last year’s nearly 60,000 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 occurred just after 11 a.m. , with investigators saying a man was arrested for operating remotely piloted aircraft system (drone). He was issued a ticket under Canadian Aviation Regulations, police said.
A fourth arrest was announced around 11:45 a.m., where officials say a woman was arrested for “breach of the peace.”
By 1 p.m., police say they arrested a fifth person and charged them with assault.
Police have not indicated whether those arrested are counter-protestors but say further information will be provided in a news release later today.
Meanwhile, participants are carrying Israeli flags, while some Iranian, American, and Canadian 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
