There was a heavy police presence in North York on Sunday as tens of thousands of people took part in Toronto’s annual Walk With Israel.
Organizers said the turnout at this year’s event was the largest in its history. They are estimating more than 60,000 people attended the march, which is now in its 57th year.
Sara Lefton, chief development officer at UJA Federation, said these unprecedented numbers are reflective of both solidarity with Israel and concern about rising antisemitism in Canada.
“For the Jewish community, we’ve seen more hate in recent years than ever before directed at our community,” she told The Canadian Press.
“And it’s not just a Jewish issue, this is an issue for all Canadians.”
Lefton said organizers see the Walk With Israel as a message that “hate is not acceptable in our country,” describing it as “a moment of unity and solidarity for the Jewish community and the people of Israel.”
So far, Toronto police, who increased their presence this year in an effort to prevent confrontations, have made six arrests.
They say 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.
Shortly before before 2 p.m., police announced a sixth arrest, saying that a woman has been arrested for obstructing a police officer.
Toronto police say further information will be provided in a news release later today.
Despite the arrests, Lefton said the Walk With Isreal is not divisive, underlining that it is intended to celebrate “shared values,” including freedom and democracy.
Many participants carried carried Israeli flags, while some Iranian, American, and Canadian flags were also visible in the crowd.
Mona Arablengh, an Iranian who rejected the idea that supporting Israel was a betrayal of Iranians, was among those taking part.
She said the alliance was viewed negatively by Iran’s Islamic Republic government, but not by many Iranians themselves.
“For my people, no, it’s not a betrayal,” said Arablengh, who pointed to what she described as a long history between the two peoples.
She called Israel “a democratic country” whose values she supports.
“We’re really proud to be friends with Israel,” she said.
The event came amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and repeated protests in Canada over the war in Gaza.
With files from The Canadian Press
