Thousands gather at annual Walk with Israel in Toronto, showing solidarity in face of recent antisemitic attacks

Jill Mahoney Published 5 hours ago Open this photo in gallery: People participate in the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel march in Toronto on Sunday. An estimated 60,000 took part, the most in its 57-year history. Sandra Ezekwesili/The Canadian Press Save for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story. Log InCreate Free Account Tens of thousands of people marched in Toronto on Sunday in a show of solidarity with Israel that many said was more important than ever given the increase in attacks on Jewish institutions. The Walk with Israel march – which organizers say is Canada’s largest Jewish community gathering – attracted an estimated 60,000 participants, the biggest turnout in its 57-year history. Marchers wearing white and blue T-shirts danced and sang along the nearly four-kilometre route. “We can’t let the hate win. We have to be brave. We can’t be scared. We can’t let the intimidation stop us,” said Josh Ublansky, a teacher who had a pride flag featuring the Star of David tied around his neck. Opinion: Once a global rallying cry, Canada’s institutions have abandoned the consensus of ‘Je suis Charlie’ The festive event took place against a tense backdrop. Toronto is among cities across Canada where police have reported an increase in antisemitic attacks, including shootings targeting synagogues, Jewish schools and businesses, since the joint U. S.-Israeli war against Iran began earlier this year. There have also been regular anti-Israel protests in Toronto since the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which was followed by Israel’s invasion of Gaza. Toronto Police warned ahead of the march that there would be a significant police presence to ensure that participants stayed safe and that demonstrators obeyed the law. Police reported a few skirmishes and six arrests as of late Sunday afternoon. Several dozen protesters waving Palestinian flags and signs condemning Israel’s invasion of Gaza gathered at an intersection along the route. A cordon of police officers stood between the two sides as demonstrators and marchers shouted at each other. Some walk participants tried to block protesters with a giant Israeli flag as others blasted dance music to drown out their chants. Walk With Israel draws tens of thousands in Toronto amid tight security. The Canadian Press Standing across the street with a hot pink megaphone, Noa Levy called for stronger laws against anti-Israel protests, which some in the Jewish community consider to be hate speech that should be prosecuted. “They’re here to hate us,” said Ms.