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On Sunday, Toronto witnessed an extraordinary display of solidarity as approximately 60,000 people participated in the Walk with Israel, marking the largest attendance in the event’s 57-year history. This gathering comes at a crucial time, as many attendees expressed deep concerns over the recent rise in antisemitic incidents across Canada, particularly in light of escalating tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
A Celebration of Unity and Resilience
The Walk with Israel, touted as Canada’s most significant Jewish community event, saw participants donning blue and white T-shirts, dancing and singing 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,” declared Josh Ublansky, a teacher who proudly displayed a pride flag featuring the Star of David around his neck.
The atmosphere was festive, yet underscored by a palpable tension. Toronto has faced a surge in antisemitic attacks, including violent incidents targeting synagogues and Jewish institutions, since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran earlier this year. The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing protests against Israel following the catastrophic Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, which led to Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza.
Safety Measures and Police Presence
In anticipation of potential unrest, Toronto Police announced a significant presence at the event to ensure the safety of participants and maintain order. While the march proceeded largely without incident, a few clashes were reported, resulting in six arrests by late Sunday afternoon. Some protesters, holding Palestinian flags and placards denouncing Israel’s actions, gathered at a key intersection along the route, prompting a police cordon to separate the two groups.
Noa Levy, a synagogue daycare worker who relocated from Israel in 2017, was among those calling for stricter legislation against anti-Israel protests, which she and others perceive as hate speech. “They’re here to hate us,” she stated, highlighting a sense of vulnerability within the community. “The law is not helping us, unfortunately. We should be more protected.”
Community Voices and Solidarity
For many marchers, attending the event was especially important given the recent surge in antisemitism. “This year it’s more important than ever to come to Walk with Israel to support the community, to show up, to stop hatred and show ourselves,” said Alexander Khemlin, who immigrated from Israel in 2014. Owen Gottfried, relying on a walker, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for unity: “We have to show in numbers, we have to show the unity. We’ve got to stand together.”
Despite this show of solidarity, some individuals opted not to attend due to fears surrounding their safety. Organisers collaborated closely with law enforcement to bolster security, as noted by Sara Lefton, chief development officer of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. “The unfortunate part is that we require a tremendous amount of security,” she remarked, acknowledging the challenging climate.
Allies Stand with the Jewish Community
Among the attendees were Iranian Canadians, who joined the march bearing pre-revolution flags, uniting in their opposition to the current Iranian regime. Salman Sima, an activist and former Iranian political prisoner, stated, “Our Jewish friends face rockets, bombs, missiles from the same regime. We have the same enemy, same history, same culture. Let’s fight this enemy together.” This solidarity reflects a broader understanding among diverse communities of the challenges faced by the Jewish population in Canada today.
Why it Matters
The Walk with Israel not only underscores the resilience of the Jewish community in Toronto but also highlights a growing awareness of the dangers posed by rising antisemitism in Canada. With participation levels at an all-time high, it is evident that many are determined to stand against hate and foster a spirit of unity. As tensions flare globally, the march serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community solidarity in the face of adversity, reaffirming a collective commitment to safety and support amidst uncertain times.
