People participate in the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel march in Toronto on Sunday, June 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sandra Ezekwesili
People participate in the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel march in Toronto on Sunday, June 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sandra Ezekwesili
People participate in the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel march in Toronto on Sunday, May 25, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey
AMA
People participate in the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel march in Toronto on Sunday, June 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sandra Ezekwesili
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People participate in the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel march in Toronto on Sunday, June 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sandra Ezekwesili
TORONTO - Police were out in force to prevent clashes at Sunday's annual Walk With Israel in Toronto.聽
Organizers said this year鈥檚 turnout was the largest in the event鈥檚 history, estimating more than 60,000 people attended the march, now in its 57th year.
Sara Lefton, chief development officer at UJA Federation, said the size of the crowd reflected both solidarity with Israel and concern about rising antisemitism in Canada.
鈥淔or the Jewish community, we've seen more hate in recent years than ever before directed at our community,鈥 Lefton said. 鈥淎nd it's not just a Jewish issue, this is an issue for all Canadians.鈥
She said organizers viewed the event as a message that 鈥渉ate is not acceptable in our country鈥 and described the walk as 鈥渁 moment of unity and solidarity for the Jewish community and the people of Israel.鈥
Among those taking part was Mona Arablengh, an Iranian who rejected the idea that supporting Israel was a betrayal of Iranians.
Arablengh said the alliance was viewed negatively by Iran鈥檚 Islamic Republic government, but not by many Iranians themselves.聽
鈥淔or my people, no, it's not a betrayal,鈥 Arablengh said. She pointed to what she described as a long history between the two peoples and called Israel 鈥渁 democratic country鈥 whose values she supports. 鈥淲e're really proud to be friends with Israel,鈥 she said.
But the walk was not without opposition. There were counter-protesters as well.聽
At one point during the walk, participants and counter-protesters were hurling insults at each other, separated by dozens of police officers and barricades.聽
Lefton rejected suggestions the event was divisive, saying it was meant to celebrate 鈥渟hared values鈥 including freedom and democracy.
Police, who increased their presence this year, confirmed six people were arrested, including three men and three women.聽
The event comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and repeated protests in Canada over the war in Gaza.
This report by 国产诱惑福利 was first published June 7, 2026.