Record-Breaking Crowd of 60,000 Joins Toronto’s Walk with Israel Amid Rising Antisemitism

TORONTO — A record-breaking crowd of approximately 60,000 people filled Toronto’s Bathurst Street on Sunday for the annual Walk with Israel, transforming the city’s Jewish corridor into a sea of blue and white flags in what organizers described as both a celebration of community and a powerful demonstration against rising antisemitism in Canada.

According to the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Toronto Police Service estimates placed attendance at 60,000 participants, surpassing last year’s turnout by roughly 4,000 people and marking the largest gathering in the event’s 57-year history.

“It’s been a fabulous day,” said Sara Lefton, UJA’s chief development officer, as thousands of participants made their way from Temple Sinai Congregation toward the festival grounds at UJA’s Sherman Campus.

The event unfolded under heightened security, with an increased police presence following concerns about potential disruptions from anti-Israel and anti-Jewish protesters. Officers were stationed along the route as demonstrators gathered behind barriers, shouting chants and insults at participants.

At some locations, volunteers held large Israeli flags to shield marchers from the protesters, creating visual barriers while chants remained audible.

Toronto police reported multiple arrests during the event. Authorities said a woman was arrested for allegedly obstructing a police officer before the walk began, while a man was taken into custody for allegedly assaulting an officer. Another woman was arrested for an alleged breach of the peace, and a man was fined under Canadian aviation regulations for allegedly operating a remotely piloted aircraft system without authorization.

Later in the day, police reported an additional arrest for an alleged assault near Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue, while another woman was detained in Earl Bales Park for allegedly obstructing officers.

Despite the tensions, organizers emphasized the event’s positive atmosphere and broad support. Lefton noted that participation from allies outside the Jewish community exceeded previous years and offered a significant source of encouragement.

“The support we’ve seen from allies is way beyond what we’ve witnessed before,” she said, describing it as evidence that many Canadians are committed to opposing hatred and extremism.

Among the crowd were approximately 30 Indigenous representatives from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, including current and former Chiefs, Grand Chiefs, and community leaders. Iranian flags associated with the era of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi were also visible among participants.

UJA President and CEO Adam Minsky described the event as an extraordinary display of solidarity and pride.

“What we witnessed today was an extraordinary expression of solidarity, Jewish pride, and hope,” Minsky said in a statement. “Tens of thousands of people chose to come together publicly and proudly in support of our community, our values, and our connection to Israel.”

The walk took place against a backdrop of increasing concern over antisemitism across Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. Jewish institutions have faced vandalism, members of the community have reported assaults, and Jewish Canadians continue to be disproportionately targeted in police-reported religious hate crimes.

Lefton said the impact of growing hostility has extended into daily life, including heightened security measures at schools and repeated lockdown drills.

“These are experiences that can leave people feeling isolated,” she said. “Moments like today, when we can celebrate together and feel the strength of community and broader Canadian support, are incredibly important.”

The event came just days after Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that antisemitism in Canada has reached levels “not seen in the post-war period.” Speaking at a Toronto synagogue last week, Carney said Canada is “failing Jewish Canadians” and announced the creation of a federal advisory council tasked with examining the causes of antisemitism, improving hate-crime data collection, and reviewing policies related to education, prevention, and community safety.

Neither Carney nor any federal party leader attended Sunday’s march. However, several federal politicians were present, including Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman and Conservative MPs Roman Baber, Jacob Mantle, and Anna Roberts. Liberal MPs Vince Gasparro, Ali Ehsassi, and Leslie Church also participated.

“No Canadian should ever feel unsafe for who they are or how they worship,” Gasparro wrote on social media. “Combatting antisemitism is a responsibility shared by every level of government and part of our society.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow were not in attendance. Representing the provincial government was York Centre MPP Michael Kerzner, who reiterated his support for the Jewish community and Israel.

Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford also attended with his family, stating that the walk represented support for peace, justice, pluralism, and a city that is welcoming and safe for all residents.

Following the event, Jewish civil rights organization Tafsik pointed to the massive turnout as evidence of widespread support for Israel within Canada’s Jewish community.

As the crowds dispersed after a day marked by celebration, security, and political symbolism, organizers said the record attendance reflected a community determined to stand together in the face of growing challenges while publicly affirming its identity and connection to Israel.