Peloni: Wow! It is important for democratic nations to grasp the importance of opposing antisemitism, not just because their Jewish community members are citizens and deserve the full protections of the local laws, but because the weaponization of Jew Hatred is a violation of democratic norms, and it stands as a foreboding warning for the wider non-Jewish communities of what is coming for them. With this in mind, it is encouraging to see at least the people of Canada are responding with an ear to the assault on their values, institutions and people, even as their leadership acts quite to the contrary of this.
Organizers describe the 2026 event as the largest in the march’s history while police maintain a significant security presence amid counter-protests.
TheJ.ca Staff | TheJ.ca | June 7, 2026
Thousands of participants march through North York during Toronto’s 2026 Walk With Israel. Organizers estimated more than 60,000 people attended, making it the largest event in the walk’s history, while Toronto Police reported five arrests amid counter-protests. (Image: Supplied.)
More than 60,000 people took part in Toronto’s annual Walk With Israel on Sunday, according to organizers, making this year’s event the largest in the history of the longstanding pro-Israel march. The event proceeded under heavy security, with Toronto Police reporting five arrests during the day as participants and counter-protesters gathered along the route.
The annual march, organized by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, began near Temple Sinai Congregation and concluded at the Sherman Campus in North York. Organizers described the event as a demonstration of solidarity with Israel and a response to growing concerns about antisemitism in Canada.
Police maintained an extensive presence throughout the event, with enhanced security measures and road closures in place across the area. Toronto Police had announced in advance that additional officers would be deployed to ensure public safety following tensions and arrests at previous Walk With Israel events.
According to The Canadian Press, police confirmed that five individuals were arrested during Sunday’s event, including three men and two women. Authorities did not immediately release details regarding the specific charges.
Largest Turnout in Event History
Organizers estimated attendance exceeded 60,000 people, surpassing previous years and reflecting what they described as a strong show of support for Israel and the Toronto Jewish community. The Walk With Israel, now in its 57th year, is considered one of the largest Israel solidarity events in the world.
Sara Lefton, Chief Development Officer of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, said the size of the crowd reflected both solidarity with Israel and concerns about the rise of antisemitism.
“For the Jewish community, we’ve seen more hate in recent years than ever before directed at our community,” Lefton told The Canadian Press. “And it’s not just a Jewish issue, this is an issue for all Canadians.”
She described the walk as a public statement that hatred is unacceptable. She said the event served as “a moment of unity and solidarity for the Jewish community and the people of Israel.”
According to event organizers, funds raised through the walk support programs and services in Israel, including assistance for communities affected by war, displacement, and ongoing security challenges. UJA’s fundraising goal for the 2026 event was set at $780,000, symbolizing Israel’s 78th year as an independent state.
Counter-Protests and Security Measures
As in previous years, the march attracted counter-protesters opposed to Israel. Reports from the scene indicated that tensions occasionally flared, with participants and counter-protesters exchanging verbal insults while being separated by police officers and barricades.
Despite those confrontations, there were no reports of major violence disrupting the event.
Toronto Police and the Jewish Security Network worked closely with organizers in developing security plans for the march and festival. UJA had advised participants before the event to avoid engaging with anti-Israel protesters and to focus on the purpose of the gathering.
The heightened security environment reflected ongoing concerns within Toronto’s Jewish community. Organizers acknowledged that many attendees were mindful of rising antisemitism and security incidents that have affected Jewish institutions across Canada since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Diverse Participation
Among those participating in the walk were members of Toronto’s Jewish community as well as non-Jewish allies.
The Canadian Press reported that one participant, Mona Arablengh, an Iranian Canadian, rejected the notion that support for Israel conflicted with support for the Iranian people.
“We’re really proud to be friends with Israel,” Arablengh said, describing what she viewed as longstanding ties between the two peoples and expressing support for democratic values.
Organizers emphasized that the walk was open to supporters from all backgrounds and faith communities. Event materials described the gathering as a demonstration of Jewish pride, solidarity with Israelis facing ongoing conflict, and support for the broader Jewish community.
Continuing Symbol of Community Support
The 2026 Walk With Israel took place amid continuing debates in Canada regarding the Middle East conflict, campus activism, rising antisemitism, and public demonstrations related to the war in Gaza.
For many participants, however, Sunday’s event was focused on community solidarity and support for Israel rather than political debate.
The large turnout suggests that despite security concerns and opposition protests, support for Israel remains a significant mobilizing force within Toronto’s Jewish community. The event’s record attendance also underscored the determination of many participants to gather publicly and visibly in support of Israel at a time of heightened tensions both internationally and domestically.
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