Police were out in force to prevent clashes at Sunday’s annual Walk With Israel in Toronto.
Organizers said this year’s turnout was the largest in the event’s 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.
“For the Jewish community, we’ve seen more hate in recent years than ever before directed at our community,” Lefton said. “And it’s not just a Jewish issue, this is an issue for all Canadians.”
She said organizers viewed the event as a message that “hate is not acceptable in our country” and described the walk as “a moment of unity and solidarity for the Jewish community and the people of Israel.”
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’s Islamic Republic government, but not by many Iranians themselves.
“For my people, no, it’s not a betrayal,” Arablengh said. She pointed to what she described as a long history between the two peoples and called Israel “a democratic country” whose values she supports. “We’re really proud to be friends with Israel,” she said.
But the walk was not without opposition. There were counter-protesters as well.
At one point during the walk, participants and counter-protesters were hurling insults at each other, separated by dozens of police officers and barricades.
Lefton rejected suggestions the event was divisive, saying it was meant to celebrate “shared values” including freedom and democracy.
Police, who increased their presence this year, confirmed six people were arrested, including three men and three women.
The event comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and repeated protests in Canada over the war in Gaza.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2026.
By Sandra Ezekwesili | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.