A record-breaking crowd of 60,000 people participated in Toronto’s annual pro-Israel demonstration, making it the biggest gathering in the event’s nearly six-decade history.
According to the UJA Federation, which coordinated and backed the demonstration, this year’s attendance surpassed all previous years since the march began 57 years ago.
The crowd assembled at Temple Sinai Congregation before walking down Bathurst Street. Those taking part displayed Israeli flags alongside Lion-and-Sun Iranian flags throughout the demonstration. Event coordinators reported that donation drives brought in over $670,000 Canadian dollars, though this amount didn’t reach their target of $780,000 that was set to commemorate 78 years since Israel’s independence.
Heavy security surrounded the demonstration, with Toronto police deploying officers on foot, bicycles, and horseback throughout the march route and surrounding areas. Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Frank Barredo had detailed these security plans during a Friday briefing.
Nate Leipciger, a 98-year-old Holocaust survivor, took part in the opening ceremony and performed the ribbon-cutting that officially began the walk.
Toronto-St. Paul’s Member of Parliament Leslie Church shared her thoughts about the event on X, stating that the large attendance showed “resilience, solidarity, and joy in the face of resurgent antisemitism.”
Meanwhile, opponents of Israel assembled at Earl Bales Park for their own demonstration called the Walk Against Israel.
Law enforcement made six arrests throughout the day. Officials reported that some protesters departed from their assigned demonstration zone, resulting in at least one clash with police.
Police identified one arrestee as 35-year-old John Eusebio, who reportedly spat at an officer during the confrontation.
