Over 50,000 Join Toronto’s ‘Walk With Israel’ in Show of Solidarity Following Embassy Killings
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Tens of thousands took to the streets of Toronto on Sunday waving Israeli flags and voicing support for the Jewish state at the United Jewish Appeal’s annual Walk With Israel. Organizers say the event drew 56,000 participants — the largest crowd in its decades-long history.
The 3.7-kilometre march came just days after the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., intensifying calls for Jewish solidarity and public support. Among the crowd was former Iranian political prisoner Salman Sima, who joined some 200 Iranian-Canadians in marching. “We share the same pain and the same cause,” Sima said. “This is real unity and we show it in action.”
However, the event also drew roughly 300 counter-protesters waving Palestinian flags. Though no serious incidents were reported, some participants expressed concern over the close proximity of demonstrators and criticized police for allowing them to intermingle.
“There should’ve been a buffer zone,” said Guidy Mamann, president of the Toronto Zionist Council. “The shouting was provocative and at times racist, but thankfully no major incidents occurred.”
Toronto police had pre-announced a heavy presence and designated protest zones. “Intimidation, harassment, hate speech, or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated,” said Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue.
Despite tensions, many described the day as uplifting. “The streets came alive,” said clinical psychologist Eynat Katz. “It was a powerful display of unity, resilience, and unwavering love for Israel.”
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