Full Breakdown
Record Turnout and Heightened Security at Toronto’s Walk with Israel
6/8/2026, 12:53:07 AM
Event Overview
On June 7, 2026, the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of Greater Toronto held the 57th Walk with Israel. The 3.9-km march started at Temple Sinai Congregation on Wilson Avenue, moved north on Bathurst Street, and finished at the UJA Sherman Campus. Organizers described the event as a fundraiser and a public show of support for Israel during the Gaza war.
Security Measures
TPS deployed officers on foot, bicycles, horseback and in vehicles with helmets, long guns and hostile-vehicle mitigation devices. Undercover officers and hate-crime experts patrolled the route, and units from York, Durham and Peel supplemented the force. Barriers and road closures on Wilson Avenue, Avenue Road and Bathurst Street were in place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participation & Counter-Protest
UJA estimated about 60,000 participants, up from 56,000 last year. Marchers displayed Israeli flags alongside Iranian and Canadian flags. Police expected 50-150 counter-protesters; a group gathered near Bathurst and Sheppard, while barricades kept the crowds apart.
Official Statements
Sara Lefton, UJA chief development officer, said the walk signaled solidarity with Israel, adding “hate is not acceptable in our country.” TPS Chief Myron Demkiw emphasized a peaceful march and pledged police action against criminal conduct. Deputy Chief Frank Barredo called the security plan “robust,” aimed at creating a buffer between walkers and demonstrators.
Criticism & Opposition
Community leaders warned the “blurry line” between lawful protest and hate-crime could breach Charter rights. Barredo acknowledged the tension; Demkiw said provincial authorities might consider emergency powers. Critics say this rhetoric risks curtailing legitimate dissent.
On-the-Ground Incidents
Police logged five arrests: a woman obstructing an officer at 8:40 a.m., a man assaulting an officer at 10:20 a.m., a drone operator at 11:00 a.m., a breach-of-peace at 11:45 a.m., and a second assault at 1:00 p.m. A sixth arrest for obstruction occurred before 2 p.m., bringing the total to six.
Data & Conflicts
Estimates of participants range from 56,000 to 60,000, and police reported five to six arrests. No official figure for deployed officers was released, leaving the scale of the police presence unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You are going to see a very substantial police presence and police response,” — Myron Demkiw, Toronto Police Chief
- “For the Jewish community, we’ve seen more hate in recent years than ever before directed at our community,” — Sara Lefton, UJA Federation
- “Lawful protest is a fundamental right in Canada and Toronto police remains committed to protecting that right.” — Frank Barredo, Deputy Chief
Outlook
TPS said monitoring for hate speech will continue, and UJA plans to review security protocols for next year’s walk. Community groups expect dialogue on balancing public safety with the right to protest.
