Walk with Israel is an annual pro-Israel fundraising walk and community event held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Organized by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the event raises funds for programs in Israel and is promoted by the federation as a public expression of support for Israel and Jewish communal life in Toronto.[1] The modern walk follows a 3.9 kilometre (2.5 mile) route along Bathurst Street.[2]
| Walk with Israel | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Fundraising walk; community demonstration |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Locations | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Country | Canada |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Founder | United Jewish Welfare Fund of Toronto |
| Attendance | More than 60,000 claimed by organizers in 2026 |
| Organised by | UJA Federation of Greater Toronto |
| Website | walkwithisrael |
The event began in May 1970 as the "Walk for Jewish Survival", that raised money for the UJA-Israel Special Fund. According to the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, it became the largest single community event for Jewish Toronto, with funds designated for Israel.[3] In the 2020s, the walk received increased public attention because of security concerns, pro-Palestinian counter-protests, and arrests at or near the event following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war.
The event attracted more than 56,000 people in 2025 and more than 60,000 in 2026, surpassing the turnout to New York City's Israel Day Parade, and making it the largest annual pro-Israel rally outside of Israel.[4]
History
editThe first Walk with Israel was organized in May 1970 by Toronto's Jewish communal fundraising organization under the name "Walk for Jewish Survival". The original route was 35 kilometres (22 miles), and funds raised were directed to the UJA-Israel Special Fund.[3] The event later became known as Walk with Israel and continued as an annual fundraising and solidarity event associated with Toronto's Jewish community.
The walk has generally been held in the spring. The event is usually held along an approximately 4 kilometre stretch of Bathurst Street in North York and includes a walk followed by a festival, though for a time it was held along Lake Shore Boulevard along Lake Ontario around Exhibition Place.[5] In 2026, the UJA Federation listed Temple Sinai Congregation on Wilson Avenue as the starting point and Sherman Campus on Bathurst Street as the site of the Walk Festival.[1]
Purpose and organization
editThe UJA Federation describes Walk with Israel as a fundraising event for "Israelis in need" and as a celebration of Jewish life and Jewish communal pride in Toronto.[1] The federation's 2026 event materials stated that money raised through the walk would support people in Israel affected by conflict, evacuations, and related humanitarian needs.[6]
Participation usually requires registration for festival access. In 2026, the public event page advertised registration packages that included a walk T-shirt, festival wristband, and meal ticket, while fundraising was encouraged separately.[6]
Attendance
editAttendance figures are generally reported from organizers or police estimates. In 2025, The Jerusalem Post reported that more than 56,000 people participated in the 56th annual Walk with Israel, citing the Toronto Police Service.[7] Attendance has increased over the past decade; 17,000 were estimated to have attended in 2017.[5]
In 2026, Toronto Police estimated the turnout at 60,000 participants, which organizers described as the largest turnout in the event's 57-year history.[2][8][9]
Counter-protests and security
editThe walk has been the subject of counter-protests, particularly during the Gaza war. UJA's public frequently asked questions for the event stated that the federation coordinated security planning with the Jewish Security Network and Toronto police, and that police would create a buffer between protesters and walk participants.[10]
2024
editThe 2024 Walk with Israel took place amid heightened security and pro-Palestinian protests along the route. Toronto police said six people were arrested, ranging in age from 22 to 75.[11] Police alleged that one accused displayed antisemitic messages and was charged with public incitement of hatred, and that another threw an Israeli flag to the ground and stomped on it, causing police to separate him from demonstrators.[11] Another accused was charged with assault after allegedly bumping into a woman wearing a keffiyeh and holding her child, causing her to stumble.[11]
2025
editIn May 2025, Israel's National Security Council raised its travel alert for Canada to a "potential threat level" on the same day as Walk with Israel events and related demonstrations were taking place in Canadian cities. Global News reported that Toronto police said they had increased their presence after becoming aware of plans by some individuals to interfere with the Toronto event.[12] Police arrested and charged a man with mischief and causing a disturbance after he allegedly yelled antisemitic slurs at attendees.[12]
Global News reported that police lines and barricades separated pro-Palestinian protesters from Walk with Israel participants in Toronto.[12] The Jerusalem Post reported that pro-Palestinian groups, including Durham Region 4 Palestine, staged counter-protests and that police arrested a 57-year-old man for allegedly yelling antisemitic slurs at attendees.[7]
2026
editBefore the 2026 event, the Toronto Police Service announced traffic restrictions and enhanced security measures for the walk, including road closures on Wilson Avenue and Bathurst Street and an increased police presence.[13] Global News reported that Deputy Police Chief Frank Barredo said hundreds of additional officers would be present at the June 7, 2026, event following hate crimes targeting the Jewish community and clashes at the previous year's walk.[14]
At the 2026 walk, Canadian Press reported that counter-protesters were present and that at one point participants and counter-protesters hurled insults at each other while separated by police officers and barricades.[8] Toronto police confirmed six arrests, including three men and three women.[8] JNS reported that the arrests included allegations of obstructing a peace officer, assaulting a peace officer, breaching the peace, operating a remotely piloted aircraft system, and assault.[9]
Reception
editSupporters and organizers have described Walk with Israel as a demonstration of solidarity with Israel and as an expression of Jewish pride and communal resilience. UJA Federation officials linked strong attendance in 2025 and 2026 to support for Israel and to concern about rising antisemitism in Canada.[7][8]
Critics and counter-protesters have opposed the event as a pro-Israel demonstration during the Gaza war. Media coverage since 2024 has emphasized the presence of pro-Palestinian counter-protests, heavy police deployment, barricades, and arrests at or around the event.[8][11][12]
See also
editReferences
edit- 1 2 3 "UJA | Walk with Israel". UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "Tens of thousands take part in Israel solidarity walk in Toronto amid tight security, Toronto police arrest 6". CBC News. June 7, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "History". UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- ↑ Heller, Matilda (May 26, 2025). "Thousands take to Toronto in Giant Walk for Israel, surpassing even NYC parade". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "Annual Walk With Israel expects to raise $1 million". Canadian Jewish News. May 18, 2015. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "2026 UJA Walk with Israel". Walk with Israel. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Heller, Mathilda (May 26, 2025). "Thousands take to Toronto in Giant Walk for Israel, surpassing even NYC parade". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Ezekwesili, Sandra (June 7, 2026). "6 arrested at the Walk With Israel event in Toronto". CityNews Toronto. The Canadian Press. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "60,000 take part in pro-Israel walk in Toronto, biggest turnout in event's 57-year history, organizers say". Jewish News Syndicate. June 7, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- ↑ "FAQ". Walk with Israel. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "6 people arrested at Walk with Israel event, Toronto police say". Global News. The Canadian Press. June 10, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Boynton, Sean (May 25, 2025). "Israel raises alert for travellers to Canada, warning of 'increased threat'". Global News. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- ↑ "Traffic Restrictions and Enhanced Security for Walk with Israel Event". Toronto Police Service. June 4, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- ↑ "Increased police presence for Walk with Israel after clashes, arrests last year". Global News. June 5, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.