Walk with Israel draws massive police presence Sunday
Toronto Police deploy uniformed and undercover officers as an estimated 56,000 people march in support of Israel amid rising antisemitic incidents in the city.
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Toronto's annual Walk with Israel took place Sunday with a significant police presence aimed at maintaining public safety. The event, organized by the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto, drew an estimated turnout similar to last year's 56,000 participants.
The 3.9-kilometre march began at Temple Sinai Congregation on Wilson Avenue, traveled north on Bathurst Street, and concluded at UJA's Sherman Campus. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said the police presence would be "very significant," with officers on foot, bicycle, and horseback, along with helmeted personnel and specialized equipment. Undercover officers were also deployed, and hostile vehicle mitigation devices were positioned at key intersections.
Police prepared extensively for Bathurst and Sheppard Avenue West, where protesters congregated last year. Officers from York, Durham, and Peel regions, as well as the Ontario Provincial Police, were on hand. Road closures remained in effect until 4 p.m. along Wilson Avenue and Bathurst Street.
The walk comes as Toronto has seen an increase in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. This marked the 57th year the walk has been held in Toronto.