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Epoch Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Tens of Thousands Take Part in Toronto's ‘Walk With Israel'
TORONTO—Crowds waving Israeli flags showed their support for the Jewish state in Toronto on May 25, in an event organizers say featured some 56,000 people joining the United Jewish Appeal's Walk With Israel. The event, held annually since 1970, came a few days after two Israeli Embassy staffers were Various allies of the Jewish community participated in the May 25 walk, including Salman Sima, a former Iranian political prisoner now living in Toronto, who said he joined some 200 other Iranians who took part. (L-R) Sima Dini, Guidy Mamann, Salman Sima, and Taimaz Hafezi take part in the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel event in Toronto on May 25, 2025. Dave Gordon for The Epoch Times He held a sign that said 'we stand with Yaron Lischinsky,' referring to one of the two people murdered in Washington last week outside the Israeli Embassy. Sima said the Toronto event had 'very positive vibes,' and added that he believes Iranians and the Jewish people have common ground in battling Islamic extremists. 'We share the same pain and the same cause,' he said. 'This is real unity and we show it in action.' Related Stories 5/22/2025 5/7/2025 The 3.7-kilometre walk began at Temple Sinai off Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue in North York, and ended at the Sherman Campus, known as the Jewish community centre, near Sheppard Avenue, where there were various entertainers and exhibitors. According to the Jewish Virtual Library, Ontario's Jewish population is roughly 212,000, nearly 60 percent of all Jews in Canada, while about 180,000 of those are in the Toronto area. Law Enforcement The event also drew about 300 counter-protesters, many waving Palestinian flags and walking through the street, bookended by Toronto police. Police People take part in the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel event in Toronto on May 25, 2025. Dave Gordon for The Epoch Times In light of continued protests at Jewish places of worship and neighbourhoods, and even shootings at Jewish schools and acts of vandalism against Jewish-owned businesses, some participants in the Walk With Israel said they wanted more coordination from the police to separate the counter-protesters. In one incident, police tried to remove parade participant Noah David Alter, who confronted a counter-protester at the Holocaust memorial at Earl Bales Park. Alter told The Epoch Times that he decided to confront the person because he 'didn't think that was appropriate.' In a Participant Lana Kogan said despite mentions of 'designated areas' for the counter-protesters by police, there were anti-Israel protesters who walked in the same area as parade participants. 'It was a provocation. Who gave them permission to go with us? Was it approved by police?' Kogan said. Guidy Mamann, president of the Toronto Zionist Council, said the anti-Israel counter-protesters were 'far enough away from us,' though they were shouting things that to him that were 'distasteful, things that are untrue, things that are provocative,' and even 'racist.' Still, he said he was surprised there was no intervention by law enforcement to prevent counter-protesters on both sides of the street. 'So a lot of hate-filled messages [were said] in stereo. Really, they should have kept them all on one side of the street and created a buffer zone, but that didn't happen. But thank God, as far as I know, nothing serious happened,' Mamann said. 'The truth is, if you're going to be Jewish in a community like ours, in a multicultural community like ours, unfortunately, we don't have a choice.' Mamann later directed the pro-Israel rally at Bathurst St. and Sheppard Ave., as he's done for the 86th week in a row. Police had set up barriers around some areas of the walk. Deputy Chief Pogue said the police uphold the 'right to peaceful assembly and expression, but intimidation, harassment, hate speech, or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.' 'We are committed to maintaining public order, enforcing the law and ensuring that everyone can exercise their rights lawfully and without fear,' she said. Counter-protesters holding Palestinian flags gather along the route of the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel, in Toronto on May 25, 2025. The Canadian Press/Arlyn McAdorey 'The Streets Came Alive' Eynat Katz, a clinical psychologist, said the walk was 'nothing short of extraordinary.' 'To walk shoulder-to-shoulder with 56,000 proud Zionists, each with their heads held high and hearts full of pride, was an unforgettable experience. The streets came alive,' she said, in 'voices united in strength, resilience, and unwavering love for Israel.' Katz added that the 'energy was electric—a powerful display of unity, identity, and hope' and that for her, the event symbolized coming together 'as one people, with one voice, standing tall for the Jewish homeland.' Tafsik, a Toronto-based civil rights organization launched in February 2024, said it had brought about 1,200 people to join in the event, from various ethnic communities, including Hindu, Christian, Yazidi, and Iranian. Olga Goldberg told The Epoch Times that 'the walk brought all the best that the community has to offer: family, friendship, and Jewish pride.'
Globe and Mail
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Annual Walk With Israel held Sunday
As more than 55,000 people participated in the 56th Annual Walk With Israel event in Toronto on Sunday, pro-Palestinian protesters lined part of the route. The event, which organizers say is Canada's largest Jewish community gathering, was taking place after a week of redoubled international tension over Israel's war in Gaza. But it remained peaceful despite concerns from organizers and police. 'The Jewish community lives with huge risk to their security every day,' said Sara Lefton, chief development officer at the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto and organizer of Walk With Israel. This was no exception, she added. To back up a substantial police presence, event organizers had enlisted the Jewish Security Network, an independent agency focused on the security needs of the Greater Toronto Jewish community. 'We have a multilayered plan for today,' Ms. Lefton said. The event came almost one week after Prime Minister Mark Carney threatened sanctions against Israel in reaction to the country's renewed military offensive in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry says that 3,785 people have been killed in the territory since Israel ended a ceasefire in March, with Israeli strikes killing at least 38 people, including children, in a 24-hour period ending Sunday. On Wednesday, two Israeli embassy staff members were killed in Washington, allegedly by a man who yelled 'Free, free Palestine' when he was arrested. And on Saturday, the Toronto Police Service arrested a 26-year-old city man, who is accused of online death threats against the Israeli community. Donations from the Toronto event will go toward families and communities affected by the violent attack at the Nova music festival, part of Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds taken hostage. Omri Kohavi, a survivor from the festival, attended the Toronto event Sunday. 'My mission is to share our story,' Mr. Kohavi said. 'To share our truth. It is not political.' Before the walk began, from a stage at Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto, rapper Kosha Dillz pumped up the crowd with lines about 'hiding from the enemy' and 'children can't eat school lunches,' referring to students feeling safe at schools. The loudspeakers also blasted the Canadian national anthem. During the walk, the sea of Israel supporters – dressed in white and blue, and carrying Israeli and Canadian flags – was accompanied by a float with a DJ and dance crew. Amit Singh was carrying a sign that 'India for Israel.' Iranians for Israel walked nearby. Some wore bulletproof vests. A sign read: 'Ancient civilizations are united. A new day will rise.' On the side of the road, outside a local synagogue, teenage boys tied tefillin to the arms and heads of passing men. The small black leather boxes contain verses from the Torah. 'The world is so dark,' said Goldie Plotkin, the wife of the synagogue's rabbi. 'This reminds every man who you are … to have charity and to be kind.' To Ms. Plotkin, the walk is a symbol of Jewish defiance in the face of antisemitism. 'You start with the Jews, you're going to be done,' she said. Toward the end of the route – at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue – the march passed through crowds of pro-Palestinian protesters, separated by barriers and two lines of police officers. Two armed officers stood on the roof of a building overlooking the intersection. Protesters held signs that read: 'Oppose the Palestinian holocaust.' Some depicted images of starving children. Israel blocked the import of all food, medicine and fuel into Gaza for 2½ months before allowing a small amount to trickle in last week, after experts warned of famine and the state's top allies applied pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu's government. 'When food is politicized, it is illegal,' said Ahmed Jarrar, a Palestinian man and organizer of the protest, adding that it was his duty to peacefully object to the event. Rabbi Dovid Feldman stood among the protesters. He had travelled from New York and was joined by several other Jewish men from Montreal who form the group Jews United Against Zionism. 'We are deeply embarrassed when all this is done in our name. This is not Judaism, and this is not humanity,' he said. A member of the passing crowd yelled 'Fake Jew' at the rabbi. Uri Stramer, 19, stood on the sidelines of the march handing out pamphlets for Mr. Netanyahu's left-wing political opposition. Mr. Stramer was born in Israel but moved to Canada in 2015. His parents could no longer be complicit in the actions of Israel's government, he said. It had been a tough day, he said. People were dismissive and often angry. 'It's a difficult crowd. We exist in a very difficult space.'
Toronto Sun
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
KINSELLA: Walk With Israel attracts huge crowd for peaceful march in Toronto
More than 56,000 people took part in the Walk With Israel on Sunday. (Naomi Parness Photo) More than 56,000 people — that's a record, for a peaceful march within the City of Toronto. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Raptors victory parade in 2020 allegedly attracted 2 million people. The SARS concert at Downsview in 2003 brought together a reported half-million people. But for a march? The record for that seems to have happened on Sunday morning, when 56,000 Jews and Jewish allies marched along Bathurst St. to celebrate Israel and Canada. The 56th annual United Jewish Appeal's Walk With Israel is the largest event of its type in Canada, and is one of the biggest such events in the world. This year's march exceeded all expectations, organizers said — the mid-afternoon downpour notwithstanding. Recommended video 'This was a momentous day for our community,' said Ken Tanenbaum, who is the chair of UJA Federation for Greater Toronto. 'The large turnout is a testament to our shared commitment to Israel and to the strength of our diverse community in Toronto. At a time when Jewish communities around the world face rising hatred, today we walked together with pride and purpose.' And they did. The march kicked off at 9 a.m. with a singing of Canada's national anthem at Temple Sinai on Wilson Ave., and then travelled up Bathurst St. to the 270-acre Sherman Campus. There, families were treated to musical performers like rapper Kesha Dillz and a capella band Six13. Spotted in the crowd were notables like Minister of Emergency Preparedness Jill Dunlop, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, rumoured mayoral candidate Brad Bradford, and AM640 radio hosts Ben Mulroney and Alex Pierson. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Said Mulroney on X: 'No masks, no anger, just pride, positivity and inclusion. Toronto's Walk With Israel was a manifestation of what Toronto can be once again.' Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw, who has been strongly criticized by the Jewish community for an ineffective approach to a wave of antisemitic crime that has buffeted the city, also made an appearance. Demkiw waded through the crowd on Bathurst St. early in the march, and no one could be seen shaking his hand or extending greetings. Meanwhile, Adam Minsky, president of the UJA Federation, said: 'What we saw today was more than just a large gathering. It was a declaration. Thousands of Jewish Torontonians and allies came together to stand for democracy, peace, and the right of Jews to live safely — in Israel and here in Canada. We are grateful for every person who walked shoulder-to-shoulder with us today.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. More than 56,000 people attended Sunday's Walk With Israel in Toronto. (VICTORIA MANCINELLI PHOTO) A small contingent of pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas protesters showed up, as well, but numbered only a few dozen. A phalanx of police kept the anti-Israel types boxed in to two small areas along the march route. The protesters tried to engage the marchers, but were mostly ignored by those walking by. The Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel — in which 1,200 men, women, children and babies were slaughtered, and 250 people were kidnapped — was an important theme at the event. A survivor of the Nova Music Festival, where Hamas slaughtered 350 young people on Oct. 7, was also present. Donations to the event were used to pay for organization and rentals, as well as programs sponsored by UJA in Bat Yam, Sderot, and Eilat/Eilot — three Israeli communities hit particularly hard by the atrocities of Oct. 7. Toronto Blue Jays Columnists Sunshine Girls Toronto Blue Jays Toronto & GTA
Global News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Israel raises alert for travellers to Canada, warning of ‘increased threat'
Israel raised its travel alert for Canada to a 'potential threat level' on Sunday, warning of 'an increased threat by terrorists against Israelis and Jews in Canada.' The warning issued by Israel's National Security Council came on the same day as demonstrators gathered in Toronto, Vancouver and other Canadian cities for the United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk with Israel event. 'Today (Sunday), anti-Israel organizations in Canada are planning to hold protests and demonstrations … in opposition to rallies in support of Israel,' the Israeli notice says. 'In the past few days, the discourse surrounding these events has become more radical, including what could be understood as calls to violently harm Israelis and Jews at these events.' The notice recommends attendees at the Walk with Israel events follow the instructions and advice of police and security officials 'and avoid any friction with the anti-Israel protests.' Story continues below advertisement Toronto police said Sunday they had arrested a man for causing a 'disturbance' at the Walk with Israel event in that city. They did not immediately release further details. 2:15 Canada-Israel tensions rise after Carney's sanction threat, IDF shots fired near Canadian diplomats Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said in a statement Friday that police were 'aware of plans by some individuals to interfere with the event' in Toronto and would have 'a strong presence in and around' the demonstration along with regional policing agencies. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Canadian Jewish organizations have hosted the Walk with Israel event, though sometimes under different names, for more than 50 years. In its notice Sunday, Israel's National Security Council further warned Israelis travelling to Canada and those who are already in the country to 'exercise increased precautionary measures, avoid displaying Jewish and Israeli symbols in public and remain extra vigilant while in public.' Story continues below advertisement The warning notes a rise in attacks and threats against Jewish institutions and centres in Canada over the past 18 months since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel's military began bombarding Gaza in response. Earlier Sunday, police said a Toronto man was arrested after allegedly posting 'several hate-motivated death threats against the Israeli community on social media' between Wednesday and Saturday. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Basel Al-Sukhon, was arrested Saturday and charged with uttering threats and 'indecent communications.' 2:05 First 90 aid trucks reach Gaza, but UN says it's not nearly enough That arrest came the same day as Toronto police requested the public's help identifying a suspect who allegedly vandalized signs on the front lawn of a synagogue in the area of Bayview Avenue and York Mills Road on Dec. 2, 2024. Toronto police said Saturday the same suspect is believed to have returned to the synagogue and vandalized its signs on Dec. 20, 2024, and later vandalized signs at three other synagogues along Bayview Avenue on May 18. Story continues below advertisement 'This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence,' police said in a statement. Sunday's demonstrations were held as Israel continued its renewed military offensive in Gaza after a ceasefire with Hamas ended in March. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours killed at least 38 people. Israel has vowed to secure the release of all hostages Hamas still holds in Gaza, which Hamas has said it will only do in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Israel also blocked the import of all food, medicine and fuel for two-and-a-half months before letting some aid enter Gaza last week, after experts' warnings of famine and pressure from some of Israel's top allies — including Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney released a joint statement with the leaders of France and the United Kingdom calling on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza or face 'concrete actions,' including sanctions. The statement drew fierce criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. 'No more rampaging anti-Semitic riots on Canadian streets,' Poilievre said in a speech to the Conservative caucus in Ottawa on Sunday, without referring specifically to the Walk with Israel events. Israel says it plans to seize full control of Gaza and facilitate what it describes as the voluntary migration of much of its population of more than 2 million Palestinians, a plan rejected by Palestinians and much of the international community. Story continues below advertisement —with files from the Associated Press
Toronto Sun
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
WARMINGTON: York Centre MP pleas for Walk With Israel attendees to be kept safe
Turning a blind eye to anti-Israel protesters is going to lead to someone being hurt or killed in the city Get the latest from Joe Warmington straight to your inbox As many as 50,000 people took to the streets of North York (seen in this file photo) last year for United Jewish Appeal's annual Walk With Israel event and the crowd is expected to be just as big for the UJA's 56th annual march on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Photo by Arlyn McAdorey / THE CANADIAN PRESS 'Enough is enough!' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Those were among the many strong words newly-elected Conservative MP Roman Baber used to describe the ongoing scourge of threats and violence against Jews in Toronto. And the York Centre MP called out Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw and Mayor Olivia Chow in an emotional video appeal he posted to his X account on Saturday. Calling a planned counter protest – dubbed Walk Against Israel – against Sunday's 56th annual United Jewish Appeal's Walk With Israel concerning, Baber urged Demkiw and Chow to ensure the laws are strictly enforced. 'I love Toronto Police,' Baber wrote on X. 'But its Leadership has largely turned a blind eye to the hate crimes that terrorize Toronto's Jewish Community.' 'Mayor Olivia Chow and Chief Demkiw must fix this before someone is killed!' he pleaded. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Conservative MP Roman Baber, who represents York Centre, took to social media on Saturday to urge Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw and Mayor Olivia Chow to ensure laws are enforced during the 56th annual UJA's Walk With Israel on Sunday, May 25, 2025. @Roman_Baber (screengrab) This is something many are worried about in the wake of Wednesday's despicable slaying of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington, D.C. In a video posted to social media on Friday, Toronto Police Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue indicted there will be a major police presence at the UJA's Walk With Israel event on Sunday. She also said there will be designated protest zones and that charges will be laid against anyone espousing hate speech or committing criminal acts. But with taunting happening from the pro-Hamas protesters online – including claims that a plane load of those involved in last November's pogrom in Amsterdam has arrived in Toronto – people fear for the worst. Baber, speaking from his constituency office, said many Jewish families have expressed they are scared about attending this event. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. City Councillor James Pasternak has reviewed the police plan and feels people will be safe, but he does reiterate that the protesters have repeatedly shown they don't respect the rules, which creates an expensive security problem. Read More Neither Chief Demkiw nor Mayor Chow have commented so far on Baber's video. But one thing they could do is make the area is a no-gone zone for protesters and deem the square at City Hall as the approved demonstration zone to protect families from confrontations during Sunday's march in North York. Protesters have a right to protest, but as Baber correctly points out, synagogues have been vandalized, Jewish schools have been shot up and people sitting on restaurant patios have been tormented by smoke grenades since the slaughter committed by Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Baber also asked how much is enough and how much is too much? And when is turning a blind eye to all of this going to lead to someone being hurt or killed in the city? jwarmington@ @joe_warmington Other Sports Ontario Canada Editorial Cartoons Sunshine Girls
