Solidarity Walk
Record 60,000 Join Toronto Walk with Israel Amid Antisemitism Surge, Indigenous Support
A record 60,000 people marched through Toronto on June 7 in the Walk with Israel, the largest turnout in the event's 57-year history National Post. The crowd — up from 50,000 in 2024 and roughly 56,000 in 2025 — gathered as antisemitic hate crimes in the city jumped 19% in a single year, with Jewish residents targeted in 40% of all reported hate crimes despite making up just 3.4% of Toronto's population Toronto Police Service.
Five people were arrested along the 3.9 km route. Police from York, Durham, Peel, and the OPP joined Toronto officers — including mounted units and bicycle patrols — to separate marchers from counter-protesters. By midday, walkers had raised $516,922 toward a $780,000 fundraising goal UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.
From 'Gauntlet of Hate' to Record Solidarity
Previous walks turned ugly. In 2024 and 2025, protesters lined the route with loudspeakers blasting rocket sirens and shouted obscenities at marchers. Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said the goal this year was to prevent another "gauntlet of hate" CTV News. Officers set up barricades and deployed hostile vehicle mitigation devices — heavy barriers to stop cars — along the full route.
The security plan worked, mostly. Four arrests happened before noon. A woman was taken into custody at 8:40 AM for allegedly blocking a police officer near Bathurst St. and Sheppard Ave. W. A man was arrested at 10:22 AM for allegedly assaulting an officer. A third man was ticketed at 11:00 AM for flying a drone over the crowd — illegal under aviation rules CP24. A fourth person was arrested for allegedly breaching the peace at 11:45 AM.
Jewish Community Bears 81% of Religious Hate Crimes
The walk comes as the numbers get worse. Toronto recorded 443 hate crimes in 2024, a 19% jump from 2023 Toronto Police Service. Of all religiously motivated hate crimes, 81% targeted Jewish people. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police warned in March 2026 that antisemitic hate crimes had surged 144% since 2021.
UJA Chief Development Officer Sara Lefton said many in Toronto's Jewish community feel isolated. "Record numbers of allies" showing up made a difference, she said Jewish News Syndicate. UJA President Adam Minsky called the turnout an "extraordinary expression of solidarity, Jewish pride, and hope."
Indigenous Leaders Join Walk in Show of Shared Solidarity
About 30 Indigenous representatives walked alongside Jewish marchers — a notable first at this scale. The group included former and current Chiefs, Grand Chiefs, and leaders from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities National Post. Former Grand Chief Harvey Ezno, co-founder of the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem movement, was among them.
Analysts say the alliance reflects a shared sense of belonging to an indigenous people facing erasure. The participation drew wide attention and was described by organizers as one of the most meaningful moments of the day. Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman publicly thanked all participants for "walking against terror" Jewish News Syndicate.
Police Costs and Social Fracture Grow in Toronto
The size of the security operation signals a lasting change for the city. Officers from four regional forces joined Toronto police to protect a single community walk CBC News. TPS Chief Myron Demkiw said the goal was to protect the "freedoms, safety and dignity" of all participants. No cost figure was released publicly.
The heavy police presence — and the walls of barricades separating marchers from protesters — points to a deepening divide in the Greater Toronto Area. Toronto City Councilor Brad Bradford, who attended the walk, said: "I stand with you, and I will walk alongside you today and every day" Jewish News Syndicate. Organizers say the record crowd shows the community will not be intimidated into silence.
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