In what might be Toronto’s most vivid display of community solidarity this spring, an estimated 56,000 people flooded the streets yesterday for the annual Walk With Israel event. The turnout shattered previous attendance records, creating a sea of blue and white that stretched for blocks through downtown.
“I’ve been organizing this walk for eight years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Sarah Goldstein, UJA Federation’s community events director. “People started arriving two hours before registration even opened.”
The massive gathering reflects growing community support amid heightened global tensions. Since October, Toronto’s Jewish community has faced increased security concerns, with the Toronto Police Service reporting a 63% rise in antisemitic incidents compared to the same period last year.
Despite these challenges, the atmosphere yesterday was decidedly upbeat. Families pushed strollers decorated with Israeli flags, teenagers performed impromptu folk dances at rest stops, and community leaders walked alongside everyday Torontonians in a remarkable display of unity.
Mayor Olivia Chow addressed the crowd at the starting point near Nathan Phillips Square, emphasizing Toronto’s commitment to keeping all communities safe. “Our city stands firmly against hatred in all its forms,” she stated. “Today’s incredible turnout demonstrates that Torontonians support each other during difficult times.”
The 7-kilometer route took participants through significant landmarks in Toronto’s Jewish history, including Kensington Market, once the heart of Jewish settlement in the city. Volunteer historian David Markowitz provided historical context at various checkpoints.
“My grandparents arrived in this neighborhood in 1921,” Markowitz told a gathered group near College Street. “They would be amazed to see this many people celebrating their heritage so openly and proudly in the city they chose as home.”
What struck me most while covering the event was the extraordinary diversity among participants. While the Jewish community formed the core of the march, I encountered numerous faith and cultural groups showing solidarity.
“We’re here because standing against hatred matters for everyone,” explained Imam Fareed Ahmad, who attended with members of his mosque. “When any community feels threatened, it affects us all.”
The economic impact of the event was immediately apparent to local businesses. Cafés and restaurants along the route reported sales jumps of 30-40% compared to typical Sundays. Sarah Cohen, owner of Bagel World on Bathurst Street, sold out of everything by noon. “We prepared double our usual Sunday inventory, and it wasn’t enough,” she said with a mixture of exhaustion and delight.
Security was visibly enhanced, with Toronto Police maintaining a significant presence throughout. Officers on bicycles, horseback, and foot patrol created a protective perimeter around the event. Deputy Chief James Ramer confirmed that the operation represented one of the largest security deployments for a community event this year.
“Our priority was ensuring everyone could express themselves safely,” Ramer said. “The cooperation between organizers, participants, and law enforcement made this possible despite the unprecedented numbers.”
The walk concluded at Coronation Park with a family festival featuring local Jewish musicians, food vendors, and community organization booths. Children’s activities included face painting with blue and white designs, while teenagers gathered around a tech pavilion showcasing innovations from Israeli startups with Toronto connections.
According to preliminary figures from organizers, the event raised over $2.3 million for humanitarian projects in Israel, significantly exceeding last year’s total of $1.4 million.
For many participants, the walk represented more than just a fundraiser. “This isn’t just about supporting Israel,” explained Rebecca Stern, who attended with her three children. “It’s about showing our kids that we don’t hide who we are, even when times are difficult.”
The record attendance comes amid increasing polarization on university campuses and in public discourse. Last month’s competing rallies at the University of Toronto drew significant police presence and highlighted deepening divisions.
Against this backdrop, yesterday’s peaceful gathering offered a counterpoint to the tensions that have dominated headlines. Walking alongside the crowd, I observed countless small moments of community connection – elderly participants being offered water by strangers, children from different backgrounds playing together at rest stops, and volunteers distributing sunscreen to anyone who needed it.
As Toronto continues navigating complex global issues with local implications, yesterday’s record-breaking walk demonstrated that community solidarity remains a powerful force in our city’s social fabric.
