Over 56,000 March Toronto Walk With Israel Amid Hate Crime Investigation

Toronto's annual Walk with Israel drew an unprecedented crowd of approximately 56,000 participants in 2025, making it the largest rally outside Israel that year, organized by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto to show solidarity amid rising antisemitism and recent attacks. The march, which proceeded despite an elevated terrorist threat level, featured cultural celebrations, memorials for victims of the October 7 attacks, and calls for the release of hostages, highlighting the community's resilience and support for Israel. However, the event also faced opposition from around 300 pro-Palestinian counter-protesters, leading to tensions and concerns over the lack of buffer zones between groups, though no major incidents were reported. Police responded to hate-motivated incidents, including a man charged with yelling antisemitic slurs at march attendees and vandalism at a mosque nearby, underscoring the ongoing challenges of hate crimes in the area. Observers noted a significant political absence at the walk, attributing it to shifting demographics and political calculations related to the growing Muslim population in Toronto, some of whom come from regions with endemic antisemitism. Despite these divisions, organizers and participants emphasized the event as a powerful statement of unity, democracy, and the right for Jews to live safely in Toronto and Israel.