An estimated 60,000 people gathered in Toronto on Sunday for the 57th annual Walk with Israel, a fundraising event organized by the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of Greater Toronto. The march, which spanned 3.9 kilometres from Temple Sinai Congregation to the UJA’s Sherman Campus, drew a crowd larger than the 56,000 participants recorded in 2025, according to police estimates.
Security and Public Safety
Toronto police maintained a significant presence throughout the event to manage the large crowds and separate groups of demonstrators. According to police reports, six individuals were arrested before, during, and after the walk on various charges, including assault, obstruction of a peace officer, and breaching the peace. One man was also ticketed under Canadian aviation regulations for operating a drone in the area.
Chief Myron Demkiw stated that the police deployment included both overt and covert assets to ensure safety. Deputy Chief Frank Barredo noted that the security plan involved officers on foot, bicycles, and horseback, supplemented by hostile vehicle mitigation devices. The Toronto Police Service emphasized that they facilitated both the walk and nearby counter-protests while working to maintain safe separation between participants.
The 2026 event marked the 57th year the Walk with Israel has been held in Toronto, serving as a long-standing tradition for the Jewish community.
Context of the Demonstrations
The event took place against a backdrop of heightened tension following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Adam Minsky, president and CEO of UJA of Greater Toronto, described the walk as a necessary show of strength during a year of repeated attacks on the community. For many participants, the walk served as a demonstration of “unwavering support for the people of Israel,” according to the event’s website.
Nearby, counter-protesters gathered to oppose Israeli military operations in the Middle East. Demonstrators, including Assia Akhdar and Nick Shcherban, expressed frustration with the heavy police presence and barriers, which they argued limited their ability to be seen and heard compared to previous years. The two groups exchanged insults at several points along the route, kept apart by police lines and barricades.
The significant police investment and the presence of barriers at major intersections illustrate the challenges authorities face in balancing the right to peaceful assembly with public safety in a polarized environment. The contrast between this year’s planning and previous years suggests a heightened state of caution among law enforcement, likely driven by the increase in antisemitic incidents reported in the city since October 2023.
What Happens Next
As the investigation into the six arrests continues, it is likely that the individuals charged will face standard judicial proceedings in the coming weeks. Given the ongoing war in Gaza and the rise in local tensions, future large-scale public demonstrations in Toronto may continue to see heavy police oversight and strict perimeter management. Organizers and police are likely to review the effectiveness of this year’s security plan, which could influence the scale and nature of police presence at similar events scheduled for the remainder of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people attended the walk this year compared to last year?
According to Toronto police, an estimated 60,000 people attended this year, while approximately 56,000 people participated in the walk in 2025.
Why were arrests made during the event?
Police reported six arrests for a variety of charges, including assault on a peace officer, obstruction of a peace officer, breaching the peace, and a violation of aviation regulations regarding drone operation.
What was the purpose of the walk?
Organized by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the walk was intended as a fundraising event and a demonstration of support for the people of Israel amid ongoing conflict and evacuations.
Do you believe that increased police presence effectively balances public safety with the right to protest?
