Walk with Israel
| Walk with Israel | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Fundraising walk; community demonstration |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Locations | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Country | Canada |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Founder | United Jewish Welfare Fund of Toronto |
| Attendance | >60,000 (2026)[1] |
| Organised by | UJA Federation of Greater Toronto |
| Website | walkwithisrael |
Walk with Israel is an annual pro-Israel fundraising walk and community event held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Organized by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the event raises funds for programs in Israel and is promoted by the federation as a public expression of support for Israel and Jewish communal life in Toronto.[2] The current walk follows a 3.9 kilometre (2.5 mile) route along Bathurst Street.[1]
The event began in May 1970 as the "Walk for Jewish Survival", that raised money for the UJA-Israel Special Fund. According to the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, it became the largest single community event for Jewish Toronto, with funds designated for Israel.[3] In the 2020s, the walk received increased public attention because of security concerns, pro-Palestinian counter-protests, and arrests at or near the event following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war.
The event attracted more than 56,000 people in 2025 and more than 60,000 in 2026, surpassing the turnout to New York City's Israel Day Parade, and making it the largest annual pro-Israel rally outside of Israel.[4]
History
[edit]The first Walk with Israel was organized in May 1970 by Toronto's Jewish communal fundraising organization under the name "Walk for Jewish Survival". The original route was 35 kilometres (22 miles), and funds raised were directed to the UJA-Israel Special Fund.[3] The event later became known as Walk with Israel, and continued as an annual fundraising and solidarity event associated with Toronto's Jewish community.
The walk has generally been held in the spring. The event is usually held along an approximately 4 kilometre stretch of Bathurst Street in North York and includes a walk followed by a festival, though for a time it was held along Lake Shore Boulevard along Lake Ontario around Exhibition Place.[5] In 2026, the UJA Federation listed Temple Sinai Congregation on Wilson Avenue as the starting point, and Sherman Campus on Bathurst Street as the site of the Walk Festival.[2]
Attendance grew from 17,000 participants in 2015[5] to 60,000 in 2026, the highest turnout in the event's history.[6][7]
Purpose
[edit]The UJA Federation describes Walk with Israel as a fundraising event for "Israelis in need" and as a celebration of Jewish life and Jewish communal pride in Toronto.[2][8] Supporters view the event as an act of solidarity and organizers have linked record attendance in 2025 and 2026 to increased support for Israel amid the Gaza war and to rising antisemitism in Canada.[9][7]
Protests and security
[edit]Since the October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent Gaza war, the Walk with Israel has faced recurring pro-Palestinian demonstrations, necessitating heightened police presence and security.[10] Police have made multiple arrests at the event for offenses ranging from public disturbances and antisemitic slurs to physical altercations.[9][7][6][11][12]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 "Tens of thousands take part in Israel solidarity walk in Toronto amid tight security, Toronto police arrest 6". CBC News. June 7, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "UJA | Walk with Israel". UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "History". UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- ↑ Heller, Matilda (May 26, 2025). "Thousands take to Toronto in Giant Walk for Israel, surpassing even NYC parade". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "Annual Walk With Israel expects to raise $1 million". Canadian Jewish News. May 18, 2015. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "60,000 take part in pro-Israel walk in Toronto, biggest turnout in event's 57-year history, organizers say". Jewish News Syndicate. June 7, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Ezekwesili, Sandra (June 7, 2026). "6 arrested at the Walk With Israel event in Toronto". CityNews Toronto. The Canadian Press. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- ↑ "2026 UJA Walk with Israel". Walk with Israel. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- 1 2 Heller, Mathilda (May 26, 2025). "Thousands take to Toronto in Giant Walk for Israel, surpassing even NYC parade". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- ↑ "6 people arrested at Walk with Israel event, Toronto police say". Global News. The Canadian Press. June 10, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- ↑ Boynton, Sean (May 25, 2025). "Israel raises alert for travellers to Canada, warning of 'increased threat'". Global News. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
- ↑ "Traffic Restrictions and Enhanced Security for Walk with Israel Event". Toronto Police Service. June 4, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.