A sea of white and blue covered one of Toronto’s major streets on Sunday as a record-breaking number of people took part in the city’s annual Walk with Israel.
The walk, organised by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, brought an estimated 60,000 members of the Jewish community and their supporters together for what organisers described as a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the Jewish state amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising levels of antisemitism in Canada.
Comprising the largest turnout in the event’s history, participants gathered at Temple Sinai Congregation on Wilson Avenue before making their way north to Sherman Campus on Bathurst Street, waving Israeli flags and singing along the 3.9km route.
First held in 1970, the Walk with Israel has grown into the largest annual event in Toronto's Jewish community and is widely regarded as one of the largest Israel solidarity walks globally.
Organisers said this year's event carried particular significance as Israelis continue to face the effects of war, displacement and security concerns.
"The Walk with Israel is the ultimate declaration of our unwavering support for the people of Israel, especially now as they continue living through conflict, evacuations, and significant unease," the UJA Federation said ahead of the event.
"It is also a powerful moment to show our Jewish pride and that we are here – openly and proudly."
THIS IS COMMUNITY.
— UJA Federation of Greater Toronto (@UJAFederation) June 7, 2026
Thank you for Walking with Israel.
🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/6JwYkUBQ8Q
The organisation added that, when "tens of thousands of Jews and allies unite each year with a shared purpose, the power of that connection is undeniable”.
"We walk as one community to support Israelis in need and celebrate Jewish life," it said.
There was also a heavy anti-regime Iranian presence, local media reported, with numerous Lion and Sun flags carried by participants – a symbol that has been banned in the Islamic Republic since 1980.
One Iranian participant, Ehsan, told The Canadian Jewish News: “The only true friends that the Iranian people have are in Israel.”
Another participant, Ron Laxer, first attended the walk in 1979 and this year joined with his daughter and 95-year-old father. He told the outlet that support for the event has intensified: “Over the last couple of years, people feel a need to come out and support the community more. It seems to be more acute now.”
“We want to come together and feel strong. They’re not going to push us around. Here we are, loud and proud.”
Toronto police said a total of six people were arrested before, during, and after the walk. Charges included assault, breach of the peace, and obstruction.
Tens of thousands march in Toronto, Canada, in a solidarity march for Israel. 🇨🇦❤️🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/NIAU0Vjc11
— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) June 7, 2026
The annual march comes at a time of heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war and increasing concerns about antisemitism in Canada.
According to the main organisations and authorities that track antisemitism in Canada, antisemitism levels in 2025 remained at historically high levels.
B'nai Brith Canada documented 6,800 antisemitic incidents in 2025, the highest number recorded since it began tracking incidents in 1982 – and a 9.4 per cent increase on 2024. The organisation has described the situation in the country as a “national crisis of antisemitism”.
About 70 per cent of religion-based hate crimes reported in 2024 targeted Jewish people, despite Jews making up roughly 1 per cent of Canada’s population.
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.