56,000 Attend  ‘Walk With Israel’ Annual Event In Toronto

IFCJ Canada  |  May 29, 2025

Thousands of Jewish Canadians, allies, and supporters gathered in the streets of Toronto for the annual “Walk for Israel” event, showing solidarity with those affected by the October 7 attacks and honouring the lives lost. Sara Lefton told the National Post:

…“I think the Jewish community is really seeking togetherness. The more isolated we’ve been feeling, the more that we are seeking a moment like this to come together as the Jewish community, but also with our friends and allies.”…

Canadian journalist Ari David Blaff interviewed Ilan Faktor, an organizer of the Nova Exhibition, who stated:

“[Jews should be] proud, stand for themselves and not hide or feel bad about themselves…To stand for what we believe in, which is freedom, dance, (and) the love for people, we find it easy to relate to Canadians,” he said. “We just want people to be sensitive to what happened to us as human beings.”

Anti-Semitism in Canada has seen a dramatic rise in Canada since October 7, with frequent protests, leaving many in the Jewish community to feel unsafe and misunderstood, at a time when global support is needed most. Yet, in a powerful display of unity, diverse communities across the city joined the walk:

“Several Iranian flags featuring a lion — an icon embraced by members of the diaspora…— were spotted often. Members of Allies for a Strong Canada, a group of non-Jewish advocates established after October 7 to combat antisemitism in the country, were also present.”

The outpouring of support for the Jewish community in Canada is an answer to prayer. May we continue to build bridges of understanding and Fellowship.