Toronto Police say they will deploy “enhanced security” for the upcoming Walk With Israel, scheduled for Sunday, June 7, along Bathurst Street in Toronto. Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said the police presence will be larger than last year and will include undercover officers, members on foot, bicycle and horseback, as well as reinforcements from York, Durham, Peel and the Ontario Provincial Police. Officers from Toronto’s hate crime unit will also be on site.
Police say the expanded deployment is intended to improve public safety, manage traffic and crowd movement, and allow a rapid response to any incidents. The heaviest police presence is expected near Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue, where protesters gathered during last year’s walk. Barredo said the intersection was previously described as “a gauntlet of hate,” and noted that police plan to use barricades and a roadblock to create greater distance between participants and demonstrators.
“We have a very robust plan,” Barredo said, adding that the goal is to prevent a repeat of the scenes seen last year, when families and participants were exposed to offensive chants and signs. He said police hope to reduce, and ideally eliminate, that kind of disruption this year.
Toronto Police estimate that between 50 and 150 protesters may attend this year’s event. Last year, roughly 56,000 people took part in the Walk With Israel, making it the largest event of its kind in Canada. The event also raised $1.4 million for projects in Israel.
Barredo said police recognize the right to lawful protest, but stressed that demonstrations must not cross into hate speech or criminal conduct. “Lawful protest is a fundamental right in Canada,” he said, while also emphasizing that no one should face intimidation, harassment, threats or hate-motivated acts.
Police said officers will monitor for signs that peaceful protest may be turning into antisemitic or hateful expression. Barredo acknowledged that the line between protected expression and criminal hate speech can be difficult to define, but said hate crime officers will be present to assess signs, slogans and conduct and take appropriate action if necessary.
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, which organizes the annual Walk With Israel, said it welcomes the heightened security measures. Sara Lefton, chief development officer of the federation, said the Jewish Security Network and Toronto Police have been coordinating closely for months to ensure participants can march safely.
The annual walk is one of the largest communal Jewish events in Toronto, and organizers say this year’s security planning is aimed at allowing participants and families to take part without fear of disruption. Toronto Police said their priority is to protect the rights of both marchers and protesters while maintaining a safe environment for all involved.
