Toronto – This year’s Walk With Israel in Toronto was more than just a celebration, it was a clear message of resilience, unity, and unwavering strength in the face of growing hate. Over 55,000 Jews and allies gathered to stand proudly with Israel, filling the streets with peaceful determination and solidarity. The energy was powerful, the atmosphere hopeful, and the message unmistakable: no matter how loud the hate becomes, we will not be intimidated.
As someone who has attended these walks for years, I arrived early this time with a specific purpose: to document the counter-protesters at Bathurst and Sheppard. These groups, often comprised of radicalized individuals who openly support terror, have become a recurring presence.
This year, their numbers were noticeably smaller, only about 100 showed up, but their message remained the same: hate, violence, and a disturbing support for terrorism. The crowd was mostly visibly Muslim, waving flags and shouting slogans that have no place on Canadian soil.
Alongside them were fringe elements like the Neturei Karta and a handful of far-left activists who seem to enable this toxic alliance.
Yet, there was something different this year. The counter-protesters looked angry and tired, their momentum clearly fading. It was a symbolic moment when they tried to set off smoke flares to disrupt the Walk, only for the wind to blow the smoke right back at them. It felt like a metaphor for their diminishing influence.
Toronto Police deserve high praise for their preparedness and professionalism. Heavily armed and vigilant, they kept the extremist protesters contained and ensured the safety of everyone participating in the Walk. Their presence was a critical factor in maintaining peace, especially after a few tense incidents earlier near Wilson Street.
But the threat remains real and serious. The surge in antisemitism in Canada, particularly in cities like Toronto and Montreal, is largely fueled by radicalized Muslim groups and their leftist enablers. These extremists reject democracy, tolerance, and coexistence, bringing with them ideologies that have devastated societies elsewhere and now threaten ours.
Why is this happening here? The answer lies in Canada’s immigration policies under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party. By opening the gates without rigorous vetting or ideological screening, Canada has allowed dangerous elements to enter and spread hate.
These values, violence, antisemitism, and terror are not Canadian values. They are the values of those who exploit our generosity and freedom to sow division and fear.
The solution is clear and urgent: Canada must deport jihadists, implement thorough ideological vetting for immigrants, and stop pretending that everyone who arrives shares our values. We cannot protect our country while appeasing those who seek to destroy it.
The 2025 Walk With Israel was a testament to the strength and spirit of our community. But it also served as a wake-up call. Canadians must choose, stand firm against hate, and protect our values, or risk losing the very freedoms that make this country great.
This first-person account is based on verified observations from the 2025 Walk With Israel in Toronto, official statements from Toronto Police, and expert analysis of the current sociopolitical climate as of May 2025.