Israel solidarity walk in Toronto needed amid rising antisemitism, organizer says [Video]

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Toronto on Sunday for an annual fundraising walk in solidarity with Israel — an event participants said is particularly needed this year due to rising antisemitism.

The Jewish community has felt increasingly isolated after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and a dramatic increase in antisemitism in Canada since then, said Sara Lefton, chief development officer for the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, which hosts the walk.

“We want our neighbours, friends and colleagues in Toronto to stand with us because it is a horrific time for our community,” she said.

Statistics Canada reports a 71 per cent increase in hate crimes targeting the Jewish population between 2022 and 2023, with the largest increase seen after the Oct. 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Toronto police said they have received reports of 43 “antisemitic occurrences” so far …