Six Arrested at Pro-Israel March in Toronto Amidst Increased Security

Toronto police made six arrests during the 55th annual Walk with Israel event in North York amidst heightened security measures over the weekend. The event, held near Sheppard Avenue, drew thousands of participants to demonstrate their support for Israel.

According to Toronto Police reports, the arrests involved individuals ranging from 22 to 75 years of age. One of the suspects was taken into custody for displaying anti-Semitic messages inciting violence, leading to charges of public incitement of hatred.

During the march, another individual allegedly threw an Israeli flag to the ground and stomped on it, prompting a volatile situation that required police intervention to separate him from demonstrators. He now faces charges of public incitement of hatred and resisting a peace officer.

A separate incident involved a Toronto man, aged 75, who has been charged with assault after purportedly purposefully bumping into a woman wearing a keffiyeh while she was holding a child, causing her to stumble.

Thousands attended the Walk with Israel event, organized by the United Jewish Appeal, but police did not provide an exact figure. The arrests happened at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue during the march.

The Toronto Police Service has scheduled court appearances for the arrested individuals, unfolding a mix of political and social tensions within the community during the event.