Increased police presence expected at weekend Walk with Israel event, related protest
There will be heightened security at a pro-Israel march and a related protest this weekend, Toronto police said Friday, as they warned that anyone engaging in criminal behaviour would be arrested.
The United Jewish Appeal is holding their annual "Walk with Israel" event on Sunday, which involves a five-kilometre walk and a festival in an area of north Toronto.
"Organizers have received a permit for this event from the city, and our expectation is that it be allowed to proceed without interruption," Toronto's deputy police chief, Lauren Pogue, said in a video statement.
"We respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression. However, we must remind everyone that this right comes with legal responsibilities, and we urge everyone to be respectful of one another and our police officers."
Police said they have received information that suggests some protesters plan to disrupt the event.
The deputy chief said there will be designated areas for protestors "to avoid confrontations," adding that those locations were aimed at ensuring safety and freedom of expression for all.
Police also said officers from various other forces will be present to ensure public safety.
Anyone who engages in criminal activity, including harassment or intimidation, could face arrest, said Pogue.
"Those who attend this event and engage in criminal activity can expect to be arrested," she said. "We remain dedicated to maintaining order and we will not hesitate to enforce the law."
Recent social media posts have detailed plans for a protest at the same time as the Sunday event. The posts call for participants to voice their support for Palestinians. Canadians for Palestine, one of the groups listed on an online poster for the protest event, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Steve McDonald, a spokesperson for the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto, said the annual "Walk with Israel" attracts roughly 20,000 participants but more are expected to attend this year.
“While this year is obviously uniquely challenging and there have been many difficult things happening in Israel but also here in our city for the Jewish community, we really do feel this is an important moment for unity," McDonald said in a phone interview.
McDonald added the event’s security plan was developed in partnership with the police and organizers have hired additional security personnel and community volunteers.
“I think police are wisely trying to balance freedom of expression and public safety,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hezbollah confirms its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike
Lebanon's Hezbollah group confirmed on Saturday that its leader and one of its founders, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut the previous day
LGBTQ2S+ minister Pascale St-Onge to make history with parental leave
Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge is set to make history by becoming the first openly lesbian cabinet minister to take parental leave when her wife gives birth in the coming weeks.
At least 52 dead and millions without power after Helene's deadly march across southeastern U.S.
Hurricane Helene caused at least 52 deaths and billions of dollars of destruction across a wide swath of the southeastern U.S. as it raced through, and more than three million customers went into the weekend without any power and for some a continued threat of floods.
'Imagine a world without their song': Toronto photographer wins international award for picture of 4,000 dead birds
Thousands of dead birds, from kingfishers to blue jays, encircle a wild turkey to illustrate in one snapshot a mere fragment of how many die from colliding into glass windows – a death that can be easily prevented, the Torontonian photographer says.
Police swarm home after man allegedly confronts snowmobile owner with crossbow
Several heavily armed officers descended on a home in the southeast area of Barrie Thursday afternoon after reports of a man armed with a crossbow.
Northern Ont. group fined $8,500 for moose hunt violations
Four hunters from Ear Falls west of Thunder Bay, Ont., have been fined for an illegal moose hunt in October 2022 and two of them lost their hunting licence for multiple years.
Jury awards US$300 million to women who alleged sex abuse by doctor at a Virginia children's hospital
A jury has ruled in favor of three women who alleged they were sexually abused while patients at a Virginia children's hospital, awarding them a total of US$300 million in damages.
Russian strikes on a medical centre kill 9 people in the Ukrainian city of Sumy
Two consecutive Russian attacks on a medical centre in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Saturday killed at least nine people, officials said.
'This was her life': Owner of Sask. restaurant destroyed in fire plans to restart
In the aftermath of a fire that destroyed Snow White Family Restaurant in Biggar Saskatchewan, a GoFundMe has been created to help the owner start over.