On May 12, 2019 UJA Federation of Greater Toronto issued the following statement:
We are aware of the recent activity on social media about planned protests for UJA’s Walk with Israel on May 20th. Protests like these happen every year and UJA and our advocacy agent, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, have been aware of these protests and working with authorities on event security for several months.
As every year, these protests are being planned by very small, fringe groups of individuals whose main goal is to deter people from participating in the Walk and disrupt our celebration and show of unity.
As with every year, thousands of families, groups, and individuals representing the breadth of the Jewish community and Canadians from a diverse range of religious and political backgrounds come together in the largest solidarity walk in support of Israel anywhere in the world. This year, the Walk’s 50th anniversary, will be even more joyous.
The best answer to fringe groups who are looking to interrupt our festivities is to participate in this historic 50th Walk with Israel in record numbers. As families and as community, we will respond with peace, unity and joy.
If you have not already done so, please register for the Walk. If you have registered, help us raise funds to support the incredibly important and meaningful work we do to care for our partner communities in Israel, including in Sderot, Bat Yam and Eilat/Eilot. If you are coming to the Walk, bring a friend who has never been before and let them see how strong our community is when we come together in support of the values shared by Canada and Israel, of which we are all so proud.
Remember that the Walk is a celebration of our love and commitment to the people of Israel. As always, police and security arrangements will be in place to address protesters and keep them separate from the event, so please do not engage with them or be provoked. We are looking forward to the biggest and best UJA Walk with Israel in our community’s history. We know that it will be a wonderful, fun, and memorable event for everyone attending.
See you on May 20th!
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto