High security to be in place at today's 'Walk with Israel' event in Toronto as protesters expected – Toronto | Globalnews.ca

A pro-Israel march is set to take place in Toronto today amid heightened security and related protests.

The United Jewish Appeal is holding its annual “Walk with Israel” event, which includes a five-kilometer walk and festival in the city’s north end.

Police said they aimed to “avoid clashes” by designating certain areas for those planning protests and warned that anyone involved in criminal behavior would be arrested.

The police also said that other police forces will also send personnel to the scene to ensure public safety.

The United Jewish Appeal of the Greater Toronto Area said the annual “Walk with Israel” event draws about 20,000 attendees, but it expects more this year given the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Several groups representing Jewish people opposed to Israel’s actions in Gaza called on community members to sit with students at a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Toronto this morning.