UJA's Walk with Israel Attracts 20,000 While Raising Over $900,000 in a Day

Jewish Toronto comes out in full force a day after murders at Brussels Jewish Museum  

By Daniel Horowitz--Less than 24 hours after four people were killed during a shooting at the Jewish Museum in Brussels, approximately 20,000 people, in solidarity with Israel, including a huge gathering from the Jewish community and others representing the diversity of the GTA, took part in Sunday’s UJA Walk with Israel.  

The Walk, which celebrates Israel’s accomplishments and contributions to the world-at-large, as well as Jewish life in Toronto, raised over $900,000 for social services and educational initiatives throughout Israel, while attracting political leaders and representatives from across Canada’s full political spectrum.  

“I can think of no better response to the cowardly and unprovoked attack in Brussels, than to see 20,000 people, including mothers and fathers, grandparents, teenagers and babies in strollers, come out today to show their support for Israel and for Jewish life,” said UJA’s Campaign Director, Steven Shulman. “Our hearts go out to the families of those murdered in this senseless act of hatred, and today’s Walk with Israel demonstrates that regardless of these ongoing attacks against innocent Jews, we will never let fear guide us.”  

Bringing greetings to the crowd of 20,000 just before Walk Chair Marcy Abramsky, along with Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair sounded air horns to officially launch the Walk, were The Honourable Joe Oliver, MP minister of Finance, Eric Hoskins MPP St. Paul's, Tim Hudak Leader of the Ontario PC Party and James Pasternak Toronto City Councillor.  

Over 35 federal, provincial and municipal elected officials and candidates for office were among the dignitaries who made their way to Coronation Park prior to the Walk kick-off, including: Canada's Minister of Finance, The Honourable Joe Oliver; MP Mark Adler; MP Carolyn Bennett; MP John Carmichael; MP Ted Opitz; MP Judy Sgro; Leader of Ontario PC party Tim Hudak; MPP Mike Colle; MPP Eric Hoskins; MPP Monte Kwinter; MPP Gila Martow; MPP David Zimmer; Toronto Councillor John Parker; Toronto Councillor Joe Mihevc; Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow; Toronto Councillor James Pasternak; Toronto Councillor Jaye Robinson; Toronto Councillor Karen Stintz; Vaughan Councillor Alan Shefman; Vaughan Councillor Deb Schulte; Vaughan Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco and Markham Councillor Howard Shore.

“I am thrilled to see so many young people here today who represent the broad spectrum, and the depth of the community touched by UJA,” Abramsky told the mammoth crowd. “To see bubbies and zaidies with their children and grandchildren melts my heart.  To see our young professionals, Birthright Israel and March of the Living participants continuing their support of Israel with their presence today is totally gratifying. I am confident that the future of Jewish Toronto, and of Israel, is in great hands. I am so proud and excited to chair today’s UJA Walk with Israel, a community event that truly embodies the best of our community. And, finally, on behalf of the children of Israel, so many of whom will see their lives improved as a result of all of our community efforts today, I say todah rabah!”  

With those inspiring words energizing them, the 20,000 Walkers left Coronation Park for the 8-kilometre Walk, Israeli and Canadian flags in hand, which transformed the streets of downtown Toronto into a veritable sea of blue and white, and red.

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