Good afternoon,

This Sunday, the United Jewish Appeal will host its annual Walk with Israel, a longstanding community event that brings thousands of people together from across the Greater Toronto Area.

Our role is straightforward: to help ensure that everyone attending can do so safely, and that anyone exercising their right to protest does so lawfully.

Toronto Police has been planning for this event in close coordination with organizers and neighbouring police services. On the day of the event, there will be a significant police presence in the area, supported by officers from York, Durham, Peel, and OPP.

Members of the public can expect to see officers on foot, bicycles, and horseback at the walk and throughout the surrounding neighbourhoods. This deployment is designed to support public safety, manage traffic and crowds, and allow us to respond quickly to any incidents or concerns.

Lawful protest is a fundamental right in Canada, and Toronto Police remains committed to protecting that right.

At the same time, no one should be subjected to intimidation, harassment, threats, hate-motivated criminal acts, or other criminal behaviour.

Any suspected hate speech or hateful signage will be investigated. As we demonstrated this week when we announced Wilful Promotion of Hatred charges related to anti-Semitic signage, charges will be laid when the evidence supports them.

Our expectation is that all participants, attendees, and demonstrators will conduct themselves lawfully and respectfully. Where criminal offences occur, officers will take appropriate enforcement action.

We encourage anyone attending the event to report concerns to police and to follow the directions of officers on the ground. Our members will be there to help keep people safe and ensure the event proceeds peacefully.

The message is simple: everyone has rights, everyone has responsibilities, and Toronto Police will be there to help ensure both are respected.

Thank you, and I'll now take your questions.

*Check against delivery. The media conference with Deputy Chief Barredo is available to watch on the Toronto Police Service's YouTube channel.*