Walk With Israel – Important FAQ

We are very excited to walk with you, as together, we Walk with Israel.
Registration for the Walk is at unprecedented levels and this year’s security and route planning is different than in years past. The goal is a safe, pleasant and meaningful experience for all participants and UJA has worked very diligently to ensure this.
Please take note of the following FAQ:

The Walk With Israel is Sunday, June 9th – rain or shine.

Where does the walk start?
The gathering spot for the start of the walk is on :

Bathurst Street between Douglas Avenue and Old Orchard Grove. (click link)

The Walk will start from this location promptly at 9:30 am.
These blocks will be accessible from the side streets only.
Bathurst Street will be closed from Lawrence Avenue to Ellerslie Avenue from early morning to late afternoon on June 9.

What is the Walk route?
The route is straight north on Bathurst from the gathering/start area (see above) to the

Sherman Campus of the JCC. (click link)

Can I start the Walk at any other point along the route?
Yes – but please be patient as there will be a significant security presence and you may need to wait at the intersection of a side street and Bathurst. Some side streets will be blocked and you may be asked to walk north or south 1 block to enter Bathurst street and the Walk at an open side street.

Where will I meet the Heschel team?
We will do our best to have our Heschel banner visible and gather near the intersection of Old Orchard Grove and Bathurst Street. A visible landmark for this intersection is the Soul Bagel bakery on the corner.
Please note that there will be a huge crowd gathering in this area.

Where can I park?
Very limited parking will be available at Lawrence Allen Square.
Shuttle busses will be running from Lawrence Square to the starting area, and then back again from Sherman Campus (JCC) after the Walk. You can try to park on side streets in the vicinity of the Walk route.
There will be no parking or stopping permitted at the JCC for picking up after the Walk.

How long is the Walk?
The route from start to finish is approximately 5km. If you need to walk a shorter distance, arrange to start at the north end of the gathering area. Starting at Old Orchard Grove rather than Douglas Avenue, for example, reduces the distance by approximately 1 km. You can also start at any point along the route.

Can I bring my dog?
No. Due to the extremely large number of participants, UJA is asking that pets be left at home this year.

What about scooters, roller skates, skateboards, etc?
No – wheeled or motorized scooters etc are not permitted unless required for mobility e.g. wheelchair or motorized scooter with seat. Strollers are permitted.

Will there be water and snacks along the route?
While there will be water and snacks available along the route, supplies are limited and we’re expecting a massive turnout. We strongly recommend packing your own food and bringing a refillable water bottle.

I haven’t registered yet – can I still do so?
Yes. Registration is open on the UJA website. You will need a wristband to enter the Solidarity Festival on the Sherman Campus at the end of the Walk. You will be able to get one there, before accessing the Festival.
The wristband is not needed to join the walk at the start of the walk, or at points along the route.

What is the Solidarity Festival?
After we Walk, join us at the Renee and Irwin Nadal Solidarity Festival on the Sherman Campus of the JCC, for food, activities for all ages, and meaningful tributes to the resilience of the people of Israel.
Food will be available for purchase at the Festival. Please note – payment by debit or credit only, no cash.
Click here to see the Festival lineup and more.

Will there be a police presence at the Walk?
Yes. UJA has worked tirelessly with their security advisors and Toronto Police Services. The safety and security of our community and all participants in the Walk is the highest priority. There will be a significant police presence along the walk route and at the Solidarity Festival. Additionally, security throughout the neighbourhoods along the walk route has been planned.

Want to stay connected and receive important alerts on Walk Day? Sign up here to receive real-time SMS updates—including security information.