On Monday evening, I was at Mel Lassman Square in North York, Toronto, Canada's largest Jewish community, often called a 'twin city' of Sderot, where over 15,000 people came together for an Emergency Rally for the People of Israel with several thousand more joining the event via livestream. In a show of unwavering support for Israel, the event was attended by the Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, and prominent political leaders, including Chrystia Freeland and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford. I couldn't help but be inspired by the unity and solidarity displayed by the Toronto Jewish community and their allies.

As I looked around the square, I was struck by the diverse crowd that had come to stand with Israel. One of the most striking aspects of the rally was the presence of political leaders from various parties, all of whom made a resounding promise to stand with the Jewish state. The atmosphere was further enriched by the presence of Israeli shinshinim, who led the crowd in singing Israel's national anthem and the moving song, "Oseh Shalom." These young Israeli adults shared their experiences on the recent Hamas attacks, providing valuable insights into the situation and the challenges faced by Israel.

Rabbis from different Jewish denominations also took the stage, offering heartfelt prayers for peace and solidarity. Their presence lent a sense of spiritual connection to the event and reminded us of the importance of unity in times of crisis. One remarkable aspect of the rally was the diverse group of allies who joined in solidarity. Among them were anti-regime Iranians who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community, sending a powerful message supporting Israel's right to defend itself.

As I looked around the square, it was impossible to ignore the heavy police presence, a reminder of the need for security in these trying times. Despite the security measures, the atmosphere was one of hope and unity.

The rally served as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Toronto Jewish community and their allies. In a world where tensions can run high, this event demonstrated the power of coming together, standing as one, and showing unwavering support for the Jewish state. The Emergency Rally for the People of Israel in Toronto was an inspiring display of unity and solidarity. It was a privilege to be a part of this historic gathering, and it left me with a sense of hope for a more peaceful future.