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David Mandel's avatar

What a day it was, Adam. I thought that was you in the middle. My family and I were not far off, maybe 10,000 away from where you were;) Isn't the Walk the most empowering experience? 56000 strong walking with pride and confidence, while a small cabal of haters with their faces covered screaming lies and chanting like the hate-cult zombies they are. I only wish they still had falafel when we got to the Shuk at the festival.

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Andrea Toole's avatar

I agree completely about the empowerment and the small cabal of haters.

I skipped the Festival and went to Romi's for brunch instead. Plenty of falafel there, and other people in Walk t-shirts.

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David Mandel's avatar

I think that'll be our game plan next year. Romi's is also very close to home for us BUT I have never been there and just took a look. So thank you for some very useful information -- and now I'm hungry!

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Andrea Toole's avatar

I no longer live in that neighbourhood but it still feels like home. I visit Romi's as often as I can. I've never met Tomer, but he seems lovely. Get the rugalach and cookies to go after your excellent meal.

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Denise Hummel's avatar

You described so well the feelings we all felt today . A big family walking together with pride !

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Jodi Solovy's avatar

Beautifully written and inspiring!! I’m visiting Israel right now and the people are vibrant and living life to the fullest! Am Yisrael Chai!!💙💪🏻🇮🇱

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Andrea Toole's avatar

"...if you hate a people who survived Pharaoh, Haman, Hitler, and Hamas—you’re not opposing oppression, you're opposing miracles." - That's one I've never heard before. I hope I remember it so I can use it.

What an incredible day. It's the first time I did the Walk in over a decade. The energy was extraordinary, as always.

I keep having to shush the part of me that complains that the distance was too short (because when I was a kid...).

I didn't mind the few protesters we encountered because a) they weren't violent, and b) we showed them that there are many more of us. 56,000 Jews and Jewish allies can not be matched or silenced. I might have been disappointed with zero protesters. They wouldn't show up if we didn't matter. The ones at the start of the Walk didn't bother me until the next day when I saw a video of them practically marshaling the parade. I was far enough back at the start that I saw their flags but didn't have context.

I ended up skipping the Festival because the friends I was with all wanted to leave, and the lineup to get in looked too long. The rain began when I was on my way south for brunch at an Israeli-owned restaurant.

I saw friends old and new, including someone I went to Hebrew day school and high school with whom I hadn't seen in decades. That's what happens at the Walk.

Am Israel Chai.

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Kip🎗️'s avatar

Great to hear. No thanks apparently to the pathetic mayor, premier and cowardly Toronto Police who could have moved that mob of Pali-garbage away but didn't.

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Deborah's avatar

I felt very positive today which I hope will continue. Amazing solidarity.

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