'Thank you Israel': Iranian-Canadians flood Toronto streets in show of unity

Participants praise Netanyahu and Trump, and calls for Reza Pahlavi grow louder in downtown march.

Scarlett Grace
  |   April 29, 2026   |   News Analysis   |   1 Comment

On Sunday, April 26, thousands gathered in front of the Israeli Consulate in Toronto for an “Appreciation Rally” for Israel from Iranians. The rally was organized as a thank you to Israel for their role in aiding in the takedown of the Islamic Republic occupying Iran. Grateful Iranians and their allies showed up to chant thanks to “Bibi” Netanyahu and President Donald Trump for attacking the occupying force in Iran.

The steps of the consulate were made into a stage for speakers. Rally organizers expressed gratitude to Israel, and politicians showed solidarity with the Iranian community in their fight for freedom. The crowd then marched from Bloor St. to Queen’s Park.

The crowd erupted in chants for “King Reza Pahlavi!” as a call for the return of the late Shah’s son to Iran. Iranians are overwhelmingly united in their support of Reza Pahlavi as their leader once the regime falls. Chants for Trump to “stay the course” echoed through downtown streets as Iranian, Israeli, Canadian, and American flags waved alongside banners of Reza Pahlavi’s image.

Not all were impressed with the crowd, though. When I was interviewing two young Iranian women who were deeply grateful to Israel, an older woman walked by and began swearing at them in Persian. One of the women began filming and following her. I followed the verbal altercation and attempted to get in front of the woman to film her face.

When she saw that I was filming, she immediately struck my camera, sending it flying, and then struck my hand holding my microphone again. There were police all around, but the officer who approached us was extremely reluctant to do anything, even though the entire incident was captured on video. He got on his bicycle and caught up to the woman who attacked us, but then told us to go away. He did not want the footage or the witnesses’ or victim’s information. We had a rally to attend, so, as the officer asked, we left.

Once the rally reached Queen’s Park, speeches recommenced, followed by musical performances, including the singing of the Canadian, Iranian, and Israeli national anthems. The rally concluded with a remix of Trump saying, “Ayatollah Khamenei is dead,” and Iranians, Jews, and Canadian allies all danced together in a show of unity and celebration.

Toronto’s two-tier policing was on full display once more. I don’t know what came of the Burberry-jacket-wearing regime supporter, but I can assume she won’t face justice or discipline based on the officer’s reluctance to act. Still, we see open supporters of terrorist regimes and organizations on full display weekly in Toronto—a stark contrast to the patriotism and hope that filled the streets on Sunday.

Please sign the petition to show that Canadians stand with the Iranian people!

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The Iranian people are fighting a tyrannical Islamic regime that arrests women, crushes dissent, and kills protestors demanding freedom. Canada’s leaders need to stop tiptoeing around the dictators in Tehran and stand with those risking their lives for democracy and human rights. Add your name — tell Canada to stand with the Iranian people and against the regime oppressing them.

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Scarlett Grace

Anti-Discrimination Reporter

Scarlett Grace is a Canadian journalist and musician from Peterborough, Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Trent University and has spent over a decade performing live and releasing original music.

In 2022, her involvement in Canada’s freedom movement marked a turning point in her career and public voice. She later joined Rebel News, where she works as an anti-discrimination journalist, reporting extensively on the rise of antisemitism in Canada and the Iranian uprising.

https://twitter.com/ScarlettGrace92

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  • Bruce Atchison
    commented 2026-04-29 21:44:03 -0400
    Put a lanyard on your camera and hang on to your microphone. And that woman’s ill temper shows which side of the argument is better. Pro-liberation Persians are much more classy than the regime toadies.