'We'll be dancing': Weekly silent walk becomes Canadian celebration for return of Israel's hostages

This Sunday marks the final “Run for Their Lives” walk in Thornhill, Ontario, a weekly event held in a local mall for the last two years. It was organized by Toronto resident, Michelle Factor, as one of approximately 250 weekly walks around the world bringing together Jewish and non‑Jewish allies every Sunday to demand the safe return of hostages held by Hamas.

The Thornhill walk began as a gathering of 60–80 walkers and became a weekly affirming of “Chai” (life in Hebrew), with the walkers wearing red to symbolize bleeding hearts, and including prayers led by rabbis and the singing of Hatikvah. However, now that the last 20 living hostages have been returned, the event is coming to a close.

Run for Their Lives was inspired by a video from Rachel Polin Goldberg, mother of one of the captives, calling on communities to start or join walks in their neighborhoods.

The organization spanned several continents with chapters in Vancouver, Victoria, Helsinki, Paris, Braunschweig, and beyond. Factor launched the Thornhill event on Day 100 of the hostages’ captivity.

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NP spoke with Michelle Factor about the meaning of the walk and marking the last one. Here is what she had to say:

Michelle, how does it feel to be doing the last of these walks this weekend?

It’s truly a bittersweet ending. I’m so grateful that the 20 living hostages are finally home, but it’s sad to think we won’t be gathering as a community on Sundays anymore after two years together. As a group, we’ve decided that this weekend will be a celebration of life for the 20 who returned home most recently, while we continue to pray for the 13 souls who have not yet been brought back for proper burial. Run for Their Lives began as a way to walk and run for those who could not. While we’ll always keep praying for the 13, this weekend is a moment to celebrate that our hope and prayers for the living have been answered.

What memories of past walks would you like to share?

One of my most cherished memories is from our very first walk. It was January 14th, 2024, minus 20 degrees Celsius, and yet it was one of our largest gatherings … Our biggest turnouts were always on significant dates, like the commemoration of October 7th, and when Rabbi (Doron) Perez joined us to share the story of his son, Daniel Perez (murdered on Oct. 7). Daniel’s quote, “If not me, then who?” has stayed with me throughout these two years. It inspired me to keep going because if I don’t, who will? I’ve also carried my own message with me each week: “If they can hate us, I can love you.” It’s something I remind my walkers of every Sunday that we choose love and unity in the face of hate.

How has this walk been connected to others elsewhere?

There are now 184 Run for Their Lives groups around the world. As a lead, I’ve had the privilege of connecting weekly with other group leaders, cheering each other on, sharing posters, and offering support.

In June, I joined the Israel Parade in New York City and had the chance to walk alongside other Run for Their Lives groups from around the world. We’ve built a strong global community, and our group chats will stay open indefinitely so we can continue to communicate and support one another. Not all groups are finishing this weekend. Some will keep walking until all 13 souls are returned.

Are you planning anything special to mark the event?

We’ll begin the celebration with prayers, including a new one for the 13 remaining souls, for the State of Israel, and for the IDF soldiers who continue to fight tirelessly. I’ll also be giving a short speech to thank our community for their commitment and strength. We’re honoured to have Mayor Steven Del Duca of Vaughan and MPP Laura Smith of Thornhill joining us. For the first time since January 14th, 2024, we won’t be walking in silence. Instead, we’ll be dancing and playing music to celebrate life and unity.

• Israel is transfixed as freed hostages embrace tearful families
• Former Israeli hostage looks to the future: ‘It does not define who I am’

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