The New York based Committee Lmaan Zion (For the Sake of Zion) is hosting a pro-Israel rally in front of the Israeli Consulate in New York City on Thursday to encourage Israel to stand strong in the midst of increased terror threats. The rally has a number of key points which will be emphasized: show support for Israeli operations in Gaza; pray for the safe return of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit; protest further Israeli withdrawals; and create American solidarity with Israeli brethren and stand up for their Promised Land. Consul General Aryeh Mekel will be present as well as many New York Jewish leaders. Three Jewish groups said that American Jews are not simply entitled to speak up against Olmert’s convergence plan, but “have a clear, political and moral obligation to do so.”