RALLY AT THE UNITED NATIONS FOR ISRAEL JULY 14, 2006

(NEW YORK, NY) July 14, 2006 - The International Sephardic Leadership Council will be joining the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York for a rally for Israel on Monday, July 17th at 12:00 noon opposite the United Nations (1st Ave and 42nd Street).

The rally is in solidarity with the government and people of Israel. The rally will demonstrate that while Israel is under attack from enemies that hope for their destruction, American Jewry will not be silent. Speak out now in support of Israel's right to self-defense and to assure the security of its citizens. More than 1,000 rockets, missiles and other attacks recently have been launched against Israeli cities from Gaza and Lebanon. Over 500 Israeli's have been injured and dozens have been murdered by Lebanese based terrorists.

United States Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), as well as Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, will headline the noon rally. The rally is meant to support Israel’s right to self-defense against Hezbollah and Hamas, both of which have taken captive Israeli soldiers in recent attacks. Another rally is planned for Wednesday in Washington D.C.

Shelomo Alfassa of the International Sephardic Leadership Council commented, "The kidnapping of Israeli soldiers took place on sovereign Israeli territory and constituted a severe violation of international law. The international community now must exert its full influence to obtain the release of the Israeli soldiers, and until they are released, Israel has the right, and the might, to take strong military action against those who committed these acts of war.

The rally will be held at the United Nations, 1st Avenue at 42nd Street at 12 noon. Participants are encouraged to bring large signs and Israeli flags. The 4, 5, 6, and 7 train all go to Grand Central Station, the UN is two blocks east of the station.

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The International Sephardic Leadership Council is based in the heart of the vibrant Near-Eastern Sephardic Community of New York City, a community highly committed to Judaism, made up of 75,000 Syrian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Turkish and North African Jews; one of the largest, strongest, and fastest growing Sephardic communities in the world.