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Thousands gathered Sunday on 42nd Street near the Israeli Consulate wearing red hats, symbolizing the red alerts many in Israel experience day after day, under rocket fire from Hamas-controlled Gaza.

"These red hats we vow will not have to be worn year after year after year ever again. The rockets will have to stop," said Senator Chuck Schumer.

"How can you just let the bombs keep lopping over? So I'm hoping and praying that the Hamas will stop sending the rockets so Israel will not have to defend itself and we can live in peace," said Rikki Spector, an Israeli supporter.

Schumer was joined by Governor David Paterson and other elected officials to show support for Israel's right to self defense.

Israel began military operations in Gaza two weeks ago with air strikes and ground troops as retaliation for years of rocket attacks.

Gaza officials reported at least 820 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed since the military offensive began. Still, the governor said Israel had no choice.

"We recognize the right of the state of Israel to protect itself. We recognize the right of the men and women of that great state to protect its own children," said Paterson.

For many New Yorkers gathered, the situation strikes close to home with many who have relatives living in Israel and dealing with the danger every day.

"My mother actually has a cousin there who got across the street, a rocket landed and blew up the entire house and when you hear about it and it's somebody related to you it's like your family, this could happen to any one of us," said Aryeh Chait.

"They're told to be careful when they walk around because they're told that there may be reprisals so there's some fear there," said Rabbi Gershon Sonnenschein.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leaders are in Cairo to discuss a cease-fire proposed by Egypt -- a peace agreement many supporting Israel hope comes sooner than later.