New Mexico
‘A call to action’: New Mexico mayors convene for CAM antisemitism forum
As New Mexico continues to grapple with the rise of anti-Jewish incidents that spiked around the world in the wake of the start of the Israel-Hamas War over 500 days ago, a dozen leaders from across the southwestern US state convened for a forum hosted by Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) on Tuesday to discuss how their cities could combat antisemitism.
According to CAM, the rate of antisemitic incidents in New Mexico have quadrupled since the war began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people.
Mayors and municipal officials were among those who attended the forum, which was co-hosted by Santa Fe, Española, and Las Vegas. The cities of Albuquerque, Pecos, Los Alamos, Grants, Santa Rosa, Bernalillo, Clovis, and Red River were also represented at the event.
During the forum, mayors present shared their experiences in countering hatred, discussed best practices, and developed strategies to combat antisemitism, CAM stated.
These strategies reportedly included local policy measures that could be implemented, greater engagement in CAM initiatives, and commitments from the cities to recognize Jewish American Heritage and to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.
“Getting New Mexico mayors together is an important step toward preventing and addressing antisemitism and hate in all of our communities,” Santa Fe Mayor Alan Weber said. “In our discussions today, we all agreed to work together for the good of all of New Mexico –and that’s why we came together.”
The mayors participated in a roundtable discussion at the forum focusing on CAM’s Municipal Antisemitism Action Index. The discussion was moderated by CAM Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz.
Katz noted that the index helps cities evaluate and improve their responses to antisemitism.
‘Powerful call to action against antisemitism’
“Today’s roundtable discussion was a powerful call to action against antisemitism and hate in general here in New Mexico, a testament to the importance of promoting understanding and unity for all,” Las Vegas Mayor David Romero added.
Española Mayor John Ramon Vigil commented, “Hate is a factor that is growing within our communities on various scales — not just limited to antisemitic hatred. Events such as these help us better prepare and understand how we grow our communities in a positive manner.”
“The New Mexico Mayors Roundtable was a vital opportunity for local leaders to address the rising challenges of antisemitism, extremism, and hate-fueled violence affecting their communities,” Katz said after the forum, adding, “The leadership of these mayors and their peers throughout the state is essential in ensuring that New Mexico remains a place where all residents feel safe and respected.”
Josh’s Saturday Night Forecast
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Calmer weather has moved back into the state this afternoon. Temperatures are slightly warmer across northwestern New Mexico, while southeastern areas are cooler thanks to the backdoor cold fronts that moved in on Friday. Breezier winds will return Sunday and will help kick off a warming trend across the state, along with an elevated fire threat in eastern New Mexico.
Warmer weather will continue building in across the state throughout the upcoming week. A few isolated rain chances will return Monday in parts of New Mexico, but some of that rain may evaporate before reaching the ground.
Good morning!
Heading out the door this morning? Bundle up! Cold air has settled into the Land of Enchantment after two cold fronts passed through New Mexico within the last 24 hours. Temperatures have fallen to the teens, 20s and 30s throughout northern New Mexico. The metro area is just as cold with Moriarty falling to the teens and several other cities bottoming out near the freezing point. The National Weather Service (NWS) has Freeze Warnings in place until 9 a.m. for several locations in northern and central New Mexico. However, one of the aforementioned cold fronts is still moving through eastern New Mexico this morning. That back door cold front has brought 30-45 mph wind gusts, or more, in southeastern New Mexico. The front will push west further west this morning bringing breezy winds to far south and southwestern New Mexico this afternoon. Otherwise, much calmer weather will be on tap for the state compared to the majority of this week.
The colder air this morning will bring cooler and seasonable weather to the Land of Enchantment later on Saturday. Afternoon highs will range from the high 50s, in sections of the northern mountains, to the 70s in southern New Mexico. Throughout the weekend into early next week a warming trend is expected as a ridge of high pressure builds on Sunday, which is forecasted to last through at least Tuesday. By next Tuesday, high temperatures will be 5 to 15 degrees above normal, and even warmer for some locations by next Wednesday with breezy conditions returning to the state.
Moisture does stream back into the state early next week across New Mexico. Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to have cloud coverage increase with warmer weather. On Monday sufficient moisture in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere will bring the chance for showers; however, moisture levels toward the surface will be lower. That will also bring the chance for dry showers and thunderstorms throughout the state. Have a great weekend and stay warm this morning!
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico man has taken a plea deal for his role in the death of a three-year-old girl more than two years ago. Police said that Kerri Santos brought her toddler to University of New Mexico Hospital, claiming that she fell and hurt herself. Medical staff determined the child was already dead when she arrived, and noticed signs of abuse, including evidence that she had been tied up. Police said that Santos and three others were staying at James Welch’s home when the abuse took place.
On Friday, Welch pleaded no contest to three counts of child abuse and tampering with evidence. He faces up to five years behind bars.
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