Sen. Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho) said he met Santa Fe Jewish Center Rabbi Berel Levertov “a couple of months ago” but they are now very good friends. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM)
On the 123rd day of the War in Gaza, anti-Zionist protesters rallied outside the New Mexico State Capitol at noon as they have every Wednesday since shortly after the war started.
At the same time, a group of New Mexico state lawmakers gathered to express their support for Israel and Zionism.
Gathered in the Rotunda, they prayed for the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, sang songs and heard via Zoom from an Israeli soldier and a recorded message from a deputy mayor of Jerusalem.
Sens. Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho) and David Gallegos (R-Eunice) along with Rep. Rod Montoya (R-Farmington) invited the Santa Fe Jewish Center to the event, billed as “A Day for Israel.”
Santa Fe Jewish Center Rabbi Berel Levertov said the event marked “exactly four months since the horrific attacks on the Holy Land of Israel on October 7.” He condemned the protesters outside.