Tikkun Olam
Social Justice and Community Projects

First We Bombed New Mexico

Submitted by JUDY BROWN

FIRST WE BOMBED NEW MEXICO is the story that Oppenheimer leaves out, the untold and tragic story of Trinity, the world’s first nuclear bomb, and how it continues to affect generations of our New Mexican neighbors. It is a story of governmental betrayal with tragic consequences - Multiple Generations of Cancer.

Register today to see First We Bombed New Mexico, available for streaming May 17-19. And call House Speaker Mike Johnson. And please share this link widely!

Thousands of New Mexicans - mostly Hispanic and Native American - were exposed to catastrophic levels of radioactive fallout, never warned, never acknowledged and never helped afterwards.

Inspiring cancer survivor Tina Cordova has catalyzed a movement seeking compensation for the effected communities of New Mexico, who are suffering from radiation related illnesses related to the Trinity bomb. Seventy-eight years after Trinity, the US government has still offered no compensation.

Alongside the screening will be a panel discussion with the filmmakers and Senators Ben Ray Lujan and Josh Hawley and Representative Theresa Leger-Fernandez to discuss this important issue.

This film is tied to an urgent impact campaign to educate and engage the public and members of the House. On JUNE 7th the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Sunsets UNLESS Congress votes to extend it. RECA passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate – Now House Speaker Mike Johnson must agree to present this bill to the House floor. S3853 provides an apology and compensation to New Mexicans, uranium miners and other American Citizens who were radiated by Trinity and our country’s later nuclear testing program.

To learn more, visit the Official Film Website: FirstWeBombedNewMexico.com

ABQ FAITHWORKS COLLABORATIVE

In March, ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative welcomed their new Executive Director, Hannah Albee.  She looks forward to visiting all the collaborating congregations and getting to know us.  You can learn more about Hannah on their website at www.abqfaithworks.org  ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative is looking for volunteers to be family liaisons for their newcomer program, which helps asylum seekers navigate their journey in Albuquerque. There are other volunteer opportunities as well. Please contact them at 505-457-1728 to learn more. 

FORAGING FOR FUN(DS)

Saturday, May 18, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Los Poblanos Open Space, Albuquerque - Suggested Minimum Donation: $10

From JUDY BROWN . . .

Join Rev. Ryan Tate on a foraging excursion! Rev. Tate, of the African American spiritual tradition and an IPL board member, wants to bring their loving knowledge of NM edibles and herbs to you. Foragers will meet at Los Poblanos Open Space on May 18th at 10 am to explore and harvest native and edible plants. After foraging, we’ll gather under the cottonwood to taste our harvest and other locally sourced treats. 

After you register, please make an online donation with a note "Foraging for Fun(ds), mail a check, or bring a check on May 18th. This is a fundraiser for NM-IPL's work for climate justice: please give generously. 

APS Homeless Students

Unhoused APS students --Special donations drive from now through High Holidays to provide foods and hygiene supplies for APS students who are unhoused. Please bring a donation of

• non perishable foods

• easy open pop top fruit cups

• noodle cups

• juices

• energy bars

• and hygiene supplies

These foods or hygiene supplies are stuffed in gallon bags and delivered by the counselors and outreach teachers of this Title One program with APS. This is how we help these kids stay in school!

Joan Robins and Michelle Vogler toured the warehouse and were blown away and touched by the scope of work they do for 4000 kids and families. Empty shelves need to be filled up with easy to open nutritious foods for unhoused students and their families.

The donation cart is now in the Sanctuary. You can find inexpensive single serving foods wherever you shop. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Mishpocha means extended family in Yiddish. We support Nahalat Shalom members in times of need and times of joy (new baby). Services are for those who live alone, don't have other support or whose caregivers are exhausted. We practice social distancing, masks and gloves as appropriate. We have begun a Rapid Response Team to expedite our responses. Your call to us will be confidential. To volunteer to help, or if you have a need or know someone who has a need, please call Esteban Rael at 505-343-8227 OR email at esteban@nahalahatshalom.org