Category: Israel

Posted in anxiety, Bigotry, Israel, Judiasm

Terrorism

Posted on by debthumanblog

Today is Yom HaShoah, Israeli Holocaust Remembrance Day. The day I remember those who were murdered and those who fought and died so I could have a homeland. I honored the day by confronting terrorists.

There was an encampment at the university. This was billed as free speech. The First Amendment is not now and never was absolute. You can’t yet fire in a crowded theater. But you can call for the genocide of Jews and the obliteration of Israel, my homeland. That’s perfectly acceptable.

I went to take photos to send to the FBI. Depending on how much walking I need to do, and I needed to do a lot, I have to use a walker. The terrorists called the police. And that’s the extent of the details I can talk about because of the possibility of criminal charges. I had hoped the officer would accept my passport as my ID. My passport has my post office box address rather than my home address. Unfortunately, he asked for my license which has my home address. Never have I been so glad to be living next door to the sheriff. I’ve sent her an email explaining the situation and saying there might be a problem if the terrorists get my home address. That’s not supposed to happen, but life doesn’t always go according to the script. I’ve told Jim to call 911 immediately if he sees anyone he doesn’t recognize around the house. I’ve got security cameras on the front, back and side of the house.

When my great-great-grandparents along with my 10-month-old great-grandmother left Europe, they came disguised as German Lutherans. They were Polish Jews. My grandmother, who thought she was a German Lutheran, was taught never to do anything that would make people think she was Jewish. I was always horrified by that.

Today, to my shame, I hid. I wore nothing, said nothing, and did nothing to make the terrorists think I’m Jewish. Because I hid, I’m home scared rather than in the hospital wondering what my insurance will cover.

Am Yisrael Chai! The people of Israel live.

Posted in Depression, Emotions, Israel, Judiasm, Photography

A Brief Period of Uneasy Calm

Posted on by debthumanblog

I couldn’t bring myself to go to the painting studio on campus this week. I’m feeling better, calmer, and it’s transitory. I’ll be back on campus on Monday. I’m still afraid. I’m still angry. I’m afraid my painting will be ruined by the person who flung the hate crime at me. I’m afraid of being physically attacked by hamas sympathizers.

I don’t like feeling like this.

Meanwhile, someone hacked my website, http://www.DebThumanArt.com. When I checked my site, I got a page warning me that I was about to visit a page full of malware. It took several hours, but I finally got the page fixed. According to Wix, there’s no malware on my page. There is some interesting art on my page and all of it for sale.

I started playing around with a photo I took several months ago.

I was set to get into bed when I looked out the window and saw a big, orange moon setting. I grabbed my camera, went outside without wearing shoes or a jacket, and started shooting.

I’ve been playing with text. Rather than using one of the regular fonts, I started using symbol fonts. This is what you get when you write: LILIL over and over.

This one is Love written over and over.

I just finished ordering proofs of 96 fabric designs. Once the proofs arrive, I’ll be putting the designs into my Spoonflower shop https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/deb_thuman I finally put the 84 designs that had been sitting and waiting for me into the store.

Am Yisrael Chai!

The people of Israel live!

Posted in anxiety, Bigotry, Emotions, Israel, Judiasm

Terrorists Don’t Start With A Bomb

Posted on by debthumanblog

Hate crimes don’t always include violence, hateful graffiti, or a fire bomb although all of those things constitute a hate crime. Terrorists don’t start with a bomb although they frequently end with a bomb.

I am on the receiving end of a hate crime committed by a woman I strongly suspect is a terrorist. She told me to stop talking when I was speaking about hamas kidnapping an elderly Holocaust victim. Then, she lied, slandered me and attacked my reputation by claiming I said Palestinians are disgusting. I never used the word Palestinian and I never used the word disgusting. My fight isn’t with Palestinians, it’s with hamas – a group the US deemed a terrorist organization in 1997. Palestinians didn’t murder, kidnap, burn alive and decapitate Israelis on October 7, 2023. Hamas did all that. The people of Gaza voted hamas to govern them in 2006. There hasn’t been an election since. I suspect the majority of Palestinians wish hamas had never been voted in.

Although the people at the Office of Institutional Equity – the office New Mexico State University has designated as the proper office to report discrimination – said they didn’t believe the woman’s claims, her slander of me is protected speech. I’ve been an attorney for nearly 30 years. I was a cooperating attorney for the New York Civil Liberties Union for five years. I know slander is definitely not protected speech. Unless it’s anti-Semitism and it happens at NMSU.

Since October 7, 2023, there have been two pro-hamas rallies on campus. I doubt even half the students who participated realized they were supporting hamas. They thought they were supporting Palestinians when they called for the obliteration of Israel. The second rally is strong evidence that hamas is behind these rallies. The rally was held on November 9, 2023. November 9 is the anniversary of kristalnacht when the nazis went on a terror rampage, burned synagogs, destroyed businesses owned by Jews, and wantonly killed Jews. The only reason to schedule that rally on that date was to terrorize Jews.

I suspect the hate criminal is a terrorist. She’s most certainly a hamas sympathizer. If you see something, say something. Great advice. Try finding someone to say something to. I went in search of the FBI office is Las Cruces. I couldn’t find one on google. I walked into the federal court house in Las Cruces, walked up to a federal Marshall, and said: I need to talk to someone about a suspected terrorist. Result? I was sent on a wild goose chase in search of an office that didn’t exist. What should have happened was to have me sit down and then search for someone I could talk to. Has terrorism become so normalized that we no longer respond to threats?

Eventually, I discovered the only FBI office in NM was in Albuquerque – 230 miles north of Las Cruces. I called what was supposed to be the number for the Albuquerque office. After a half hour on hold, I finally got to talk to someone. I was puzzled when the person asked me to spell Las Cruces. That’s when I discovered the Albuquerque office phone number is not answered in Albuquerque but answered in Washington DC.

Arlo Guthrie did a piece about dedicating a song to the FBI. The story line has advice for The Last Guy – no one has it worse than that guy. All he has to do to have some excitement in his life is to bum a dime and call the FBI. “FBI? Yes. I dig Uncle Ho and Chairman Mao and all their friends are coming for dinner. Hang up the phone.” Arlo was wrong; I had it worse than the Last Guy. I couldn’t call the FBI because the FBI doesn’t want to be called.

I’m afraid when I’m on campus. How afraid? I’ve argued before the NM Supreme Court three times – the last time was to save an old man’s life, I’ve worked on death penalty cases, I’ve done more than 120 trials, I’ve got more guts than brains. I’m afraid when I’m on campus. I am armed at all times when I’m on campus and I keep my weapons on my person and not in my backpack. A weapon I can’t reach when I’ve only a few seconds to respond is useless. I have the number for the campus police programmed into my phone. I have a way to call 911 in an emergency by pressing two buttons on my cellphone. I keep my cellphone in my pocket. I have a way to call 911 in an emergency using my Apple Watch. I always wear my Apple Watch.

I had planned on taking another painting class and an astronomy class next semester. Now, I don’t know if it will be safe for me to do that.

This is the schematic for a painting I’m doing.

I’m afraid to work on it during class time because I’m afraid of what the hate criminal will do to my painting or to me. I’m Jewish. I have no protection. I have no freedom of speech even when I’m quoting what legitimate news sources around the world are reporting.

I only have one thing to say. Fuck hamas.

Posted in Bigotry, Emotions, Israel, Judiasm

Fighting Back

Posted on by debthumanblog

This post contains a word some people find offensive. There is no other word that expresses what I feel, so the word stays.

I’m working on a post modern painting for my painting class. I’ve figured out what images I want and I’ve done a preliminary layout. I need to look at the arrangement tomorrow to see if I’ve got what I want or if I need to tweak the layout.

The impetus for this painting is my experiences since October 7, 2023. Today, I got an email from the VP of Equity, Diversion and Inclusivity telling me how open and welcoming the NMSU campus is and how we have this wonderful diversion and inclusivity. Here is my response:

What university are you talking about? NMSU doesn’t have inclusivity or diversity. I’m Jewish. Since October 10, 2023, I’ve been on the receiving end of anti-Semitism and a hate crime. I’ve reported this to the Anti-Defamation League and other groups that support Jews on campus and fight anti-Semitism.  I reported this to the Office of Institutional Equity. 

The university’s response was to tell me to get counseling. 

I have to be armed at all times when I’m on campus and I keep my weapons on my person. 

I had to make a safety plan in order to attend my painting class. 

I’m alone. I’m scared. I’m not going away. 

I’m not going to stay quiet while you and others in administration lie to the community about this being a university committed to diversity and inclusion. 

Deborah Lee Thuman

Attorney at Law

Am Yisrael Chai

The People of Israel Live

Let the shitstorm begin!

Here’s the preliminary layout and closeups of the images.

The transliteration of the Hebrew is: Am Yisrael Chai. The translation is: The People of Israel Live.

This is a schematic of a eucalyptus leaf. In the early part of the 20th century, Zionists collected money and bought land in Israel. The land was useless swamp. They planted eucalyptus trees to suck up the water thereby draining the swamp and leaving land good for growing crops.

I can’t decide which is worse; kidnapping an infant or decapitating a small child. I need to correct the spelling error.

This one may be a dangerous thing to say, but I’m going to say it anyway.

Remember the poster from the 60’s – You have not converted a man simply because you have silenced him. This woman will not be silenced.

This is the insignia of IDF Special Forces.

Iron Dome destroying hamas rockets.

I wish I were making that up, but I’m not. I kept the email.

I’m aware there are people who find the first word offensive. I find hamas offensive. There was a pro-hamas rally on campus. It was billed as pro-palestinian, but it was really pro-hamas.

A safety plan to attend a painting class. I never thought I’d have to do such a thing.

This is the preliminary layout.

My online store: Deb Thuman Art is here: http://www.DebThumanArt.com

Posted in anxiety, Bigotry, Brady, Depression, Fiber, Israel, Judiasm, Quilts

Alone In A Sea of Hate

Posted on by debthumanblog

Every time I think I’m over reacting, I realize what happened is worse than I thought. First, I thought the person’s reaction was odd. Then, I realized it was anti-semitism. Then, I discovered the person slandered me. Then I discovered the university views slander as protected speech. It’s not; but I know the attorney who made that decision and I’m not surprised by such a glaring misstatement of law.

22K+ students at NMSU, and I’m the lone Jew. Hillel has no presence on campus. Chabad has no presence on campus. In 44 semesters of continuing education, only twice was there another Jew in my class.

I’m alone.

I’m armed at all times when I’m on campus. I carry pepper gel and a stun gun. I have a safety plan in place. I have the campus police telephone number programmed into my phone.

According to the president of the university, if I’m upset by what’s happening in Israel, I should go to counseling. According to the Office of Institutional Equity, if I’m upset by the hate crime hurled at me, I should go to counseling.

This past Tuesday, I went to the campus police to report that what I thought was odd, rose to the level of a hate crime pursuant to New Mexico law. Knowing I couldn’t manage without Brady, my service dog in training, I took her with me. I had to hug her twice just to get through the day.

After taking to the police, I was so upset about being on the receiving end of a hate crime, I couldn’t eat and could not enjoy the drink I ordered at Starbucks. Brady and I explored the library. Here she is looking at books and searching for the book with the recipes for dog treats.

I had arranged to meet with my painting teacher outside of the painting studio. It was a good plan. Except I had to go into the painting studio to fetch my paintings and the hate criminal was in the painting studio.

The next morning, I woke up and decided the hate criminal had taken all she was going to take away from me and I was taking back my life. The hate criminal isn’t done with me yet. Apparently, she has the mental capacity of a 12-year-old and is doing petty, childish things just to piss me off. I’m doing my best to ignore her. She’s not going away, but neither am I.

My art has changed.

It’s not finished and the painting is on an easel so there’s only so much I can do to eliminate the background.

Also not finished and also still on the easel. Suddenly, I’m painting about being alone, I’m facing evil, and no one is going to help me. I’m trying not to hate Muslims. I’m trying to remember that Muslims are not terrorists and terrorists are not Muslims. Terrorists worship hatred and murder. News organizations have gotten recordings of terrorists’ cell phone calls bragging about murdering Jews on October 7, 2023.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, “Since the October 7th terrorist massacre by Hamas in Israel, we’ve seen a nearly 400 percent increase in antisemitic incidents across the United States.”

The fact that the crap that has happened to me is happening to Jewish students on college campuses across the country doesn’t make me feel better. There’s a new rallying cry at Columbia law school: Fuck Jews.

I’m alone.

I’m scared.

I have only myself to rely on to protect me.

The last time I had this much anxiety, I was studying for the NY bar exam.

Posted in anxiety, bipolar disorder, Israel

This Shouldn’t Be That Hard

Posted on by debthumanblog

It took a mere 5 hours to set up my iPhone 15. And it still isn’t right. All my data was supposed to transfer from my iPhone 8+ to my iPhone 15. Contacts transferred, but nothing else. I had to manually add some photos. I had to reinstall my apps. I had to do a hard reset and then pair my Apple Watch.

Why did I buy this phone? Because the iPhone 8+ was not holding a charge all that well and it couldn’t be updated with new IOS versions. My Apple Watch cannot be updated unless I update my phone which cannot be updated. Hence, I broke down and bought an iPhone 15. Now, I’m updating my Apple Watch. Per my phone, it will take 3 hours to update. Apparently, I missed a few updates.

After much angst, I settled upon the design for my next painting. The painting will be a study for a fiber piece. In descending order of size, the Stars of David represent: soldiers killed by Hamas, men murdered by Hamas, women murdered by Hamas, children murdered by Hamas.

I’m still furious about what happened in my painting class last Tuesday. In case you missed the previous blog post, here’s what happened.

There is more than one class taking place in the painting studio when my class time is. As I was packing up to leave, a teacher, who isn’t my teacher but who knows me and my art, asked if I had family in Israel. I do not. We spoke briefly about what’s happening and I said that Hamas had kidnapped a Holocaust survivor. At that point, a woman who wasn’t part of the conversation and who was on the other side of the room told us to talk about something else. The woman wears a hijab so I assume she’s Muslim. I was so stunned, I did nothing. 

When I got home, I filed a formal complaint with the appropriate department of the university. I expected them to do nothing, and they met my expectations. The same day, there was a mass email from the president of the university to all faculty and students. We were told if we were having difficulty with current events, to get counseling. I sent a reply saying I didn’t need counseling; I needed to know if the university’s inclusion policy included Jews. I received no response. 

Obviously, I’m on my own and I am armed every time I’m on campus. I carry bear spray and a stun gun both of which are legal in New Mexico. 

I’m old enough (I’m 71) to audit classes for $5 per credit. I’m not working towards another degree and my purpose in taking this class is to improve my painting skill and to have a place to paint. With the exception of Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-5:30, the painting studio is open to any student who wishes to paint. I prefer working when it’s quiet so utilizing open studio time is perfect for me. My teacher is willing to meet with me during open studio time.

I hate being afraid. I survived 16 years of child abuse. I put myself through college and law school. I’ve been a criminal defense attorney for 29+ years. I’m a fighter. I’m used to fighting alone. I’m still afraid and I’m royally ​****** that I have to fight this battle alone. 

That’s what gave rise to the painting.

I’m linking with Nina Marie here: https://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com

My Spoonflower shop is here: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/deb_thuman

My online store is here: http://www.DebThumanArt.com

Posted in Israel

עם ישראל חי

Posted on by debthumanblog

Am Yisrael chai

The people of Israel live.

I hurt inside. Hamas attacked Israel, kidnapped little kids, women, men, elderly Holocaust survivors. I’ve no illusions the victims are still alive. Hamas attacked music festival goers and gunned down people as they tried to run to safety. Hamas screams God is great. I scream you have no God for there is no god of hatred and murder.

I see the photos. The one that hurt the most was of two Israeli soldiers shielding a child as they huddled against a wall while sirens warning of an attack wailed.

Once again, Israel fights for the right to exist. This war isn’t about land or money, or any other tangible. This was is about Hamas, a terrorist organization whose stated purpose is to murder Israelis, attempting to wipe out Israel.

Golda Meir said we have a secret weapon. We have nowhere else to go. She’s right. Nowhere else on earth is it completely safe to be a Jew.

I was on the receiving end of anti-Semitism in my painting class on Tuesday. It came from a Muslim woman. I won’t be attending class for a while. How long a while I don’t know yet. It’s not a lack of courage. It’s a reality that I could very well say something that would make the situation worse and I don’t want to do that. Instead, I’ll be working on my paintings during open studio time. I like working by myself. I like working when it’s quiet. I like working when I can enter the Art Zone and the entire world disappears.

I’ve the start of an idea for a fiber piece about this war. I intend to do a painting as a study for the fiber piece. I want to have the colors worked out before I start cutting fabric.