Helen Thomas Retires After Israel Comments

2 years ago

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In the wake of her contentious comments regarding the state of Israel, veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas has abruptly retired from the job she has held for nearly half a century.

The 89-year-old columnist for the Hearst News Service drew the rebuke of the Obama administration after she suggested that Jews leave what she termed "Palestine," and "go home" to places such as Germany and Poland.

On Monday, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs called Thomas' comments "offensive and reprehensible."

Over the weekend, Thomas apologized for her remarks, and canceled a planned graduation speech at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Md.

The former dean of the White House press corps turned opinion columnist, Ms. Thomas had been a fixture at presidential news conferences during the past four administrations.

The remarks that led to Thomas' resignation came in an interview with the website RabbiLIVE.com.

Filed Under: Surge Desk, Helen Thomas

Tagged: Helen Thomas, Israel, Jews, Palestine, Palestinian, Walt Whitman High School

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