UPDATE: On June 7, Helen Thomas pre-empted her expected firing by instead quitting ("retiring"), after being denounced by White House spokesman Robert Gibbs and her colleagues at the White House Correspondents Association.
Helen Thomas, longtime Hearst newspaper columnist famed for her front-row spot at White House press briefings and acerbic comment, made astonishingly bigoted, anti-Jewish, anti-Israel statements on May 27 at a White House event in celebration of Jewish American month. Here is the transcript of the exchange between David Nesenoff and Helen Thomas:
Nesenoff: Any comments on Israel. We’re asking everybody today for any comments...
Thomas: Tell em to get the hell out of Palestine.
Nesenoff: Whoaa.
Thomas: (laughing)
Nesenoff: Any better comments?
Thomas: Remember these people are occupied and it’s their land. It’s not German; it’s not Poland.
Nesenoff: So where should they go? What should they do?
Thomas: They can go home?
Nesenoff: Where’s home?
Thomas: Poland, Germany.
Nesenoff: So you’re saying Jews should go back to Poland and Germany?
Thomas: And America and everywhere else.
You can view the video below:
Helen Thomas should be fired by Hearst. Her remarks are out of bounds.
As of this writing the New York Times and other major papers have ignored the story. Contrast this to the reaction to Don Imus’s slur in April 2007 targeting African American players of the Rutgers University women's basketball team. It took little more than a week before he was fired by CBS and MSNBC, losing both his radio program and his television show. The mainstream media gave the story prominent attention for weeks, including updates on the controversy and opinion pieces denouncing the talk show host.
In this case, the mainstream media have been silent, with only a few outlets thus far covering it, including FoxNews, Politico and the Daily News.
The story has been driven by blogs, in particular the Drudge Report.
ACTION ITEMS
Please use the information in the alert as background for your own letter. Do not copy and paste directly from the alert and do not forward it to the media.
Helen Thomas should be fired by Hearst, dropped from the White House Correspondents’ Association and banned from White House briefings. She is also listed as a contributor to Liberal Opinion Week, from whose rolls she should be removed.
With her bigoted statements she’s placed herself outside the lines of civil discourse and decency.
• Contact:
Steven R. Swartz
President - Hearst Newspapers
Hearst Corporation
sswartz@hearst.com
• Contact the White House Correspondents’ Association here or call: 202-266-7453.
• Contact Liberal Opinion Week: 800-338-9335
• Urge the New York Times to cover the story prominently and fully. Email the NYT: executive-editor@nytimes.com
• Please send blind copies (bcc) to letters@camera.org
IN DETAIL
Thomas issued the following brief statement of regret:
I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon. (June 4, 2010)
The statement does not address or undo the offensive anti-Jewish, anti-Israel statements she made.
Dueling views among press secretaries and media
Former White House Press Spokesman for President Bush has called for Hearst to fire her. Likewise, Bush press secretary Dana Perino has said it’s time for Thomas to go.
On the other hand, Clinton press secretary Joe Lockhart has said: “The good news is Ari no longer has the weight of government behind him in intimidating voices he doesn't agree with.”
Lanny J. Davis, former Special Counsel to President Clinton (1996-98) and White House spokesman has issued the following in regard to Thomas’s outburst:
Helen Thomas, who I used to consider a close friend and who I used to respect, has showed herself to be an anti-Semitic bigot. This is not about disagreement about her criticisms of Israel. She has a right to criticize Israel and that is not the same as being an anti-Semite.
However, her statement that Jews in Israel should leave Israel and go back to Poland or Germany is an ancient and well-known anti-Semitic stereotype of the Alien Jew not belonging in the "land of Israel" -- one that began 2600 years with the first tragic and violent diaspora of the Jews at the hands of the Romans.
If she had asked all Blacks to go back to Africa, what would the White House Correspondents Association position be as to whether she deserved White House press room credentials -- much less a privileged honorary seat?
Does anyone doubt that my friends Ann Compton, head of the WHCA, and Joe Lockhart, who believe in the First Amendment right of free expression as much as I do, would be as tolerant and protective of Helen's privileges and honors in the White House press room as they appear to be if she had been asking Blacks to return to Africa? Or Native Americans to Asia and South America, from which they came 8,000 or more years ago? I doubt it.
Of course Helen has the right as a private citizen under the First Amendment to speak her mind, even as an anti-Jewish bigot - but not as a member, much less privileged member with a reserved seat, in the WH press corps.
ABC’s Anne Compton defends Thomas saying: "Helen has been a columnist for about a decade now and her strong beliefs on the Middle East are well known. I think I saw that she regretted these remarks and realized they were hurtful and inappropriate. Ari Fleischer is a private citizen and certainly free to express his opinion that this was a firing offense even for an opinion columnist. I would agree with you that Helen enjoys a rather special status as the White House. But I think her employer will have to decide whether the comments went over the line."
Thomas has long been notoriously anti-Israel as CAMERA has noted.
(135) hazelgreen, August 19, 2012 10:52 PM
OY!
What else can you expect from a :"farbissiner punim "like that? The woman's remarks(and her thinking that created them) is pathetic. Enough said.
(134) Anonymous, July 7, 2010 1:20 AM
"Where should 'Helen Thomas' go back to?
Where are her roots? Where should she "...go back"... to? Certainly her remarks have not made her popular in this USA.
(133) William, June 18, 2010 5:01 AM
I am writing from Australia, where the story of Ms Thomas' comments made small ripples outside Jewish community. Knowing Ms Thomas' background, I am not surprised of her statement, albeit made with a giggle. It's a shame for her to be dispatched in such a manner after such a long carer in journalism. Let us all hope, that this lesson will be learned by other bigoted journalists, who, before they open their mouths on Palestinian-Israeli subject, will hit the history books It was the Romans (under Emperor Hadrian) that, for the first time used the name Palestine (Syria Palaestina, after the Shimon bar Kosiba [Kokhba] revolt in 135 AD), and majority of residents of that region WERE Jews. It was the Romans that decided that the Jews were no longer to inhabit the land, their ancient Land, on the pain of death. Which means, that anyone that came to live on this land afterward became a Palestinian, ie. Egyptians, Syrians, or anyone else, who wished to live there, but not the Jews. It does not matter that the Jews lived there, by that time, for more than 3000years. That does not count in Ms Thomas' logic and reasoning, and others of her ilk. I say to you all: be careful what you write, know your subject, or you will also end up on a scrap-heap. And this heap is growing constantly. I, for one, can not accept Ms Thomas' apology, and I am not an Israeli.
(132) Yehudit, June 14, 2010 1:36 PM
Helen Thomas the senile
How ignorant can she and her ilks can be of the truth. The real Palestinians were us, the early Jewish indigenous. Then came CharaFart and invented his terrorist gang with the PLO - thus called the the Palestinians. Before him there were no such people called 'Arab Palestinians.' The enemies of The Jewish people can be seen in the ugly face of Hele the senile and the likes of her. However, we will overcome them! Long live Israel, the Jewishe people and the many friends who speak and stand by us. The truth has but one path... AMEN!
(131) Mitzi, June 14, 2010 1:28 AM
The Mouth Speaks From The Heart
Yes ! This woman should be fired ! She can apologise all she wants to but I feel she only had regrets after she feared for her reputation .She is obviously a bigot and is full of Ant i-semitism for out of the mouth speaks whats in the heart ! American should not tolerate this .Some one should tell her to go back to where she came from ( could it be Germany ??)
(130) B. Cohen, June 13, 2010 7:23 PM
Happy that she is gone
I'm glad that she finally showed her true feelings. We all knew how much she hated Jews anyway, but now she's a slave to what she has said. Many anti-semites pretend to be impartial, so we're better off when they make the same mistakes that Helen did. On another note; you gotta feel sorry for someone who has to look in the mirror daily and see a face like Helen's.
(129) Barbara, June 13, 2010 2:29 AM
Email hearst
I decided to launch an e mail campaign at hearst press. I feel they are obscuring her nastiness my friends and i called for her firing and critiqued their press release - she is 90 is not an excuse for her behavior she has always made nasty remarks against israel since johnson was pres. I am beseeching anyone who reads this to go to hearst press and email
(128) , June 10, 2010 9:37 PM
Perhaps the real reason Helen Thomas was fired was because of her astounding ignorance of the history of Israel, dating back to the time of King David and even before.
(127) Raul Eluchans, June 10, 2010 9:19 PM
correct your error if you are sincere
not surprised; unfortunately people harm others and believe that by hipocritically apologizing is enough: bad news Helen, or you correct your mistake (how?...that's your problem) or recognize you're a bigot
(126) tammy wellman, June 10, 2010 3:21 PM
GO !
Helen, take your own advice and "Go home to Lebanon ! "
(125) smb, June 10, 2010 8:02 AM
no sense
It doesn't make sense for her to tell us to go back to Europe when Europe doesn't want us
(124) Melanie Duke, June 10, 2010 5:25 AM
Ask Helen Thomas where should I be returned to? My family is Iraqi and Syrian Jewish. Some of our ancestors were also from Jerusalem. We speak Arabic and embrace our middle eastern culture. We were forced out of those countries. Ask her if she can give us back our family homeland. We are not complaining we are now assimilating into the countries that we have chosen to live in, hopefully in peace, without the benefit of people like you who want to return us back to countries that don't want us.
(123) Annette, June 9, 2010 9:08 PM
AY! ...
PLEASE GET HER FACE OFF THE AISH SITE! PLEASE!! The sight of her turned my stomach
(122) marian, June 9, 2010 7:43 PM
Heken Thomas
It seems that she is suffering from dementia or worse. How can she call herself an American or anything else? I don't know what faith she professes to be of or any but what she has said, I think she should be evaluated by a professional
(121) Anonymous, June 9, 2010 4:53 PM
send her home
Helen Thomas should be sent home- to her native Arab homeland; they would probably execute her for being too outspoken. A fitting end for a bitter miserable bigot.
(120) Anonymous, June 9, 2010 4:07 PM
What do you expect...don't know why everyone is so shocked...she is Lebonese.
(119) Abigail, June 9, 2010 3:15 PM
tried to call the media..
I sent emails to the email addresses listed above and I tried to call the White House but they said she is not a white house employee and I should call Hearst so I sent an email. When I called Liberal Opinion Week, I got an extremely rude woman who wasn't intested in hearing me out since I'm not a subscriber but I did mention about Helen Thomas but she got very much on the defensive and said she wouldn't speak to me.
(118) David S. Levine, June 9, 2010 2:56 PM
An Ugly Person II
One Jack Levine wrote that "nobody here was critical of Pat Buchanan" or sme such nonsense. Obviously the other Mr. Levine does not read articles on this site very often. Another writer states that she's sick and tired of the liberal baiting on this site. If liberals were what they were 40 years ago they would not be baited here. They have become the anti-Semitic force of America and this is especially true of the political party that is their instrument and its base voting bloc. About 20 years ago in their newspaper, The New York Times, Clyde Haberman wrote that while anti-Semitism has decreased among all groups in America the group that still maintains its bigoted attitudes of years gone by is the group that just happens to be the base voting group of the Democ-rat Party. In a recent poll John Zogby, an Arab and a Jesse Jackson delegate to the 1984 and 1988 Democ-rat National Conventions disclosed results which show that rank and file Democ-rat voters are considerably less supportive of Israel than rank and file Republican voters. This manifests itself in the rush of 54 left wing Democ-rat House members to sign the infamous Gaza 54 letter to the President asking that he suspend aid to Israel until Israel lifts its entirely legal blockade of Gaza. Not one Republican signed that letter, including Arab-American Daryl Issa. If some among us want us to stop liberal baiting they had better work on their fellow liberals in these matters. They have much work to do.
(117) carmen, June 9, 2010 12:44 PM
it will be a great world when people like this woman are gone forever off the earth . we should go back to washing mouths out with soap!
(116) Anonymous, June 9, 2010 12:18 PM
I think age started to effect yr thinking
(115) ken woolfson, June 9, 2010 10:52 AM
should be outrage
amazing when Jews are derided the comments go unnoticed...imagine if this was about blacks being sent back to Africa?? It would have been front page news everywhere....hey pehaps this old winbag had a few with Mel Gibson before she spoke??
(114) BUTSeriously, June 9, 2010 4:56 AM
JEWS HAVE NEVER OCCUPIED ANOTHER PEOPLES' LAND IN ALL THEIR 4000 YEAR HISTORY.
And the name PALESTINEAN was dumped on the sovereign Jewish homeland of Judea - not an Islamic or Arab land. Is there anything more that need be said to this demented misfit Nazi parading as a Journalist? She has been exposed - as will be all those who bear such false witness with impudence. Israel is a light unto the nations hiding in darkness.
(113) Mrs. Ruth A Bivin, June 9, 2010 4:11 AM
Helen Thomas
My mother who is deceased said decades ago people tell on theirselves and Helen Thomas certainly did as well as others. Helen Thomas meant what she said as Helen Thomas has told on herself before. Helen Thomas is ignorant of a lot of facts and truth about Isreal and Jerusalem. There are other ignorant people as well who should be doing a lot of reading. There is plenty of history for these people to read! Helen Thomas doesn't know the Bible either. I thought it was terrible and very hurtful! I wasn't surprised either. My parents who were both Christians always supported the Jewish people and of course Isreal even when I was a child. I am thankful for the parents I did have who were not racists. They were republicans too by golly! As my mother would say children are beautiful no matter their race! Ruth
(112) Simon Smith, June 9, 2010 3:51 AM
Ms. Thomas is pretty smart, not necessarily
I suppose Ms. Thomas retired quickly rather than getting fired so that she would not lose her pension. Pretty smart move. I suppose if we started firing all the anti-Semites, the next best business to get into would be printing help wanted signs. It is both sad and frightening that a prominent media person has such disrespect and such a lack of historical context. Ms. Thomas' call for Jews to return to Europe is perhaps an indication that she believes that there is truth in the story that most of European Jewry if not all, are descened from the Khazars of Europe and have no relationship to the land of Israel as they are not related to Abraham, Issaac and Jacob. Even if she believed that the Jewish People once occupied Israel these descendents of the Khazars have no rights there. I believe that this is held by some hard-core anti-Semites and possibly by Ms. Thomas. We should of course hope many more years of life for Ms. Thomas lest we Jews are accused of sending the Mossad after her. But we Jews are called to be "A light to the nations," regardless of any hatred towards us. We have a responsibility and a calling and a purpose. May He help us not to forget who we are.
(111) David Rabinovich, June 9, 2010 3:46 AM
What about a million or so Jews that had to leave Muslim Lands and most went to Israel!
Why it is OK for the very ancient Jewish communities of Thehran, Bagdad and Cairo had to dissappear being more ancient than the musslims in those same countries? Where shoud those Jews have gone!?
(110) Laura, June 9, 2010 3:27 AM
This old bag was two decades past her prime and was already considered a joke by many members of the press corp. She just let the rest of the world know of her ignorance. She's history. Now let's ignore her.
(109) Anonymous, June 9, 2010 1:30 AM
Shameful?
Robert, you find it shameful? This Hitler in a girdle to quote Savage, sends us back to Poland & Germany where 6 million were killed & you find it shameful? She's a voice for the Whitehouse alright & it is they who should be ashamed. Send her back to Lebanon! And shame on you!
(108) John, June 9, 2010 12:38 AM
I support Thomas.
It seems now that any criticism of the State of Israel is considered anti-Semitic. Helen Thomas may have said something a bit... much (I do not agree with her comments that the Jews should go "back to Germany"), it does not destroy her decades of service to the American people, and therefore it is my respectful position that she should not be fired.
(107) LindaThomasBellamy, June 9, 2010 12:34 AM
She's a bigot
I think it's people like her that have caused the death of so many of our brther's & sister's in germany. She should have been fired year's ago. pray for peace in israel
(106) Allan Smaul, June 9, 2010 12:32 AM
sorry she's not the only one
Think about some of the elected officials who think that way or think of the born again movement who have made statements that are just as bigoted
(105) BARBARA ROBINSON, June 9, 2010 12:27 AM
SHE SHOULD GET THE **** OUT OF AMERICA AND GO BACK WHERE SHE BELONGS
AT FIRST I HEARD SHE WAS FIRED - AS SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOW I'M READING SHE RETIRED I DON'T THINK SHE DESERVED THE RIGHT TO SAY SHE RETIRED
(104) Anonymous, June 9, 2010 12:11 AM
Very upsetting comments
It is truly hurtful to view the comments made by this senior journalist. Hate speach in all its forms is hurtful to us all, Jewish or not.
(103) Chani richter, June 8, 2010 11:24 PM
Late night comedians had a field day with this. Check out Jay Leno's of June 7.
I did hear about it on my car radio on 780 am/ 890 am & 560 am in Chicago. Try to get hold of Leno's jokes about this. He really nailed it. He said " The only problem with this is that this is where Jews came from, it says so in a book called the bible, it also had a great movie.
(102) moshe, June 8, 2010 11:23 PM
fire to old beech
she is an old lady and i think she should wirte a artical stateing the she way over her head. and uf she wanrs to leave i am sure they will gladley have her in gaza
(101) Sammy, June 8, 2010 10:54 PM
Its in their DNA - Part II
Helen Thomas is not anti-Jewis/Anti-Israeli... she is right! Jews should go back to where we originally came from...fair is fair... except she is so ignorant, she thinks we came from Germany and Poland. Has no one ever told her the truth? We came from planet Mars! And, if you dig up to some ten feet below anywhere between the Mediterranean Sea and the river Euphrates (in present day Iraq) you will find Jewish relics. In fact these were planted there by Jewish aliens just to confuse the likes of Helen Thomas who is not really to be blamed for her extreme supidity, bless her, because the deep hatred instilled into her by her parents, grandparents, etc. over many generations has simply formed part of her DNA as well as many many others of her ilk until truth and facts disappear beyond the point of vagueness. Has no one told these simple minded bigots that if Israel is not our homeland then their entire Bible(every single word of it) is based on lies? Something simple and very basic for our "friends" to think about!
(100) Alese, June 8, 2010 10:31 PM
Is Helen Thomas in contact with Mel Gibson?
It is an embarrassment to the White House Press Corps that they allow a member to espouse this type of view. And that our Commander in Chief has not publicly denounced this is, in my opinion, indicative of the problem in Washington relating to their relationship these days with Israel. I just wonder if Mel Gibson called Helen Thomas after this fiasco.
(99) Melinda, June 8, 2010 9:43 PM
Correction
It is not accurate to say that the media have ignored Thomas' comments. Her attack was covered in depth by MSNBC, on at least 3 prime time evening programs--Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann, and Chris Matthews. The remarks have also been featured on day tv during routine programming.
(98) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 9:36 PM
She has dementia? I don't believe it. She sat in the front rows of those press gatherings for years at the White House. She wrote columns and articles ... dementia? She is what she was, an anti-Semite. G-d heard what she said and He will decide what to do with her.
(97) diana, June 8, 2010 9:20 PM
Helen's history is more important then words spoken in haste
Helen is 90 and is very sick, close to death many times. She has always been a fighter for a the little guy. I know it was dementia talking not Helen. Please forgive her
(96) Michael, June 8, 2010 9:00 PM
Where does Freedom of Speech end and Hate Speech Begin?
I was, like most, shocked when I heard her words. But the more I read I am becoming increasingly concerned that she is being forced into silence because of her opinion. She did not ask for violence or force. She instead simply stated her view, her opinion, that the Land was taken from one Group and Given to another by the force of primarily European Political Will. The fact that this is wrong and the fact that she ignores the force of History to the rightful Occupants of the Land does not make her Evil, it just shows her ignorance. While I understand Israel having to be extreme in it's actions to protect itself as a Nation against the likes of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and others... As an American I still must stand for the right for one to speak their mind and opinion whether or not I am inclined to agree. There are those in this Country that Believe parts of our SouthWest... Arizona, Texas, New Mexico should be returned to Mexico. There are others that believe the entirety of our Land should be returned to the Indigenous... Native Tribes. The fact that the force of History and the call of God on our Land Speaks Volumes otherwise in no way abrogates their right to "speak" their mind and opinion. Helen is old enough to have lived through the time of the Holocaust and the re-establishment of the Land of Israel and her opinions are certainly allowed in a Free Land and a Free Press. I would think that Both the People of Israel and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would prefer her ability to speak her mind in the open than to allow animosity and eventual hatred to fester in some silent wound caused be her forced silence. I cannot, from her statements, find her to be an Anti-Semite any more than I can find those who disagree with me on my own shores as Anti-American. We are blessed to live in Free Countries that Allow the Free exchange of Ideas and the Freedom to Worship as we see fit. Where does that Freedom End? Not in Helen's Misguided Words...
(95) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 8:44 PM
Obama said today, June 8, that it was a shame she had to end her carreer in such "controversy." (His word). It is deeply disturbing that he won't recognize and censure blatant anti-semitism.
(94) Bonnie, June 8, 2010 8:43 PM
good riddance too bad rubbish
Age is no excuse. If she's still sharp enough to have been working till now,she's capable of knowing what she's saying. Apology,shmapology. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
(93) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 8:43 PM
What Hate Does.
When I saw this woman's picture for the first time on the Yahoo web page, I instinctively backed off/away. There was something about it - she looked like a diabolical witch and uglier than Yasser Arafat. I never knew that could be possible! When I read what she said I knew they were both related. The visages had nothing to do with aging or ethnicity or DNA but the evil, the nastiness of cruelty - hate. She had kept it festering inside for years and Obama's new policies on Israel no doubt made her feel relaxed enough to spew that malice out. She should be aging gracefully, with gems of wisdom and love coming from her mouth to the young, to create a world free of hatred and filled with wisdom. What a smear now on her entire life/career and how embarrassed her grandkids must feel - what a legacy! ''You can fool some of the people some of the time, you can't fool all of the people all of the time''. A bad reflection on many good christians who love and pray for the State of Israel. What was she doing at the White House? She is not even bright, someone send her a good history book and the Book of Proverbs...
(92) Sari Yates, June 8, 2010 8:33 PM
The reactions are scarier than her comments!
Anti-semitism is obviously alive and kicking, when you see all those comments supporting the old dear and her right to free speech! Had this been a racial comment, there would be marches! Any Jew who feels that they would not be oven material because it is 2010 should read these comments!
(91) juanita driggs, June 8, 2010 8:27 PM
Another take on Helen Thomas
Ever hear of dementia? The woman is 89. Time to give her a little slack. Let's see how well you handle it if God decides to grant you that many years. Hearst should have let her go with dignity a long time ago. No argument there. But they didn't although they should have seen this train wreck coming. Their "bad"! Now let's move on to some real news, okay?
(90) george, June 8, 2010 8:17 PM
Should be fired
DONE!!!
(89) Carolyn Ritter, June 8, 2010 8:01 PM
Helen Thomas has no right to call herself an American Citizen. She is not! Yes, she should not be allowed to represent the United States in any way, lest of which is to be a reporter. She is a BIGOT!!!
(88) Andrew Stiller, June 8, 2010 7:44 PM
She won't live forever...
Fortunately, that anti-Semitic old bat will be dead soon (G-d willing). However, the real danger is that her message of hatred, her ignorance, and her mis-representation of the facts will survive long after she is gone. Therefore it is all the more important that Jews stand together to combat these lies that do nothing more than foment hatred against us.
(87) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 7:42 PM
Helen Thomas' anti-Semitic remarks.
Perhaps Robert is right. She might have dementia and not be completely aware of what she said, or maybe she thought "she was just being funny."
(86) Harvey, June 8, 2010 7:36 PM
All that inner bitterness actually shows in her face.
The contorted and twisted soul inside this lady's body has actually penetrated her body. One can patently see she in her face, she is an evil witch. It is incredible this transition has become permanent, the result of her soul not being able to contain so much poison. If you contrast that with the beautiful faces of older Jewish women because their beautiful neshamas shine through.
(85) patricia ratchford, June 8, 2010 7:18 PM
shame on her
..Isreal is our friend
(84) Rachel, June 8, 2010 6:57 PM
From liberal Montgomery Co, MD
It was big news here that Helen Thomas, originally slated to speak at a local public high school graduation, was disinvited by the principal when her remarks became public. Frankly, I'm tired of the liberal bashing on this site -- I'm a pro-Israel American Jewish liberal -- and liberal because liberal values are those in keeping with the Torah. AND, odious as I find Ms. Thomas, I celebrate her 1st Amendment right to say what she likes in this country.
(83) Barry Kaye, June 8, 2010 6:56 PM
She should be taken to a death camp, shown the gas ovens and asked 'Would you have liked to seen your parents put in there? She'd probably deny their existence anyway
(82) Deb Brown, June 8, 2010 6:47 PM
Freedom of Speech
I am relieved to see that Helen Thomas stepped down after her openly bigiotted anti-semitic statements the other day, however, I will defend her right to state her opinion in spite of its bigotry and anti-semitism to the grave. I hope by her resignation that we can all put this unfortunate incident behind us, but it does bring to light the fact that there are still people in this world who feel very strongly that we Jewish people have no right to our homeland. Without Israel, we face the possibility of pogroms and another Shoah (Holocaust). We must fight to maintain, not only our G-d given freedoms in the USA, but our G-d given land, Yisra'el. The two together keep us protected and keep us strong. Do not hate Ms. Thomas for being a sick old woman full of sick hateful ideas. To do so is to stoop to her level. Hate the disease, not the diseased. There has got to be a way that we can show love to our enemies while protecting ourselves. It is an abusive marriage we, Israel and the Jewish people, have with the world. We have to find this method of establishing firm boundaries while showing love to our enemies so that hopefully there can be a reconciliation and peace someday. Please, G-d, may it be in our lifetime.
(81) Karmen Nava, June 8, 2010 6:47 PM
Obviously the lady has brainwashed by the Blame the Zionists for everything that goes wrong on the earth. Obviously no group of people is responsible for all of the ills on earth. How naive can people be to be brainwashed against anyone group. Scapegoating is the oldest crime against humanity. We all need the Torah to get us back on track.
(80) Jack levine, June 8, 2010 6:30 PM
Speaking of Anti Semites
Why is not the statement in Pat Bucahanon's article in the Washington Times Regarding the appointment to the Supreme court, not met with outrage. According to him there will be to many Jews represented on the highest court, in relationship to the general population. Now what the hell is that. He is on many networks and should be held responsible for that statement. It seems when ever there is an incident in the Middle east regarding Israel the anti semites come out of the closet .
(79) Carol Posner, June 8, 2010 6:26 PM
And Where Should We All Go?
My mother is 87 and if age loosens the tongue, it only reveals the heart. She has never said anything as outrageous. Whos land is it really? (Nehemiah 2:20). Also by Thomas' logic, we should all leave North America and give the land back to our Native American's, as should Central and South America.
(78) rRachel, June 8, 2010 6:15 PM
Educate yourself on the region before making ignorate statements
People should educate themselves on the history of the middle east before making such ignorant statements, once they understand the very long exsistance of the jewish people in the region they'll understand better. Helen Thomas is an old goat who should have been put out to pasture a long time a go. She is an anti-semite and should go back to her native land Lebanon Why does'nt she?
(77) Jonas, June 8, 2010 6:07 PM
Get over it
I agree with Robert. She said some wrong things. However, she has a right to disagree with Israel's actions. Israeli's can make incorrect decisions in their interacting with other countries just as much as non Israeli's can. I can see first from what others say, that she might be biased considering her background, however, she does have a right to voice her opinion and if there isn't a long history of her speaking out against Israel in the past for both justified and unjustified reasons, then it stands to give her the benefit of the doubt that she was speaking against Israel's actions at this particular time, more than any other time. And, it is possible that Israel is wrong in how it reacted. It's not IMPOSSIBLE for that to be a possibility, no more than it is that non Jewish countries can be wrong.
(76) Ed, June 8, 2010 5:49 PM
Still so much hatred from every Arab young & Old.
We are only fooling ourselves if we think the Arab world will ever accept Jews as neighbors. We must either do as she says Go Home to the places that killed our relatives or stay and fight . Remember the words......Never Again.
(75) Sammy, June 8, 2010 5:46 PM
ITS IN THEIR DNA
As I stated on another issue, after nearly 1700 at the time when the Romans coverted to Chritianity and blamed the Jews for crucifying Jesus, generation after generation were brought up with the teachings of hate. The logic that Roman brutal rule over their oppresively conquered populations who had zero chance to make ANY decisions concerning life and death, plus the fact that crucifiction was a Roman (not Jewish) mode of execution was never even contemplated by their churches and leadership. I suggest that over the centuries this (in many cases subconscious) hatred becomes part of their DNA. In many cases those who registered their friendship to Israel and/or Jews in general, eventually let slip a little sign. Some more than a little sign; former Presindet Carter, for example. Its in their DNA. Would anyone want to challenge my claim. I am a listening man and open minded.. and I am not even religious.
(74) Nancy, June 8, 2010 5:45 PM
True Colors
Shame on that nasty old lady. Her face portrays all the hate that is inside of her. Let's keep in mind that what goes around, comes around!
(73) Janet Beeching, June 8, 2010 5:45 PM
Right of speach
Unfortunately for some of us, the woman was asked, and has a right to her opinion, distateful as it may be. No matter what her position with the White house press corps, she is an American citizen, Soldiers are dying every day to make sure we all have the right of speach and free assembly. Sometimes it is just better to allow her her opinion, and just not give any creadance to it. It's a stupid, uneducated remark by an old woman. Sometimes people are just so ignorant that you can't change their minds with the truth. Stop giving her any attention. She's not the first anti Semite, and she sure won't be the last. She'll be retired soon, and the next time she hits the news she'll be in the obituaries. Shalom
(72) Paul, June 8, 2010 5:43 PM
Lies or ignorance is issure, not another antisemite
Why be upset by another antisemite exposed. What is disturbing is her statement that jews stole the land. So is she just ignorant of the history (and why does no one challenge her lies) or prefers to lie for the sake of her bias like many of her fellow so called reporters.
(71) ANNA MELAMED, June 8, 2010 5:39 PM
comment to Robert who wrote June 8,2010
If she has dementia how come she did not say that the Palestinians have to leave . Her long time memory is very good
(70) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 5:38 PM
URL
This Anti-Semit with her Anti-Semitic rhetoric against Jews and against Israel should be fired. We Jews, can't go back to Germany and Poland because, Hitler killed 6,000,000 of us. So, where do we go if people like her with the Arabs are kick us out from the United States and Israel? There will be only one way, to go to Auswitz and Treblinka. She has to be fire, period.
(69) Kathleen, June 8, 2010 5:26 PM
A senior moment.
I believe Helen had what is called in the US a "senior moment". It is an older person taking leave of his senses and doing or saying something that is just plain stupid. Of Lebanese descent, no doubt Helen was voicing what she had heard in her family for decades. There's no excuse for it. What hurts me is that she ends her career on such a sour note. Her whole life's work now has a black mark on it. It shouldn't happen to a dog.
(68) Grace Fishenfeld, June 8, 2010 5:25 PM
Revelation
Helen Thomas was a gutsy reporter and she has a wide audience. This time, however, she put her foot in her mouth. Her sentiments fell out of her mouth that bi-passed her brain, reflecting her Lebanese roots. Old hatreds never die, they just fade away, ---maybe
(67) REBOH-BESTER, June 8, 2010 5:23 PM
HALLOWEEN ?
I live in France , and I always admired this opened mind in America , and the fact that everybody there was allowed to built and live !! When I see the sad face of this person, I wonder if I am not in a Holloween party ?. Her face is frightening , and it's enough to forget about her , and feel pity for her ignorance and poverty .. God , "ayez pitié de cette pauvre femme , elle ne sait plus ce qu'elle dit ! "
(66) , June 8, 2010 5:16 PM
she looks jewish herself
(65) Daisy, June 8, 2010 5:11 PM
Out of the abundance of the heart....
...the mouth speaks!
(64) Linda, June 8, 2010 5:06 PM
You would think after 89 years and 10 presidents
she would have enough discernment to know the truth from a lie. In all those years of covering the political arena, she would have any wisdom about anything. Hopefully she will repent of her hatred and bias before she leaves here.
(63) Ellen Reeves, June 8, 2010 5:05 PM
I am very hurt not only by her but by the whole world reaction
Frankly I always thought she was Jewish because she look a lot like my grand mother who was so sweet, and to hear such horror from that woman is very painful to my heart. I will never comprehend why so many people hate Jews, do they even know them self why, it is so very sad to have to witness again and again the morbid feeling of hatred toward a people who already has suffered so much.
(62) Ann Covington, June 8, 2010 5:03 PM
HelenThomas--another anti-Semite
Ms.Thomas gave a limpwristed apology for her words filled with rage against Israel. Should those bigoted words have been spewed at Muslims or people of color, she would now be among the unemployed. Apologies made on her behalf are as worthless as her own. Quite disgusting that her fellow media cohorts did not stand in admonition and outrage. To the people of Israel, and all Jews: Most of us here in the U.S. want to keep you as friend. I hope and pray you do NOT believe the anti-Semite attitude emanating from our current Administrtion is the attitude of MOST of us in the U.S.
(61) , June 8, 2010 4:56 PM
It is obvious that Ms. Thomas has no knowledge of Jewish history. Duh, where Jews are now in the Middle East is where they were. Yes, I want peace for everyone but "go back to where you came from?" excuse me, why don't you, Ms. Thomas since you say you are of Arabic background? What learning curve is she on anyway? Retirement would be best for her at this point and I truly believe that. Aish, please keep up the good work.
(60) Damien Leung, June 8, 2010 4:54 PM
Most Americans, including Thomas, should go back to Europe!
Such ridiculous and shameful comment from an old lady! Her real face has finally shown! Just dump her in some nursing home and leave her there for the rest of her life!
(59) irla, June 8, 2010 4:43 PM
on league with Mel
this is pretty much like Mel Gibson's case, a spur of the moment kind of thing and ooops i did not mean it. she has been keeping this in her heart all these years, with her age she probably thought she now has the right time to say it for once and maybe, maybe because she is old, people will not bother. it is sad, she grew old for nothing, i thought we should all age gracefully, she did not after all.
(58) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 4:40 PM
Seriously?
She gets fired for voicing an opinion? Media has now lost the only independant voice. Typical though. When expanding unlawfully and citing the bible its fine for Jews but no one else. Million and millions if not billions agree with her
(57) don bowles, June 8, 2010 4:25 PM
Helen Thomas
I found her remarks to be highly unprofessional and expressed the same to, Hearst News. She is just a symptom of journalistic bias that plagues our media. She never looked into who has caused the conflicts in the middle east. What bothers me most, as a Christian that is pro Israel, is our government is becoming less of an ally to Israel-our greatest ally.
(56) Jerry, June 8, 2010 4:23 PM
She was disgraced by all
You sound like Glen Beck. This news was covered by all reputable news agencies, CNN, MSNBC, CBS and the rest. I think she got what she deserved, a disgraceful goodbye with a kick in her t--khes. I am surprised that it took so long to surface and all these White House administrations didn't know about her. I don't think she needs to get on the front pages again by repeating her awful views! This is the most painful way to finish her career. I'm glad she is gone and I consider her gone.
(55) suzanne tishkoff, June 8, 2010 4:20 PM
she retired.
She has been around for at least 5 presidents. obviously, she is a bit senile and lost it.. age does that even to respected reporters...I'm not say forgive her stupid remarks..but let her retire quietly who else is 89 and still showing up for press reports! She is of Lebanese descent...and has in the past worked tirelessly for civil rights. We have more serious things to worry about with the Hamas/Turkey situation!
(54) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 4:18 PM
I find it interesting that there is an uproar over what she said. But why is there no uproar over what the anti-Israel terrorists who ACT OUT her words! Hamas has openly said they want to drive Israel into the sea and still America's present leadership considers their position. Note that the Flotilla Incident has not gotten sharp criticism from U.S., but is embarrassed into criticism of Thomas only because her anti-Semitism is so crystal clear and undebatable. By the way, Helen Thomas has long been known to be anti-Israel. On YouTube, there is a birthday party for her at the WH with the current leadership celebrating her "achievements." Check out the admiration. Pray to Hashem. It should be clear by now that is our only hope.
(53) , June 8, 2010 4:11 PM
Helen Thomas should receive the Pulitzer and the Nobel Prizes for her honesty. Mainstream media is strugling to supress the truth she stated. The special people she refers to do not represent most we true Jews. I know just what she meant but Mainstream media must be very, very afraid of the truth, But the truth will out. You know whom she was referring to and it was not the vast majority of Jews!
(52) Monica, June 8, 2010 4:09 PM
Rav Kahana o'b'm
I don't remember the exact words but he said: When times are good, antisemitism is an undercurrent, when times are hard, antisemitism comes out, when times are horrible then Jews are scapegoated. She has always been an antisemite in her comments, but she would never talked so freely had she not felt secure to say it. This is the atmosphere today and it's conducive to unrellented attacks on Jews as never before.
(51) Harry, June 8, 2010 4:09 PM
What about King David, and Jesus
Helen Thomas seems to forget that Jews lived in Israel before Palestinians. Where should King David return to, or King Solomon or even Jesus. With her logic they all came from Germany and Poland.
(50) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 4:08 PM
In like a lion, out like a lamb.
(49) JEFF, June 8, 2010 4:05 PM
NO ROOM FOR JEW HATERS
----- Original Message ----- From: TRAVELING THE WORLD To: sswartz@hearst.com Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 10:51 AM Subject: HELEN THOMAS Steven R. Swartz, President - Hearst Newspapers: Helen Thomas has shown her true colors as an anti-Jewish, anti-Israel BIGOT and should be fired from any and all positions of influence, journalism and respect. She has conducted herself in an unprofessional and pro Arab biased manner with no respect for ligament news reporting. If her comments had been directed at other groups such as African Americans or Islamic Americans she would have been condemned and fired on the day the statements were made. Jews must to be treated with the same respect as all other people and the media biases must be ended. Jews and Israel have the right to live in peace and defend themselves as do any other people. When it comes to Jews and Israel the world holds them to a double standard. This double standard must be addressed and terminated and the type of people, such as Helen Thomas, must not be allowed to spew their hatred and poison others. Allowing Helen Thomas to retire and collect her pension is a mockery of humanism and justice. Jeff Strozer CC: New York Times Liberal Opinion Week White House Correspondents' Association
(48) Ashley Berman, June 8, 2010 4:01 PM
can 'educated' people be so utterly stupid
UNFORTUNATELY 'YES'. This woman is a brainwashed idiot. Clearly the United Nations must have been completely stupid to have voted to give Palestine to the Jews if there was no Jewish presence.
(47) ALMA A MOWDAY, June 8, 2010 4:01 PM
HELEN THOMAS
Read the article and proceeded to contact those sites you've recommended as well. She is not demented neither suffers from dementia-her comments are malicious and intent to cause harm, she has no place before the cameras or the written word. SHE DOES NOT BELONG ANYWHERE! THERE IS NO ROOM FOR BIGOTS.
(46) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 3:59 PM
I think Lebanese doesn't mean pro-Jewish. One just has to look at another "prominent" CNN person named Cristina Amanapour who is VERY anti-Israel and anti-Semitic. Then again, look at Thomas Friedman and it's the same.
(45) abraham levy, June 8, 2010 3:59 PM
with that face she has she cannot be nothing else but a NAZI
(44) Ken Lewis, June 8, 2010 3:55 PM
Sounds a lot like something George Costanza's mom might say, only anit-semetic.
The sad thing about Helen Thomas is that she has been allowed to hang around the White House for a long time. I cannot think of a positve commnent coming from this woman. As a Native American, I think Thomas should go back to wherever she came, possibly the bowels of earth!
(43) Rm., June 8, 2010 3:54 PM
Someone has accused Helen of dementia. Well there is a big difference between hatrid and dementia.
(42) Sandy Hines, June 8, 2010 3:44 PM
a long slide from grace....
I would look at the Press Corps and always see Helen, front and center and I remember her questions as being astute and extremely focused. When I heard what she had done my only thought was the line "in vino veritas"....and no wine was involved! Such a shame to mar that LONG career with an act of disrobing the REAL Helen Thomas. You can't un-ring the bell!
(41) riki shefi vered, June 8, 2010 3:31 PM
where do Israelis who immigrated from Muslim countries go :)
i wonder whether has anybody asked Ms Helen Thomas where exactly will go all Israelis whose ancestors immigrated from Muslim & Arabic countries?
(40) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 3:19 PM
a 5am thought, is helen thomas a convenient scapegoat?
Michael's Published Comments On... What Helen Thomas missed Her remarks revealed how little she knew about the Jews and Israel. - By Richard Cohen Comments snmir1 wrote: it appears that members of the washington press corp and many of our politicians have known of ms thomas' pro-arab/anti-semitic/anti-zionist views for years and tolerated them. "Ah, another teachable moment! "This one comes to us from Helen Thomas, the longtime White House reporter and columnist who announced her retirement on Monday. Thomas, of Lebanese ancestry and almost 90, has never been shy about her anti-Israel views, for which, as far as I'm concerned, she is wrong and to which she is entitled. Then the other day, she performed a notable public service by revealing how very little she knew. Asked at a White House event if she had any comments about Israel, Thomas said, 'Tell them to get the hell out of Palestine. . . . Go home. Poland. Germany. And America and everywhere else.'" What Helen Thomas missed (Richard Thomas, Washington Post) so why now is she and are her views no long tolerated? can it be that the world's press corp and our politicians now have cover for their rush to judgement against israel? did they or at least some covertly share and once-again act on their pro-arab/anti-semitic/anti-zionist views in condemning israel. that as the facts surrounding law week's events are examined and digested not only will we all take to heart the YouTube hit "We Con the World", but we will realize that their supposed secretly-held views and prior acts (or at least toleration of such acts by others) resulted in the deaths of those 9 members of the gaza flotilla? that, had hamas not known that the press corp and politicians shared their views, it would not even have attempted the sting? yes, indeed, Ms. Cohen: "... another teachable moment!" 6/7/2010 10:53:37 PM
(39) Barrie Nathan, June 8, 2010 3:19 PM
Truth outs when guard is dropped
At least she made her comments - disgusting as they were - in public. Now everyone will realise her true dislike of Jews. It seems her advanced years enabled her guard to drop, and the truth appeared!
(38) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 3:04 PM
conversly,using her logic and reasoning. we should invite her and persons of her ilk to return to their point of of origin. not one would volunteer to return,and they would say "not me"
(37) Yisroel Pensack, June 8, 2010 3:04 PM
Clinton's "adviser" should re-learn Jewish history
"Lanny J. Davis, former Special Counsel to President Clinton (1996-98) and White House spokesman has issued the following in regard to Thomas’s outburst: ...her statement that Jews in Israel should leave Israel and go back to Poland or Germany is an ancient and well-known anti-Semitic stereotype of the Alien Jew not belonging in the 'land of Israel' -- one that began 2600 years with the first tragic and violent diaspora of the Jews at the hands of the Romans." Duhhhhh! As Vlad Seder commented here: "Is this a joke? Should not the people forming the government policies and public opinion be a little better educated in the world history?"
(36) Michael Schneider, June 8, 2010 3:02 PM
"The truth will out."
Well, Helen, now you have another reason to blame the Jews! Sorry I can't wish you a happy retirement. I just hope it doesn't last very long!
(35) Allan, June 8, 2010 2:59 PM
Go back to Lebanon
My understanding is that she is of a Christian Lebanese background. The Muslims in Lebanon have not always been too kind to their Christian neighbors. . It is israel that has backed the Christians in Lebanon and has given complete access to Christian's (from anywhere) to pray a their holy sites within Israel. It is the Muslims that consider everyone else Infadels. Has this old loon completly lost her mind with her insane anti Jewish anti Israel comments? Fired, Quit , Resigned it doesn't matter she is a disgrace. I don't have to be kind to an anti-semite...let her go to Hell.
(34) ruth housman, June 8, 2010 2:55 PM
truth and lies
I was shocked to hear her, on line, as I watched the video a few days ago. I couldn't believe this. And then I also saw a video showing Obama celebrating her birthday with cup cakes. This was beyond, anything I could imagine happening in "this world". She deserves censure, and more. It's hard to believe her retraction because she said this with such conviction, and for this she should be "convicted". I have no doubt. Yes, people should be outraged and write. Everyone should feel outrage!
(33) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 2:53 PM
send her back to where she came from and see the freedom of speech she would have. If she new ancient history she would know the truth
(32) Sue, June 8, 2010 2:49 PM
Well, she "retired"...just as well
Age loosens their tongues, you know, and the truth comes out. I'm glad she's gone.
(31) Robert, June 8, 2010 2:49 PM
Your article only stirs the pot of upset. She's an old lady with some dementia. Why don't you quote the other positive things she's said in her past when she was on her game. She's not a voice for anyone. Nor does she have a following. I"m not defending her. But to dignify this poor old lady with any comments by creating derision when it's completely unnecessary is shameful.
(30) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 2:45 PM
Helen Thomas
Drop it, she retired instead of getting fired. Everybody is, or did, drop her like a hot stone.
(29) Dolores, June 8, 2010 2:43 PM
It's about time!!!!!!
" Ms. personality"........she finally showed her true colors!! One down and how many more to go?
(28) Linda M., June 8, 2010 2:40 PM
How Dare She!!
Helen Thomas! If you happen to read this, may I suggest YOU get out of here yourself, as you live on native Indian land here in America, and I suggest YOU go home..to LEBANON where you or at least your roots are. I will gladly buy you a one-way cabin class ticket!!
(27) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 2:39 PM
it all comes out at the end
solomon said it best: sof davar hakol nishma-- At the end all is heard--you can't hide your true colors forever
(26) Dvirah, June 8, 2010 2:37 PM
Right to Live
Finally, we are granted the right to live in Europe (where for 2000 years we were shunted from country to country) and in America - everywhere but Israel! So thanks, Ms. Thomas, but the weather is lousy so I'll refuse your offer.
(25) David S. Levine, June 8, 2010 2:34 PM
An Ugly Person
Helen Thomas has been saying what she said on film to others in her profession for, not merely decades, but generations and getting away with it because nobody in her profession would call her on it. This profession, dominated by left wing propagandists, was happy to hear her bait Republican presidents and press secretaries and allowed her to spew forth the most bigoted language and gave her a front row center perch to do so. Further, she was never taken to task by a Democ-rat Party congressman or senator, particularly not any of Jewish origin because she plugged the Democ-rat Party agenda with her speeches in the form of questions. Far from a reporter questing after the truth she was a bigoted leftist looking to destroy free institutions and in this she has plenty of company--look at the network news programs each evening and watch their coverage of events. So, this incident was not merely a reflection on Helen Thomas but on the whole media establishment that covered for her and raised her to its top. Shame on them and further shame on the politicians, ALL DEMOC-RATS, who thought they were benefiting from her bigotry.
(24) alice, June 8, 2010 2:30 PM
cause for firing
what she stated should be cause for firing maybe it was long overdue as well
(23) Bob T, June 8, 2010 2:28 PM
I agree but many news agencies have covered this story
While I whole heartedly agree she is an antisemite and has to go. The real issue is her blatant misunderstanding of history.This is a teaching opportunity.I don't agree with your assertion that Fox news was the only agency covering the story NOT TRUE! Your continued support of Fox News lessens your credibility.They are clearly a slanted forum for the christian right that may someday be the most dangerous antisemtic group based on history!
(22) velvel travis, June 8, 2010 2:24 PM
and the clowns ooze out of the clown car
This was not Thomas' first time to give her love to the imaginary Palestinian nation. I will not miss her much. Pat Buchanan and the rest of the "honest" [meaning that they do not hide their disdain for Jews and for Israel] antisemites, intellectual antisemites [like Judt, Chomsky, Stephen and Hilary Rose, and others] , and religious antisemites and antinationals [like Tutu, Jeremiah Wright, Michael Pfleger, the Presbyterian Church, USA, and others] get passes while this senile old bag is the one upon whom the axe falls? Remember Toynbee and his "fossils" whom he finally decided were not "fossils?"
(21) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 2:21 PM
Helen Thomas
First, how did Helen Thomas hide her feelings for so longs? Is this something she has said before but her her buddies in the Press Corps have kept quiet.? Secondly, Helen Thomas should not have been fired for being an anti-Semite - exposed as one, yes; mocked as one, yes. But this is a country that believes in free speech even for bigots. Third, why did Helen have to go when we tolerate an openly anti-Semitic Pat Buchanan?
(20) T Dorf, June 8, 2010 2:18 PM
Suggestion for contacting and protesting
Hey, it would be easier, and get way more people to actually e-mail the newspapers and White House correspondents if you typed out a generic form protesting the issue, that people could cut and paste, then either just use, or change if they choose. Sometimes I really want to do this, but can't think straight about what to say in a way that would be most effective.
(19) Alex S., June 8, 2010 2:14 PM
Thank God this Anti-Semite showed her true colors...
She has been spitting her venom against the jews for decades and finally she was revealed for the Anti-Semite that she is. There is no reason that the most Senior WH correspondent should have any opinion when she is in charge of reporting the FACTS. She got what she deserved and I'm glad the lefties did not make such a big stick as they usually do when one of their own shoves their foot in their mouth. Good riddance. She should have been fired 30 years ago...
(18) Avi, June 8, 2010 12:49 PM
Worried
I fear it is happening again, bigoted justification through the media giving acceptance to anti-Semitism. Just as it did before the holocaust. Ignorance of history and mob hate of any thing Jewish and all it needs is a political leader backed by the main stream media to permit this growing bile can soon bring the world again to try to kill us with blood lust and zeal. Bigots come in all forms and colors and rise quickly when society looks the other way!
(17) Avigayil, June 8, 2010 10:19 AM
there are more outlets than those mentioned in this article
There are other news outlets that have reported this. I have read articles on this from the Washington Post and CBS news, to name a couple of MSM outlets. Now, though, I would say it has gone largely uncovered.
(16) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 3:31 AM
GO HOME?!
One point just struck me when I heard what Gibbs said. She said that the Jews should go back 'home'-she said 'home' is Germany, Poland, America, and everywhere else-how can numerous countries across various continents be called 'home'? We have one home and that is Eretz Yisroel!
(15) J Katz, June 8, 2010 3:18 AM
support Jews
It is good to vote for the leaders who openly support us as Jews and openly support Israel, the only democratic country in the middle east
(14) Marlene Josephs, June 7, 2010 11:09 PM
Victoria Hearst
I read an article that Victoria Hearst, who apparently is a big supporter of the Jewish people and Israel, said that she wanted Helen Thomas fired. She said that what she said smears the Hearst name and company and that no Hearst was ever anti-Semitic. Helen Thomas, for point of information, whose parents came from Tripoli, Lebanon...the original family name was Antonius and it is believed that her family was related to the mufti of Jerusalem from the 1930s...the same mufti who was pals with Hitler and his Nazi goons and the same mufti who was Arafat's uncle. Interesting, no?
(13) Anonymous, June 7, 2010 8:53 PM
Where is the outrage at Beck, bachman, palin etc ???
On a daily basis people like Glen Beck, Ann Coulter, Michelle Bachman, Palin, Hannity, O'Reilly , Limbaugh just to name a few spew hate on a daily basis and I never hear fellow right wingers condemn them !!!! NEVER !!! At least Helen Thomas apologized !!! I love Helen Thomas . If I was of Lebanese decent, I would probably feel the same way. I was outraged at Israel boarding that ship in the first place. The Palestinians suffer on a daily basis because of Israel's occupation. At almost 90 yrs. old...give the lady a break !!!! I am a white, southern female ..not some radical and it is obvious people in this country are scared to ever condemn Israel. This is why Arabs, Muslims hate us. Because we are so one-sided and refuse to acknowledge the suffering of the Palestinians..women and children and the animals !!!!
(12) Agustin Perez, June 7, 2010 8:46 PM
Bigots in The Media
I feel that the main stream media is ant-Israel & anti-semitic and she is a reflection of these views. Also I believe our president is a anti-semitic because of his close assocation with the Nation of Islam in Chicago, which I have personally witness while living in Chicago for many years. When the president gives a wink and a nod to his media operatives such as Thomas he is just as guitly of as them.
(11) Vlad Seder, June 7, 2010 7:52 PM
Romans? 2,600 years ago? In Israel?
"one that began 2600 years with the first tragic and violent diaspora of the Jews at the hands of the Romans." Is this a joke? Should not the people forming the government policies and public opinion be a little better educated in the world history?
(10) Lloyd A. Oestreicher, June 7, 2010 6:57 PM
reTIREMENT
HELEN tHOMAS SHOULD GO TO tHE jEWISH hOME FOR THE AGED
(9) Chava Willig Levy, June 7, 2010 5:00 PM
Helen Thomas has RESIGNED, effective June 7, 2010
Just read this on the Hearst website. My only question is, why did it take so long? If she had said that our black citizens should "go back to Africa," she would have been FIRED on the spot, not even given the opportunity to retire with some semblance of dignity.
(8) Harold, June 7, 2010 4:54 PM
She retired today!
Bye, Bye!
(7) Ray Saperstein, June 7, 2010 4:35 PM
She should know better
It is indeed a sad commentary that someone in a position of influence is not only biased, but ignorant of the facts. She is obviously of the opinion that the Jews have no valid claim to the land of Israel, which pretty much puts her right in the Hamas frame of mind. I just wonder what she would tell the hundreds of thousands of Sephardic Jews in Israel whose parents or grandparents were kicked out of Arab countries. Should they also pack up and go back to Egypt, Iran , Iraq, etc? Wouldn't that create some interesting theater. Unfortunately, there are probably a lot of similarly misinformed people all over the world who either don't know, or refuse to accept, that Jews have lived in Israel for thousands of years. Even as recently as the Ottoman Empire, Jews were a majority in Jerusalem, outnumbering Muslims and Christians combined. Perhaps as a real form of regret, she should be given a reading list by Elie Wiesel, or some other recognized Jewish leader who supports Israel. This reading list should inform her of the history of the Jews and their claim to the land of Israel. As she becomes more informed, perhaps she should be required to write articles about what she has learned, assuming that anybody continues to hire her as a journalist. She may not become a supporter of Israel but at least she could write about her education and even some new facts that she never knew.
(6) Jules Tabak, June 7, 2010 2:57 PM
Helen Thomas the biggotted jerk
Why is everyone so shocked that ugly and evil go hand in hand with wickedness? Jules P.S. By the way this gargabe lady is no different than her middle east relatives
(5) Anonymous, June 7, 2010 2:33 PM
voted in the wrong
if Americans failed to realize what they voted in then hopefully they will recognize their mistake. I heard John McCann speak the other evening. He is more of only a few that truly support Israel. I believe we can only hope and pray for the November elections bring in.
(4) Anonymous, June 7, 2010 2:32 PM
Contact Liberal Opinion- they are keeping a list
She is one of the writers they publish- I just called and they said I was the first to call and I gave them my name and # and they said they are going to keep a list and pass it on so call! 1800-338-9335
(3) Anonymous, June 7, 2010 2:05 PM
I wonder
I wonder if Helen Thomas believes that Hamas is doing a better job of taking care of the Palestinians than the Israelis. Or, maybe this hatred of the Jews is just something Hashem has programmed into Amalek to awaken the Jews....to remind us that we need to turn to Hashem, instead of bowing to others....we need Moshiach now!
(2) Vic Dunham, June 7, 2010 1:31 PM
Helen Thomas
Since her views are the same as the current leadership of the White House she should remain amongst friends. When our current President retires maybe the policy and support of Israel will change back to one of support. At that point in time Helen Thomas could join the other bigoted in a group home.
(1) Galia Berry, June 7, 2010 9:16 AM
The Selective, Subjective Press
The Helen Thomas story does not appear in the NYTimes. A brief mention was made of the story days later in the Washington Post and LATimes, only because of the news item that Ms. Thomas had since been disinvited from making a speech at a high school when the high school students and its administration had the courage to protest her outrageous and hateful comments. Perhaps Ms. Thomas should follow her own advice and go back "home" - to Lebanon.