If she was younger, her statements wouldn't matter as much. Look at Pat Buchanan, he's the master of anti-semitic remarks yet he's a regular contributor on MSNBC. In any case, I think she understood that sitting in a press room everyday following her remarks and being THAT person is not how she wants her career to end, retirement is the less stressful way to go.

A) I can see why some people would be angered by her comments, and I can see why some disagree with her, but I can't for the life of me understand how what she said was “cringeworthy”. B) If Germany and Poland were currently ruled by anti-Semites, I could see how Thomas' call for (Ashkenazi) Jews to return to Europe might be offensive. As it stands, what she said is no different than saying that US Americans ought to go back to their countries of origin. It's bombastic, it ignores some historical truths, it isn't at all practical, and it might even be insensitive, but offensive? Only if you're sitting around waiting to be offended. This was an angry lady with an opinion, mouthing off. B) I didn't hear her say that Israel should be cleansed of Jews. I heard her say that Israel is occupying land that she believes belongs to someone else, and that they ought to get the hell off of said land. Disagreeing concerning the settlement/occupation of land by Israel is an opinion—not a bigoted remark. D) Why is questioning the righteousness and status of Israel worthy of social and professional excommunication, whereas questioning the righteousness and status of even our own country (for US Americans out there) is defended as freedom of speech? There is something deeply disturbing to me about this whole spectacle, and it has absolutely nothing to do with anti-Semitic feelings on my part. To put it simply, it's looking as though David has now become Goliath. And no one likes a bully.

Now, I don't automatically think her words were “anti-semitic” (although it IS something that an anti-semitic person would say), but you can't tell someone to “go home”. It's not their fault they're there, and they should be able to be where they want to (especially since it's been multiple generations at this point).
Now my problem is people thinking she's that ignorant. She's HELEN THOMAS, she can't possibly think that all conflict in the Middle East began in 1947. If she's pro-Palestine, that's not an evil thing. To say “go home” is ignorant, but I doubt she thinks that's the only solution is for the Jews to leave. If he'd asked her about her opinion on Palestine, maybe she'd say “Try to live peacefully with the Jews”. The flotilla thing was clearly bullshit, and someone who's pro-Palestine would be riding off the anger of that.

I'm baffled by these comments. She said the Jews should go back to Germany — as far as “wanna get away?” comments go, that's up there. There is no moral way to defend that comment, so you should all just stop trying. That being said, when I turn 89, I'll be lucky to be saying anything at all coherent, and will likely be making far worse remarks, if I'm even still around. This is clearly a remarkable lady, worthy of all kinds of respect.  But if there ever was a retirement-inducing comment, this was it. If she didn't leave now, her life and her work would only get worse with the public putting her and her company under a microscope.  Fuck that noise. She's deciding she doesn't need that shit, and I respect her and her decision. It's refreshing in an age where people are incapable of admitting they made a mistake.

funny how jews automatically disqualify any criticism of Israel by accusing the speaker of anti-semitism. Helen Thomas is nothing like Hitler, and to badmouth her as such is to be an ignorant reactionary. “oh, you said something i don't like. you are just like hitler!” i agree it was insensitive to suggest that Israeli Jews should return to Germany and Poland, the site of such atrocities in their history. but i do agree with Helen Thomas' general sentiment of frustration with Israel's reactionary and hawkish diplomatic mentality.

Funny how many of those outraged over Thomas' admittedly wrongheaded remarks have no qualms about telling Palestinians to leave their homes and move to Jordan.

After a long and distinguished career she makes some, over the line comments and thoroughly apologizes for them and she's forced to retire. Sad. For those who would criticize her over one mistake, let me tell you a fake story you won't find in any history book.
A few seconds before offing himself, Hitler saved a bunny from a bear trap. Would you forgive all his past transgressions for this one act? I think not. Judging a person based on one act instead of the whole of their life is very much wrong.
You may now rejoin your regularly scheduled after-work-computer-fun-time.
Thank you.

Ms. Dobbins, when you are retiring at the ripe age of 89 after a successful lifelong career, let me know.

To be fair, when you're that ancient, you probably don't completely hear what people are asking you (and don't completely convey in words what you mean to say).

There is absolutely nothing cringeworthy about what she said, we just live in a society where - for some reason - no one is ever allowed to criticize Israel ever for anything under any circumstances. That's pretty stupid. Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke, Helen Thomas.

what is “cringeworthy” about what she said?

Hitler? Really? Her comments indicated upset over the results of the creation of an Israel state, far cry from being anti-semitic or being supportive of a Jew hating mass murderer.

Hmm.

she's been a hag for 50 years!

Ugly from the word go

She was one of the few keeping junior in line. I think Helen was fantastic and made WH press conferences fun to watch. I also don't know if I would call her comments cringe worthy.