Helen Thomas Announces Her Retirement

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Helen Thomas

Screenshot / YouTube.com

The longtime White House correspondent’s controversial Israel-related comments appear to be leading to a career change.

Hearst News Service reports that Thomas, 89, announced her retirement on Monday. Thomas recently came under fire for suggesting Jews in Israel should return “home” to Europe in comments that were videotaped at the May 27 White House Jewish Heritage Celebration and went viral on the Internet last week.

“I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians,” Thomas said in a statement after the firestorm. “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.”

Rabbi David F. Nesenoff of RabbiLive.com captured the controversial interview with Thomas at the White House event. Watch it above.