Nesenoff to speak about Helen Thomas “Palestine” encounter
It was a simple interview that ended the career of one of journalism’s most famous faces. On Sept. 11, the interviewer, Rabbi David Nesenoff, will speak in New Orleans about his experiences following the encounter with Helen Thomas.
On May 26, 2010, Nesenoff and his son went to a Jewish heritage celebration at the White House. They wanted to film part of the celebration for their websites. While on the front lawn, Thomas, who had covered the White House since the Kennedy administration, approached and chatted with them about journalism.
It being a Jewish event, Nesenoff asked if she had any comments on Israel, and she said “Tell them to get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home” to Poland and Germany.
The resulting firestorm caused the 89-year-old writer for Hearst to retire.
Nesenoff has gone on to produce a documentary film, “Three Thousand Miles,” about the many forms of bias.
He will speak at the Chabad Center in Metairie at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 online, $15 at the door.
