Helen Thomas cancels participation in anti-AIPAC event

Former White House correspondent Helen Thomas has withdrawn her participation from an upcoming anti-AIPAC event, which includes a series of protests against Israeli policy, due to the recent controversy surrounding the veteran journalist after she said Jews should leave Palestine and go back to Europe.

According to a statement by the "Move Over AIPAC" campaign, Thomas was invited to speak at the event, scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. during AIPAC's annual conference in May, but withdrew her participation fearing she will become the focus of the events.

“I am delighted that people are coming together for this gathering and I want to make sure that the focus stays on AIPAC and U.S. policy, not me,” Thomas was quoted as saying.

The "Move over AIPAC" protests will include demonstrations opposite the building where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to speak during the AIPAC conference and Congress, and a series of lectures and meetings with critics of Israel.

http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/helen-thomas-cancels-participation-in-anti-aipac-event-1.357160