Helen Thomas said what? That the Israelis should “get the hell out of Palestine”? That they should go “home” to, um, Poland, Germany and America?

Just about a year ago, I was wrapping up a month-long journey through Israel as part of a Rotary International exchange. Our Israeli hosts opened their homes, and their hearts, to a team of us from West Texas, and their hospitality was something that will stay with all of us forever. We talk often about that adventure, and about the love we all received from our hosts.

I am troubled by the criticism being heaped on Israel these days in the wake of that commando raid on a flotilla of ships seeking to bring “relief supplies” to the Gaza Strip. Why troubled? Well, part of our trip through Israel took us to Gaza’s doorstep. The proximity of Gaza to Israel is stunning. I mean, it’s close, man. Real close.

And remember: It was from Gaza that Hamas terrorists have lobbed rockets and mortars into Israeli towns near the border. Hamas has sworn to eradicate Israel, believing that the Israelis are occupying land that belongs rightfully to the Palestinians. The Israelis, of course, see it all quite differently.

Israel has this nutty notion of wanting to protect itself against enemies. Thus, when ships steam toward Gaza, the Israelis feel compelled to board these ships and search them for weapons of war. This is what the commando raid the other day sought to do. But the so-called “peace activists” aboard the ships resisted the soldiers’ efforts, and lives were lost.

The United Nations, which I generally have supported over many years, has been quick to condemn Israel. President Obama has been fairly quiet, but many within his administration have said the Israelis made a mistake. How can that be? Israel has been under siege since its creation in 1948. It’s gone to war several times — and never fired the first shot in any of them. The fighting always has been initiated by its enemies.

The nation deserves to protect itself — from Hamas in the Palestinian Authority, from Hezbelloah in Lebanon, from Syria and from Iran. And does anyone in Israel really trust fully their so-called “friends” in Jordan or Egypt? I think not.

I wish my Israeli friends well and worry about them during these difficult times. Their country is always fighting for its life. The critics around the world ought to take stock of that fact before they fire off their criticism.

I’m an old-school guy when it comes to baseball. I hate the designated hitter rule. I detest artificial turf and playing the Grand Old Game under a roof.

And until Wednesday night, I opposed the notion of allowing instant replay review of blown calls. Now I’m having second thoughts about that.

First-base umpire Jim Joyce’s call of a runner being “safe” ruined Detroit pitcher Armando Galarraga’s perfect game. The call involved the 27th hitter the pitcher faced. The previous 26 batters had been retired. The hitter hit a grounder to the first baseman, who had to cover some ground to field the ball; he tossed it to Galarraga, who was covering the bag. The throw beat the runner to the base by about a third of a step — but Joyce called the runner safe.

The call didn’t ruffle the pitcher. He smiled, obviously in disbelief, and then retired the next batter to end the game. Joyce viewed the replay after the game and did the unbelievable: He admitted his mistake and apologized to Galarraga, who then accepted Joyce’s apology by telling him “Nobody’s perfect.”

Have I changed my mind completely on the instant replay? Not entirely. I’m just giving it some thought, whereas before I would dismiss the notion out of hand.

But here’a another thought: Maybe Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig can consider reversing Joyce’s call. Reversing the call would have no impact on the outcome of the game. The next batter was out anyway. Just remove the final batter’s at-bat, take away the hit that was erroneously awarded by the umpire’s big mistake.

The 3-0 Detroit victory over Cleveland still stands — and a gracious young man gets his perfect game.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has shown himself to be quite quick to criticize President Obama since leaving office.