Remembering Rachel Corrie: A Legacy of Courage and Commitment

On 16 March 2003, the world lost Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old American peace activist from Olympia, Washington.

Rachel was brutally killed by an Israeli military bulldozer in the Gaza Strip while undertaking nonviolent direct action to protect a Palestinian family’s home from demolition. Her unwavering commitment to justice and human rights inspires and mobilises activists worldwide.

Who Was Rachel Corrie?

Rachel was a student at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and was known for her passion for art, writing, and social justice. In January 2003, she travelled to the Gaza Strip as part of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), aiming to connect her hometown with Rafah through a sister-city project.

Her journey was driven by a profound desire to witness firsthand U.S. foreign policy’s impact and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

During her time in Gaza, Rachel lived with local families, forging deep connections and documenting the harsh realities of life under occupation. In her emails home, she vividly described the resilience and dignity of the people she met, expressing a deep sense of responsibility to amplify their voices.

The Tragic Incident

On that fateful day in March 2003, Rachel stood as a human shield to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home in Rafah. Despite wearing a fluorescent jacket and being clearly visible, she was fatally injured by an Israeli bulldozer.

Eyewitnesses reported that the driver saw her but did not stop, leading to her death. The Israeli military conducted an investigation, concluding the incident was an accident, a finding widely criticised by human rights organisations for its lack of thoroughness and transparency.

In the wake of this tragedy, Rachel’s family established the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice in Olympia, Washington. The foundation is dedicated to continuing Rachel’s work by promoting global grassroots efforts for peace and justice, with a particular focus on Palestine. Through educational and community initiatives, the foundation strives to foster connections between people, build understanding, and advocate for human rights.

The Ongoing Struggle

Two decades after Rachel’s death, the issues she stood against have only intensified. The situation in both Gaza and the West Bank has deteriorated, with increased military operations, home demolitions, and displacement of Palestinian families.

Recent Israeli military actions in the West Bank have led to significant displacement and humanitarian crises – the worst since the 1967 war. In Gaza, after a year of constant bombing and terrorising of local residents, Israel and its ally in the White House have signalled plans to repurpose Gaza for their commercial desires instead of allowing the indigenous Palestinian population to return to their homes.

Rachel Corrie’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in pursuing justice. We hope future generations carry forward her commitment to stand with those who face oppression and work tirelessly towards a peaceful world.