Remembering Rachel Corrie, Humanitarian and Defender of the Palestinian People

If she were still alive, Rachel Aliene Corrie would be 46 years old today. This American woman was a humanitarian champion whose legacy continues to inspire the world. She died whilst standing in the way of Israeli military forces who were about to demolish Palestinian homes in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on 16 March 2003.

This incident, which occurred approximately 23 years ago, stands as one of many pieces of evidence documenting Israeli atrocities in Palestinian lands. Dressed in a bright orange shirt, Rachel Corrie stood before a bulldozer operated by Israeli military personnel. Through a megaphone, the blonde-haired woman protested the brutal actions of the Zionist forces demolishing the homes of Palestinian civilians.

Rather than stopping, the Israeli military personnel deliberately drove the bulldozer towards Corrie. Instantly, the woman of Irish descent fell to the ground. Her head and body were crushed beneath the heavy vehicle’s wheels.

Witnessing this, her fellow activists from the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) ran towards her. They found their comrade covered in blood and lifeless.

A lasting legacy

Days after the incident, Israel claimed that its soldiers “did not see” Rachel Corrie’s position in front of their bulldozer. Even years after what was clearly an act of murder, the Zionist government imposed no punishment on its personnel. Instead, the deceased’s family faced intimidation and surveillance.

Rachel Corrie was neither Palestinian nor Arab. This white woman had travelled far from America to the Gaza Strip answering the call of humanity. Her heart was moved to help and defend local residents who had endured decades of Israeli occupation.

After completing secondary school, Corrie continued her studies at Evergreen State College. There, she joined the humanitarian movement known as the Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace. From there, she went on to join the International Solidarity Movement (ISM).