Below are some reactions from around the world to today’s verdict in the civil trial over Rachel Corrie’s killing.
suheir hammad, Palestinian poet (@yosuheirhammad)
august again
did not expect mercy
wall swallows what once was hopelanguage in double talk wa half speak
law of hearts dashed against rockdid not expect compassion
nor retribution for life
nor redemption for loveof women’s hands reaching shook earth
of women wailing into lasting skyexpected less than before
swallowed a wall built nightly still
expected more than history
Ben White, writer, freelance journalist, activist (@benabyad)
In the years since her death, Rachel Corrie’s actions, writings, and dedication to making a difference have inspired so many people. Her story – and the work of her family over the last decade – have proved so powerful because the focus has always been on the Palestinians’ struggle for justice and basic rights, against a regime that kills with impunity.
Ali Abunimah, founder, Electronic Intifada (@AliAbunimah)
Cindy and Craig Corrie kept Rachel’s spirit alive during the seven year battle for justice through the Israeli courts. That today there was no justice or accountability for Rachel’s killing is not because her family did not pour their hearts and souls into the struggle. Rather, it is further evidence of the foundational and entrenched injustices inherent in Israeli rule over Palestinians, and which Rachel gave her life to challenge and end.
The Haifa court said that Israel was not responsible for Rachel’s death. That’s only in keeping with long tradition. Israel has never accepted responsibility for the fate of Palestinians who for decades had fled their homes before its bulldozers and tanks, and wait still for justice, nor for thousands killed and injured in the process. Whenever Israel is called on to hold itself accountable, the result is always predictable: acquittal. An apartheid system can never grant justice to its victims.
Our work, therefore, has to be waged on different ground. That is why Palestinians themselves have called on people all over the world to actively support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. By acting together, we can contribute to freedom and justice for Palestinians — and for Rachel and her family.
Abir Kopty, Palestinian activist and media coordinator for the Popular Struggle Coordinating Committee (@AbirKopty)
Under the Israeli Occupation, the victims are often found guilty of the crimes committed against them. The Palestinian farmer who watches settlers take his family’s land is found guilty of land confiscation. Refugees in camps are guilty of their displacement from lost homes. Martyrs are guilty for their murder, and today Rachel Corrie was found guilty for her death.
The Corrie family has sought justice for their daughter through a long and exhausting journey. The decision today shows the world that the Israeli court system is incapable of providing justice when the state is at fault. An Apartheid state cannot provide justice. It will only be achieved by consistent, principled resistance on the ground and through boycott, divestment and sanctions efforts around the world.
Palestinians remember Rachel as a brave and true hero, one of us. The day Palestine celebrates its freedom from Israeli colonialism will also bring justice for the farmers, the refugees, the martyrs, and Rachel.
Remi Kanazi, Palestinian poet and activist (@remroum)
The consistency of Israeli injustice and impunity does not lessen the pain of the outcome. Rachel Corrie stood tall for Palestinian rights and while the Israeli court system did little but attack her memory, nothing will diminish the legacy of strength and beauty she leaves behind. As a son and grandson of Palestinian refugees, it is humbling to know that Palestinians have found an eternal friend in the Corrie family, and that justice isn’t simply a dream in the imaginations of people, but a reality that will one day paint the landscape of Palestine.