On March 16, 2003, Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli military, Caterpillar D9R bulldozer in Rafah, in the Gaza Strip, as she tried to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian family’s home. Rachel wrote of the importance of making commitments to places, and the one she made continues.Tonight, in her hometown of Olympia, Washington, we will gather to reflect upon Rachel’s stand in Gaza thirteen years ago, and upon all those who continue to live and struggle there.
We welcome guests Alice Coy, International Solidarity Movement activist, visiting from the UK, who was with Rachel in Gaza in 2003; Mohammed Usrof, former recipient of the Rachel Corrie Foundation’s Palestine Student Solidarity Project support, and a citizen of Gaza; Yano Masaki, friend from Japan who for the past several years has journeyed to Olympia for our March 16th remembrance; and local performer Holly Graham leading us in song.
We will celebrate Rachel’s community here in Olympia, those in Gaza whom she grew to love, and the family of passionate, creative, loving change makers across the globe who each day act with a conscience, and work tirelessly to make a difference. Thank you for your efforts and commitment, and for remembering with us this March 16th.
From all of us at the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice
