Mary Fitzgerald | Irish Times

The parents of Rachel Corrie, the US activist killed by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza in 2003, have paid tribute to those who attempted to break Israel’s naval blockade on a ship named after their daughter.

Activists, including several from Ireland, who last month set sail for Gaza onboard the aid-laden MV Rachel Corrie , were today returning to their home countries after Israeli forces intercepted the vessel on Saturday and towed it to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

Those onboard the Irish-owned ship had earlier rejected a proposal to discharge the cargo at Ashdod, and insisted they would continue on to Gaza. Days before, an Israeli commando raid on an aid flotilla sailing ahead of the vessel had resulted in the deaths of nine activists.

Cindy Corrie said those on board the MV Rachel Corrie were “courageous” in their determination to continue their journey. “They hold such a warm place in my heart because I have seen the work that they do, I know how important it is, and what amazing individuals they are. I feel so connected to their efforts,” she told The Irish Times .

“I applaud them for not agreeing to turn the boat into Ashdod port, because clearly the intention of their efforts is not just to bring humanitarian aid – while that aid is tremendously important – but also to challenge this ongoing, illegal siege of Gaza.”

It was “humbling” that the vessel bore her daughter’s name, Mrs Corrie said. “I know it would be humbling for Rachel too. She wanted more than anything to bring attention to what she was seeing. She went to Gaza to be a witness.”

Ms Corrie was 23 when she was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer as she and other protesters were trying to stop the demolition of Palestinian homes. Her writings – published posthumously – and a play about her life have made her a rallying figure for pro-Palestinian activists.

“I think Rachel would feel that if her name helps, if her story helps to continue to bring attention to what is happening, to continue to encourage people to take action right now to improve things for people in Gaza, she would be supportive of that,” added Mrs Corrie.

The Corrie family now run the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice in their hometown of Olympia, Washington.

Mr Corrie said their thoughts were with the families of those killed during the attack on the flotilla last Monday. “Our hearts go out to them. We have some understanding of what they are going through in these days and the days that will follow.” The couple, who visited Gaza twice last year, said they hoped the renewed international focus as a result of the events of the past week would bring further pressure on Israel to lift its blockade. “I feel very strongly that this is a watershed,” said Mrs Corrie.

“I think the world has awakened this week in a way that is different to before. I think now it is up to all of us to ensure that there is a very determined and continuing effort to keep attention on what is happening, and to end this terrible siege of Gaza.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2010

In the past four days, details about the attack on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla have emerged.

We now know that 9 civilians were killed in the attack – 8 Turkish nationals and 1 American citizen of Turkish descent. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed. From the depths of our own experience, we feel the pain you are in.

In a response to the incident, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) called for “a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards.”

We are dismayed that, largely due to US influence, the call was not for an independent investigation. With the cases of our daughter Rachel Corrie, crushed by an IDF Caterpillar bulldozer in the Gaza Strip in 2003, and US citizens Brian Avery and Tristan Anderson, both severely injured by the IDF in the West Bank in 2003 and 2009, respectively, Israel clearly demonstrated a failure to investigate itself adequately.

Additionally, the aftermath of Operation Cast Lead, in whichthe Israeli military exonerated itself of any wrongdoing, appears to confirm our own experience.

We call on the United Nations Security Council, and particularly on the United States Government, to demand a credible, transparent, thorough independent investigation into the attack on the flotilla.

At this time, a ship named the MV Rachel Corrie, which departed from Ireland, is on its way to Gaza. It was supposed to sail with the rest of the flotilla but was delayed due to mechanical difficulties. There are 12 people are on board, including the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mairead Maguire and former UN Assistant Secretary-General Dennis Halliday. We call on the United States Government and the governments of the world to insist that Israel not block the safe passage of the ship in reaching Gaza, nor take any actions that may result in the harm of the civilians onboard.

We are also dismayed that the United States Government has not joined the other permanent members of the UNSC in calling for an end to the blockade of Gaza. We call on our government to stand up against the immoral and illegal siege.

Until the blockade, siege and the occupation have ended, and people are permitted to live in freedom and with dignity, we fear there will be more needless deaths, of Palestinians and Israelis alike, and internationals who stand in solidarity with those working towards an end to the occupation and peace with justice.

Cindy & Craig Corrie

Irish Times: Parents of Rachel Corrie pay tribute to ‘courageous’ activists

Protect the MV Rachel Corrie, Investigate the Israeli Attack on the Mavi Marmara

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