RACHEL CORRIE

Rachel Corrie, activist for peace from Olympia, Washington, was killed on Sunday March 16th, 2003 while trying to prevent a bulldozer from tearing down a a Palestinian civilian home in a refugee camp in the Rafah area in Gaza Strip. Rachel loved working with children and promoting peace and social justice. She believed that all human beings deserve freedom, safety and dignity, which she dedicated her life to. Rachel went to Palestine to witness and prevent daily Israeli infractions of international law as a member of the International Solidarity Movement using non-violent methods.

"We are now in a period of grieving and still finding out the details behind the death of Rachel in the Gaza Strip. We have raised all our children to appreciate the beauty of the global community and family and are proud that Rachel was able to live her convictions. Rachel was filled with love and a sense of duty to her fellow man, wherever they lived. And, she gave her life trying to protect those that are unable to protect themselves." Statement by Cindy and Craig Corrie, Rachel's parents, two days after Rachel death.

I think it is a good idea for us all to drop everything and devote our lives to making this stop. I don't think it's an extremist thing to do anymore. I still really want to dance around to Pat Benatar and have boyfriends and make comics for my co-workers. But I also want this to stop.

--Rachel Corrie, a peace dove

Congressman Jim McDermott's Statement on the death of Rachel Corrie

I am saddened and horrified by the death of Rachel Corrie on March 16. The U.S. must require -- and the Israeli government must provide -- all of the facts about what happened on Sunday.

What we know is terrible: a young, unarmed woman was run over and killed by a D-9 armored bulldozer driven by a member of the Israeli security forces.

What we must find out is important: How could the bulldozer driver fail to see a brightly dressed woman with a bullhorn? What orders are the drivers given? How are they trained? What are their "rules of engagement" with protestors?

Cindy and Craig Corrie. Middle East Peace Sculpture dedication ceremony October 23rd, 2003

To learn more about Rachel please visit: http://www.rachelcorriefoundation.org.

Rachel stood for children's rights in Palestine ( on the right)

The Associated Press

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