Rachel Corrie was an American student supporting the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a Palestinian run organization that promotes peace in the West Bank and the Gaza strip through non-violent protest. On March 16th 2003 Rachel was killed by a bulldozer, whilst trying to prevent the demolition of a home that belonged to a local pharmacist, Samir Nasrallah. The bulldozer was controlled by a soldier from the Israel Defense force (IDF).

Rachel started her work in January of 2003 and was repeatedly risking her life. Placing herself with fellow ISM members in tents between Israeli forces and the homes they were planning to demolish resulted in a number of instances of gunfire being aimed just above their tents or at the ground nearby. One ISM member suffered a shrapnel wound from a rogue grenade. They also had to gain the trust of the Palestinians there, which was no easy task. 

There is still a great deal of controversy surrounding her death, but Rachel understood the risks she was taking on. She was a courageous human being who decided to act upon the behalf of others in the hope there would be change. ISM is clear with its statement that international volunteers are there to support resistance through “nonviolent direct action, emergency mobilization and documentation.” Rachel behaved accordingly and lost her life for something she believed, be it accident or murder.

Submitted by: Kit Bennett