21 years ago, American peace activist Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli bulldozer that was preparing to demolish a Palestinian home in southern Gaza.
On March 16, 2003, two years before Israel’s ‘redeployment’ out of Gaza, Corrie acted as a human shield in an effort to stop a bulldozer operated by Israeli forces, which was demolishing a home in the Rafah refugee camp, in the south of the Strip.
Israeli forces, operating a 60-tonne D9 bulldozer built by Caterpillar Inc, continued moving toward Corrie as she stood her ground, running her over.
Twenty minutes after the bulldozer backed away, Corrie was pronounced dead.
💔 Remembering Rachel Corrie especially today as Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza and about to attack Rafah even more violently. 21 years since Rachel, aged 23, was murdered by an Israeli bulldozer while standing in solidarity w Palestinians pic.twitter.com/lYyOhUmMzi
— IPSC (@ipsc48) March 16, 2024
Israel has since denied claims of responsibility, saying the incident was an accident, and accusing Corrie and other activists of illegal activity.
Born on April 10, 1979, in Olympia, Washington, Corrie dedicated her life to defending Palestinian rights. In 2003, she went to the Gaza Strip as a member of the International Solidarity Movement.
She was known for her love of peace and for defending Palestinian rights, frequently broadcasting photo essays exposing Israeli rights violations in the occupied territories.
(The Palestine Chronicle)
Our creator stated, “Love thy enemy,” but without His redemption, the unredeemed cannot keep His commandments. While I strongly guess that the prophecy of Psalm 83 is manifesting “right here/right now” in the Holy Land, only God Almighty allows those He chooses to properly put this Old Testament prophecy into our New Testament perspective. John 3:16 KJV
Rachel Corrie and Aaron Bushnell were two truly exceptional Americans, sacrificing their lives the way they did for a ‘Free Palestine’. They both defended the beleaguered Palestinians better than they defended themselves. Their brave, heroic acts in defense of the Palestinian homeland will not be forgotten.
From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.