Today is the 10th Anniversary of the death of Rachel Corrie and nothing much has changed.
Dear Rachel:
In some ways, it has changed for the worse and Gaza, although not internally occupied by Israel, is still occupied. Two major military incursions have led to the death of almost 2,000 people, the population is locked into the world’s largest open-air prison to be shot at by helicopters and fighter jets on a defenseless, civilian population. There is one exit, through Egypt, that can only accommodate 300 people daily.
In the West Bank, the occupation, predictable, relentless and brutal, marches on. Daily, the Palestinian population is humiliated by young, bored soldiers who believe Palestinians were placed upon the earth, solely for their amusement. Non violent protesters are shot at, sometimes killed. People, including children, are arbitrarily arrested without due process. Houses are demolished, displacing families and rendering them homeless.
I did not know you. I didn’t meet this incredibly strong girl wearing a badge of courage carrying justice in her heart. Your call for justice, your sense of what is right and your selfless act has changed me forever.
I watched the videotape of your 5th grade speech to end hunger. This tiny girl with a steady voice called for the end of poverty. You were strong, resolute. I thought, what would this world be like if you had lived? I came to the realization that you have changed the world. You brought the occupation to the attention of the world. You live through those who became passionate about the Palestinian plight by reading about your struggle against the occupation. You, more so than anyone, built an army of non-violent protesters and activists who fight against this injustice. Rachel, you have made the world a better place because you cared.