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Rachel Corrie
29quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Rachel Alicia Corrie was an American peace activist born on April 10, 1979.
Birth and Death Dates
April 10, 1979 - March 16, 2003
Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Human Rights Activist, Peace Activist
Early Life and Background
Rachel Corrie grew up in Olympia, Washington. She was the youngest of three children born to Cindy and Craig Corrie. Her parents divorced when Rachel was six years old. Her mother remarried and moved the family to a rural area near Mount Rainier.
As a child, Rachel showed a keen interest in social justice issues. She was active in her local community, participating in environmental activism and volunteering at animal shelters. These early experiences shaped her future commitment to human rights and peace.
Major Accomplishments
Rachel Corrie's most notable accomplishment came during the Second Intifada when Israel had imposed a military blockade on the Gaza Strip. In 2002, she traveled to Gaza as part of The International Solidarity Movement (ISM), an organization dedicated to nonviolent resistance against occupation. Rachel joined the ISM in an effort to support Palestinian families who were struggling under Israeli rule.
Notable Works or Actions
During her time in Gaza, Rachel helped maintain a peaceful presence among Palestinians and Israelis alike, working closely with local activists. Her most courageous act came on March 16, 2003. Rachel stood in front of a bulldozer that was demolishing homes in the Rafah refugee camp. Despite warnings from fellow activists to leave the area, she stayed put.
As the bulldozer approached her position, Rachel's intentions were misinterpreted by the Israeli driver. The machine crushed Rachel beneath its treads. Her death sparked widespread condemnation and calls for international investigation into Israel's actions that day.
Impact and Legacy
Rachel Corrie's tragic death led to a significant shift in public opinion regarding the Israeli occupation of Gaza. It also drew attention to the work of human rights activists worldwide, highlighting their bravery in the face of adversity.
Today, Rachel is remembered as an inspiring example of courage and conviction. Her actions have inspired countless individuals to become involved in activism, particularly those advocating for peaceful resolution to global conflicts.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Rachel Corrie's words, spoken during a telephone call with her mother shortly before her death, are often cited as an example of the power of selfless sacrifice: "I'm not really sure what I am doing here but it has something to do with trying to make the world change. And I don't think that we're going to be able to have a very much of a voice if we don't get out and do some things."
Quotes by Rachel Corrie
Rachel Corrie's insights on:
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The scariest thing for non-Jewish Americans in talking about Palestinian self-determination is the fear of being or sounding anti-Semitic. The people of Israel are suffering, and Jewish people have a long history of oppression. We still have some responsibility for that, but I think it’s important to draw a firm distinction between the policies of Israel, as a state, and Jewish people. That’s kind of a no-brainer, but there is very strong pressure to conflate the two.
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I feel like I’m witnessing the systematic destruction of a people’s ability to survive. It’s horrifying.
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I should at least mention that I am also discovering a degree of strength and of basic ability for humans to remain human in the direst of circumstances – which I also haven’t seen before. I think the word is dignity. I wish you could meet these people. Maybe, hopefully, someday you will.
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I want to be a lawyer, a dancer, an actress, a mother, a wife, a childrens author, a distance runner, a poet, a pianist, a pet store owner, an astronaut, an environmental and humanitarian activist, a psychiatrist, a ballet teacher, and the first woman president.
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People in Third World countries think and laugh and smile, just like us. We have got to understand that we are them they are us.
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I've had this underlying need to go to a place and meet people who are on the other end of the portion of my tax money that goes to fund the U.S. and other militaries.
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I really value words. I really try to illustrate and let people draw their own conclusions.
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Whenever I organize or participate in public protest I get really worried that it will just suck, be really small, embarrassing, and the media will laugh at me. Oftentimes, it is really small and most of the time the media laughs at us.
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I want to be a lawyer, a dancer, an actress, a mother, a wife, a children's author, a distance runner, a poet, a pianist, a pet store owner, an astronaut, an environmental and humanitarian activist, a psychiatrist, a ballet teacher, and the first woman president.
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