RACHEL CORRIE - 20 YEARS

The Commitment Continues

Just over 20 years ago, Rachel Corrie introduced her family to Gaza through a series of now published letters. Each contained poignant insights on the people, land, and crisis unfolding around her. She described, in vivid detail, home demolitions, restrictions on travel and movement, a separation wall in Gaza, attacks on civilians, and the U.S.’s complicity in the Israeli Occupation. 


March 16, 2023, marks the 20-year anniversary of Rachel’s Stand in Gaza, when she was killed by an Israeli military-operated Caterpillar D9-R bulldozer while defending a Palestinian home in Rafah. It's a testament to the scale of a decades-long tragedy that 2023 carries significance for so many, including the Abu Akleh family, following the death of Shireen last May, and the countless Palestinians who will mourn the loss of their friends and loved ones following a record year of violence.


In confronting the question of how to best honor Rachel’s memory and spirit, we at the Rachel Corrie Foundation (RCF) have decided to launch Rachel Corrie - 20 Years: the Commitment Continues, a year-long effort to deepen our advocacy for Palestine and Palestinian freedom, equality and security, and universal human rights more broadly. 


Rachel, in one of her letters, wrote, “They [Palestinians] are a good example of how to be in it for the long haul. [...] I spent a lot of time writing about the disappointment of discovering, somewhat first-hand, the degree of evil of which we are still capable. 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.”


Even as we remember the loss of Rachel, and even as we remember the Palestinians who have lost their lives over these past two decades and the past year, we must also remember those who have been “in it for the long haul.” On March 16th and beyond, we invite you to carry forward Rachel’s commitment by taking action for those who continue to endure with dignity.


We look forward to sharing and exploring the possibilities for this anniversary year with you.


UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES TO REMEMBER


THURSDAY, MARCH 16

20th Anniversary of Rachel Corrie's Stand in Gaza

Wherever you are on or around March 16th, as we remember Rachel and all human rights observers and defenders who have stood in solidarity with Palestinians and with the oppressed throughout the world, we urge you and your community to find your way to mark this moment meaningfully, full of constructive, peace-building education, advocacy, and action. We'd love to hear your plans!

Email info@rachelcorriefoundation.org.


FRIDAY, MARCH 17

FOR & Women in Black Vigil in Downtown Olympia

4th and Water Streets, Olympia

4:30-6:00 pm PST

We are excited, and grateful once again, for the opportunity to join our friends at the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) and Women in Black for their weekly peace vigils in downtown Olympia. There will be signs remembering Rachel, remembering Gaza, and advocating for peace with justice in Palestine. Bring your own or hold one of ours. FOR encourages people to remain healthy and to wear masks.


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

Rachel's Birthday

Stay tuned!


FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 28-29

Spring Arts Walk in Downtown Olympia

Watch for details of the Rachel Corrie Foundation's and Art Forces' presence at the Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural during this festive, springtime, downtown Olympia happening!


OTHER "HAPPENINGS"


SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 12 pm PST

International Women's Day: "Woman, Life, Freedom"

Rally & March, Westlake Park, Seattle

Feminists for Jina, intersectional and internationalist feminists from Iran in diaspora and exile, are organizing this feminist day of action. They will stand in solidarity with the ongoing feminist revolution in Iran and with oppressed people from all backgrounds across the globe. The day calls on all of us to walk the path of the transnational feminist movement against oppressive, patriarchal, and religious fundamentalist forces, and toward liberation for all.


MARCH 4, 4-6 pm PST

Nada Elia's Book Launch & Activist Gathering

March 4, 4-6 pm PST

Cherry Street Village, 720 25th Avenue, Seattle, WA

Join us in celebrating the publication of "Greater than the Sum of Our Parts,” a newly published book by local author, activist, friend and colleague Nada Elia. The book launch will provide an opportunity to connect with fellow activists, expand our knowledge of each other’s struggles, and to hear about this new "re-imagining of the path to liberation in Palestine."


APRIL 17

Palestinian Prisoner's Day

As Palestinian Prisoner's Day approaches on April 17, The Palestinian Alternative Revolutionary Path Movement calls for everyone to support the Palestinian prisoner's movement. Prisoners and their allies need us to respond swiftly to calls issued by the movement leadership in occupation jails and to participate in activities and mobilizations organized by the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network in Europe, North America and Latin America.


With current Israeli policies toward prisoners - such as shorting the time they are allowed to shower - it's important that Palestinian prisoners know they have support as they demand to be treated with dignity.

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Help us strengthen our work for a free Palestine!


The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Check donations can be mailed to the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace & Justice, 203 East 4th Ave, Suite 402, Olympia, WA 98501.


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