Corrie’s family is supporting resolution HCR111 which calls for an independent investigation into Rachel’s death and for the U.S. to work with the Israeli government to ensure the safety of activists in the Occupied Territories.

Today is the 36th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

On June 6th 1967, Israeli forces captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. 36 years later, the brutal occupation continues.

In less than a month, Israeli forces killed or seriously injured three peace activists working in the Occupied Territories.

On March 16th Rachel Corrie attempted to block a bulldozer from demolishing the home of a Palestinian doctor the Gaza town of Rafah.

Eye-witnesses say Rachel was sitting directly in the path of the bulldozer holding a megaphone and wearing a fluorescent jacket as the driver advanced towards her. The bulldozer continued forward and ran over Rachel, crushing her with the lowered bulldozer blade. She was 23 years old.

A US congressional resolution demanding an independent inquiry into Rachel’s death has been buried in committee, leaving the Israeli military’s investigation–which cleared itself of any wrongdoing–as the only official investigation.

Corrie was set to graduate from Evergreen State College in Olympia this spring.

Just weeks later 24-year-old Brian Avery of New Mexico, was shot in the face in Jenin. He has regained consciousness and is able to communicate by writing messages. But his face is said to be shattered, with his tongue split in two. He remains in critical condition and may never speak again.

Eyewitnesses and members of the ISM say Avery was shot by an Israeli tank. Israel said the shooting is under investigation.

A week later, British peace activist Tom Hurndall was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier.

Wearing a bright orange vest, he was trying to help Palestinian children out of the line of Israeli fire.

Tom is now in a coma and suffers severe brain damage.

The Israeli military announced on May 10th that all foreigners entering the Gaza Strip will be required to sign waivers absolving the Israeli army from any responsibility if the army shoots them.

• Craig and Cindy Corrie, Rachel Corrie’s parents.
• Anthony Hurndall, Tom Hurndall’s father.
• David Rovics, musician playing live in the studio.

Link:

International Solidarity Movement