We have been getting many emails over the past few days from people wishing to express their feelings about Rachel’s life and writings. Please contribute your thoughts and feelings here on the guestbook. These entries are moderated along with comments made on specific articles. The comments below are posted by visitors to rachelswords.org and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Rachel’s Words inititive.
Please scroll to the bottom to post your own thoughts.
It’s great you people are making an effort! I’ve seen the play stages in London and, having worked in Palestine as an international activist myself, ended up sobbing in my seat. It’s a great, moving piece and I believe everybody should see it, Americans even more than others.
I support any action to diffuse the knowledge of Rachel’s Corrie brave action in favour of Justice for the Palestinians, and peace in Palestine-Israel. I am disgusted by the policy of the Israeli Government, and I firmly believe that both Europe and the USA should take a strong position to force Israel to accept a Palestinian State, and withdraw the Army and the settlers from Palestine.
Rachel’s e-mails are SO valuable. Her eyewitness accounts of the desperate situation of the Palestinians plus her humanizing descriptions of their lives makes it easier to convince Americans to be critical of the media representation of the conflict. Then, perhaps, the heinous nature of our unflinching support for Israel’s occupation will become clear and Americans will demand a change.
Thank you so much to all at Rachel’s Words for doing this; there’s little I can say about her words that haven’t been said already – but they stand as testament to something important and enduring.
Also: it’s not true, and it is unhelpful, to say that ‘the Israelis’ are ‘no better than the Germans were’. Rachel wouldn’t have said that (she was careful with such things), and we shouldn’t either.
Rachel got it at age 10. Some people don’t want to get it. They are the ones who wish to censure her, in order to keep others from understanding what they understand, but fear.
“On the Liberty of Thought and Discussion,” by John Stuart Mill, should be read by those fearful New Yorkers. I read it in college 51 years ago. It is a beautiful argument for free speech. And Rachel spoke compassion.
We all have a Rachel inside us. It is that inner voice that emphatizes with the underdog and speaks truth to power and tells us that sometimes we have to put our body on the line. By remembering Rachel and her work and words, we nurture that voice within us as we commit to continue and struggle for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel and around the globe.
Rachel’s life was her message. Those who wish to censure her words live in fear; fear of truth, personal responsibility and power, free will and the reality of their own divinity.
I live on a farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I teach French and theatre in the local high school. People would probably consider my political leanings more Republican than Democrat, and more conservative than liberal.
Until this afternoon, I’d been busy organizing a bus trip among my friends to come to your theater one day in April to see “My Name Is Rachel Corrie.” Guess that’s not going to happen now.
I read your press release. When did theatre start needing time to “contextualize”work so a powerful voice could better be heard? Art is art. It speaks for itself. It stands or falls on its own merits. It does not need a politically correct stage to be set for it. And this particular voice seems to have been heard quite well in London thank you. Could it be that the din you’re afraid of hearing over here is the healthy noise of democracy?
So the thing that really frosts me is how un-American the canceling of this play is! Why does the Constitution even ensure freedom of speech? Rachel Corrie, God bless her, was practicing that very right that you would deny the rest of us. American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq die everyday to preserve that freedom of which you have just taken a little something away.
Get this: I am a teacher. In my own way I fight everyday for the freedom of speech. It’s what I tell my students. It’s what I enforce among my students. It’s what I advocate for my students. It’s what I model for my students. And, yes, I would fight even for YOUR freedom of speech, and for your theatre’s freedom of speech. But what are you fighting for? Certainly not my freedom of speech and not your theatre’s either.
I feel very bad for Rachel Corrie’s parents, who have to watch, once again, as their daughter’s life becomes mislabeled and misinterpreted by people who never even knew her.
But, after them, who else do you think really gets hurt the most by your unpatriotic actions? Alan Rickman? Katharine Viner? No. They will both go on being quite successful. The New York theatre scene? Your own theatre? The theatre of protest in general? No, no, and no. There will be other productions and other issues.
No, the one you’ve hurt most is Me. Call me American. Call me Middle Class. Call me a police officer, a teacher, a factory worker, an office worker, a business owner, a housewife, a farmer or anything else you want to call me. I’m not rich enough to go to England to see this play about an American who died fighting her war as she saw it. And, now, you’re not going to let me see it either.
Whether or not we agree with her politics should NOT be the issue. Rather, the issue remains far more basic. It speaks of an intrinsically American right that is being slowly eroded away: our freedom of speech.
You don’t know me. Most people don’t. So what do I have to lose? I’m going to send copies of this letter all over the place. To anyone I think might listen or needs to.
I close with a quote from a poster in the theatre classroom: “A knowledge of theatre is a rich possession. To know the development of theatre is to know the development of mankind. As theatre grows, man grows; when it is suppressed, man walks in darkness.”
My daughter is going to language school in Palestine, and wants to be part of Christian Peacemaker Teams in Palestine. What Rachel did working for peace is so important. We all need to work for peace.
When I last saw Rachel before she left Olympia for Gaza, she was full of hope and positive energy, knowing that her efforts would make a difference in the quest for peace. Her radiance that day was palpable, and she is a shining star in our continued struggle for global equality and justice.
The Israelies are no better now than the Germans were. They use “the persecuted race” to the hilt. The Palestinians are now the persecuted race. She died because she believed in freedom of people. Obviously the US won’t support this because it was against their allies.
Rachel’s Words need to be heard by everyone. She has left a legacy of working for peace and justice that needs not to be squandered, but invested in challenging the lives of all, especially young people.
My name is Phyllis Rodriguez. My son died in the WTC. Since that day, I have felt the responsibility of speaking out against military retaliation as a way of combating terrorism. I feel that international and interfaith reconciliation, communication, love and respect are the most powerful weapons we have against hatred.
It is so important for us to have the courage of our beliefs and convictions. By speaking the truth and standing tall we demonstrate our refusal to hide in these times of fear and intimidation.
I look forward to Rachel’s Words being performed in New York and elsewhere.
Among men, there are MEN. For that act of Humanity, may all the good prayers by each and every individual around the world be with you wherever you are today. Your dedication to the cause of Palestinian Liberation, won’t end that way, it is gonna be one day, one day I know very well. May your Gentle soul rest in peace.
Just like Christopher Colombus Said, “And the Sea will grant each new hopes as sleep brings dreams of home”
The Cause of the PALESTINIANS would surely come to fruition.
RACHEL the courage the human. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding you always be there, thinking of you, love you, criying on you, because we lost you.
Rachel’s words and life must be shared around the world to give courage to all who are oppressed and yearn for freedom and peace and struggle nonviolently.
We demand ALL the U.N. resolutions be followed, or none. You can not selectively enforce laws. That is called discrimination. The U.N. created Israel, the U.N. should fix it or disolve it.
Rachel’s life is an example for all of us to emulate. From childhood she saw the need to love and care for others as well as saw how we are individually responsible for all our acts whether by ignoring our responsibilities to our enviroment or ignoring our responsibilities to all who suffer on earth. Her young life is a beacon for justice and love.
I think it is important to spread Rachel Corrie’s words as far and wide as possible. Her place in history is alongside Anne Frank - two young martyrs who succumbed to violence directed against their people.
Freedom has to be conquered very often with blood and tears and the pain which almost breaks the soul, and always by those who dare to be different, to think without constraints and who dream that victory is after all possible.
I saw “My Name is Rachel” in London last year. The play and Rachel’s words are immensely moving. No matter one’s point of view, you cannot help but be moved by the play and Rachel’s heart. I am saddened that this beautiful play will not be seen in the states and that we will not be able to engage in the collective dialogue the play is sure to spark.
Rachel will be remembered in history as a young courageous loving spirit who fought for justice and freedom for the defenseless and oppressed Palestinians, giving her own life…an act of pure selfless love.
——– Original Message ——–
Subject: courage vs. cowardice
From: “Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory”
Date: Wed, March 8, 2006 14:06
We’re disappointed to learn that New York Theatre Workshop has decided not to stage the play, My Name Is Rachel Corrie.
In this era of George Bush it is not surprising, I suppose, that cowardice and censorship is alive and well and flourishing, but that is no excuse for a company such as NYTW–supposedly in the forefront of innovative theater and artistic risk-taking – to cave in to right-wing political pressures.
For a company that’s produced radical playwright Tony Kushner and presented controversial productions like Patriot Act, as well as numerous others, perhaps you should go back and take a look at your mission statement and ask whether you are truly fulfilling your goal of “explor[ing] perspectives on our collective history and responses to the events and institutions that shape our lives.”
Shame on you.
Sincerely-
Bill Koehnlein,
on behalf of the Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory (TOPLAB)
451 West Street
New York, New York 10014
(212) 924-1858 toplab@toplab.org http://www.toplab.org
I was in Israel and Palestine shortly after Rachael was killed as one of many women from 22 nations on a Human Rights March. Her writing describes what I experienced as well. We as Americans need to understand that we are allowing these same actions to continue, often using our weapons and our funding as well as our political support as a nation. If Rachael’s death is to mean anything, we must increase our willingness to fight for justice and peace in the Middle East. The world needs this change to happen as an inspiration for other places with equally desperate situations.
This sort of political censorship makes manifest the fear of the censor that people will find out, and condemn, what the censor’s community is doing, and the censor is supporting. This sort of freedom of speech threatens the censor and those supported with responsibility for their actions.
We’re disappointed to learn that New York Theatre Workshop has decided not to stage the play, My Name Is Rachel Corrie.
In this era of George Bush it is not surprising, I suppose, that cowardice and censorship is alive and well and flourishing, but that is no excuse for a company such as NYTW – supposedly in the forefront of innovative theater and artistic risk-taking – to cave in to right-wing political pressures.
For a company that’s produced radical playwright Tony Kushner and presented controversial productions like Patriot Act, as well as numerous others, perhaps you should go back and take a look at your mission statement and ask whether you are truly fulfilling your goal of “explor[ing] perspectives on our collective history and responses to the events and institutions that shape our lives.”
Shame on you.
Sincerely
Bill Koehnlein,
on behalf of the Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory (TOPLAB)
451 West Street
New York, New York 10014
(212) 924-1858 toplab@toplab.org http://www.toplab.org
There is an enormous void encompassing the Palestinian people. They have been swallowed up in media and events and politics. Rachel’s voice stretches across that void to reach those who need to hear, connecting a people without a voice to those without eyes. Now, more than ever, her voice needs to be heard.
As a human rights activist who has visited the West Bank and Gaza and seen first-hand the devastation caused by the occupation I understand how important it is for the world to hear Rachel’s words.
We did a short piece on Rachel at our International Women’s Day event. So many people are affected by Rachel’s life and her death. It so important that the play be performed in theaters and her words be spread.
Rachel Corrie was a true American heroine. I was looking forward to attending the play based on her writings once it came to New York, and am hoping it will still be possible. I am shocked that her words have been silenced, and hope this silence will soon end.
I don’t know where to start, I went to Palestine in 2004 to take part in the olive harvest with ISM. It was a trip I am still recovering from. To see the situation in Palestine first hand is difficult not to lose hope for humanity. What the Palestinians are experiencing is an outrage and what the Israeli government is demanding their young people do is an outrage. It breaks my heart that the progeny of the people who suffered the concentration camps and pograms of the past centuries are now commiting those same atrocities. The hope for humanity is in people like Rachel who see the truth and act on it. My deepest respect to her family.
Ham radio operators in the Warsaw Ghetto sent messages to the world as to what was happening and the “free” world, to its shame, either didn’t believe the truth, ignored, misunderstood or feared it. Or didn’t hear or want to hear. Or was silenced. Don’t silence Rachel now. The truth heals. So let’s tell the truth about the Occupation. In Rachel’s words: “This has to stop.”
We should all be brave and make the everybody hear the words of Rachel every day until the American people stand up and demand change in our gevernement policy. Thank you all very much for leading!
As a Palestinian, Rachel will be in my heart for ever.
I believe in free speech in America! Free speech doesn’t just belong to supporters of Israel it also belongs to supporters of Palestinian HUMAN RIGHTS!! Rachel died for justice. The Palestinians deserve justice, and the right to return to their homeland, Palestine! Peace Now!
I’ve read some of Rachel’s writings and I’ve heard her mom and dad speak with such eloquence and compassion. Rachel was an incredible young woman with such wisdom and compassion. Her voice needs to be heard and her message heeded. Blessings to Craig and Cindy and may peace be with you.
They represent all human beings’ dreams for peace, justice, security and stability, whether they were Palestinians, Israelis, Latinos, Africans, whatever, at least those who believe that these values belong to all humanity!
I saw “My Name Is Rachel Corrie” in London last October. It is superb theater, and no one should fear watching it. Watch, listen, make up your own mind.
The cancellation of this play is a tragic reflection on the tenor of the times. It is not a time to be silent and, for sure, denying Rachel her voice is a disgrace.
I am an individual who deeply believes in social justice, equality and freedom of speech. I have followed Rachel’s story since I read about her death in the L.A. Times. She represents to me the few spirits today are willing to stand up for what they believe even in the face of their own death. I strongly support her story being told to others!!
I have followed Rachel’s story since the tragic event in which she was killed. I think what she had to say is extremely important and needs to be heard by more and more people. Please don’t let the extremists silence her.
We cannot, we dare not allow fear and intimidation keep us from hearing Rachel Corrie’s words and testimony. She is one of a few in our world willing to put her life on the line for justice.
Let’s bring this production to as many locations in the US as possible.
I first met Rachel in Gaza, six months before her tragic death. We became very close. We were like sisters. I knew I could tell her anything. Even my secrets and hopes. Like how I wanted to become a lawyer and fight for the human rights of people eveywhere. Rachel lived her life out of her moral center and gave freely of herself to save lives of people she would probably never meet.
This is in honor of my son, a Jew, who was brave enough to work alongside people like Rachel as part of the International Solidarity Organization. His stories touched us deeply and we are proud of our son.
Rachel lives in the hearts of not only all Palestinians but in the hearts of those who understand that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and who know that staying silent is not acceptable, that freedom and justice is not just for one group of people, but for all of us; we are thus all Palestinians and honor their Intifada, their struggle to break the chains that enslave them and imprison and kill them in their own little 22% of their historic Palestine, which for the last 39 years has been illegally occupied and by now inundated by 500,000 armed illegal settlers who help the IDF (now boldly called the Israeli Occupation Forces) in its ethnocide of the Palestinian people.
Thanks to the courage of Rachel and other ISM workers, there is still some hope among Palestinians that justice will be done. It will entail speaking truth to power and to our American Jewish brothers and sisters so they will stand up to AIPAC and our US Congress: their silence is deafening. It’s not enough to hold hands and sing kumbaya (Palestinian and Jews getting to know each other to prove they’re human beings); we need US government action and pressure on Israel to end their occupation and dismantle their settlements. Rachel was screaming for justice and we must join her and continue that struggle against the daily injustice that our corporate media does not report.
Rachel was a great and a wonderful woman, she is the HERO of the Palestinian Freedom in the eyes of every Palestinian child, adult and old, she will always be an example of a true freedom, she will always be the example for every Palestinian around the world, She is the Palestinian Angel that witnessed the truth, fought for it and died for it, words can not describe how much she was loved by the Palestinians, words can not describe how much she was respected by the Palestinians and now words can not describe how much she is missed by the Palestinians, the pain when the Palestinians lost her will be with us forever, She will always be ours, She will always be our rose, our Angel till the end of time.
I support Rachel’s Words, I support everyone who works for Peace… I was a United Nations Observer in the West Bank when the incident happened and as an Observer I witnessed, observed and sometimes prevented Human Rights violations by the military in the West Bank and Gaza, there are many stories, there are more to tell and there are more and more alot like Rachel’s incident to say.
I have met Rachel’s parents and have heard them speak her words. I have also witnessed Rachel herself in a movie about her life, and I felt the voice of conscience coming from her. She was a striking and unique individual who is a role model for how to live a meaningful life. It is so ironic that her words are being kept from public view in this way. I encourage you to reconsider your decision.
This is one of the greatest work done by an individual to protect the interest and properties of people by an individual. If people like Rachel are being copied by others may be by now the Palestinians are living their life without fear. Where are the so called American human rights? are you still afraid of the Israels? or you are just there with unfolded arms which you can not protected the innocent from execution by the Israels, but only to declared a war on countries that you have interest in their worldly treasures?
It’s time for everybody now to act and think twice about what is going on in the Palestine.
For Rachel you will always be in our hearts, and may your words excelled into the ears of those who can not hear.
My name is Phyllis Rodriguez. My son died in the WTC. Since that day, I have felt the responsibility of speaking out against military retaliation as a way of combating terrorism. I feel that international and interfaith reconciliation, communication, love and respect are the most powerful weapons we have against hatred.
It is so important for us to have the courage of our beliefs and convictions. By speaking the truth and standing tall we demonstrate our refusal to hide in these times of fear and intimidation.
I look forward to Rachel’s Words being performed in New York and elsewhere.
Rachel lives in evry palestinain, I read today that after israeli break into palestinain prisons, which stirred up palestinians and militants tried to kidnap westerners, some militants tried to kidnapp Rachel’s parents and when they knew their identities they apologised. I send my deepest apologies to Rachel’s parents and I would like to tell them that they have 10 million children in addition to Rachel, all palestinians consider them to be their parents.
Rachel represents the conscience this country has lost, and the conscience this world must have for peace to exist. Her precient and powerful words must be heard not just in this country, but around the world.
I am both honored and flattered to be able to have this small part in courage and dedication of Rachel Corrie represents to me and to our World. I think both the the World are just beginning to understand what Rachel’s words mean.
I support you, my fellow woman, you are so strong. Your spirit is still here with us. We want your words. We want them so badly. But they dont want us to hear.
Rachel life represnts the best of America because it was focused on peace & justice for both the Palestinian Arabs & the Israeli Jews. Her legacy will continue to be remembered by all Palestinian Christians and Muslims and all Israeli Jews who want peace to be based on justice and human dignity and not on our militay might that continue to occupy other people land.
It has been exactly 3 years that the Israeli occupation soldiers with their monstrous bulldozers have bulldozed one of the lost beautiful faces of the American people, Rachel Corrie, while she was trying to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian family’s house in Rafah, Gaza. When she was 10 years old, in the Conference on World Hunger, she was also there, and she said:
“I am here for all children
I am here, because I care”
We also do care, and we remember her. That’s why Alrowwad Theatre with it’s troop has made a reading of her poem and excerpts of her letters to her family and friends just to say that her death is not forgotten, while the Israeli crimes continue to propagate horror and terror wherever they pass.
The board of administration, parents and volunteers joined around 30 children of the troop who narrated Rachel’s words, and looked at her photos and made a small prayer for her.
I have 2 children - still quite young but i hope that my children grow up to be as brave, loving and giving as this young woman was. What a tribute to the parents of Rachel that they had created someone so beautiful in heart and mind.
Justice, fair play, truth, honour, self respect, respect of others and love are qualities that we must always tr to instill in our children. Rachel’s memory will live on in all our hearts. This brave woman made the ultimate sacrifice for those qualities. We can only honour this woman by ensuring that we work towards peace - that the next generation of palestinian children live in peace and that war is only a memory in that troubled land.
Rachel is an inspiration and her words are meaningful to all who would seek truth. Rachel lived another’s words…There is no greater love than this, but that one lay down one’s life for another. Rachel’s picture hangs in my office. She is a real hero.
I arrived in Gaza the day Rachel died. I will never forget what it was like in Rafah after her death, how Rachel’s presence in Gaza challenged all Palestinians who thought they hated Americans and mistakenly believed Americans had to be an enemy. Rachel’s message was one of peace. She should never have died in Palestine, but her death has changed thousands of lives, starting with her parents and the families she tried to protect. Her memory lives on. Those who malign her just don’t get what she was about.
I can’t understand why the play is not to be performed in NY. Freedom of speech is the issue. The play can’t be a direct cause or incitment for violence or death. Show it.
The Israeli and US government, in collusion, must not be allowed to cover up the incident of Rachel’s killing by an Israeli Caterpillar D-9 bullodozer. It was not an accident but deliberate.
I am from New York City and now Los Angeles…an Arab-American, an actress, and now a writer. I feel a deep and cutting pain over Rachel’s murder, and have been moved and inspired by her writings and her convictions. I add my voice to the protests, again and again and pray for comfort for her family and for all those who continue to suffer injustice.
I heard Rachel’s parents speak and show the videos of her, and I will never forget the final video of her as a 10-year-old, already so wise, caring, compassionate, so aware of the needy in this world. She was one-of-a-kind; surely God’s spirit dwelt in her.
How awful to lose all of her bright light from a world so lost in the darkness of hate and fear.
Why wouldn’t anyone want to endorse a lovely young lady who gave her life - at it’s prime - to help the oppressed? Many years ago, I too lost a child, in this case, a baby son. I hope that Rachel is watching over him as the angel she continues to be. You may be gone from the earth, Rachel - but you are not forgotten by those of us who admire you so very much…
PIE JESU
Pie Jesu Domine,
dona eis requiem,
requiem sempiternam.
Merciful Lord Jesus,
grant them rest,
rest everlasting.
ANGUS DEI
Agnus Dei,
qui tollis peccata mundi,
dona eis requiem,
requiem sempiternam.
Lamb of God,
who taketh away the sins of the world,
Grant them rest,
rest everlasting.
I was with the ISM in Palestine when Rachel was killed, and did support for the team that was with her. Her words and legacy are an important gift to the world. Rachel showed great courage, commitment, and love. Her voice is a threat only to those who want to maintain their control with violence. Her words can only strengthen those who truly work for peace.
Every time I read about Rachel Corrie and the amazing courage she demonstrated during her too-short life, I simultaneously mourn her and celebrate her. Sometimes it takes someone else bearing witness to attrocities to make us all look up from our small worlds. Rachel is my hero.
How I wish the New York Theatre would put on the play about Rachel’s words. I wrote and complained to them. I wish it would help. But it appears certain pro-Zionist members of the Jewish community have a lot of pull.
Rachel Corrie was a model for all of us. It is criminal that her work was stopped so suddenly and violently. I heartily endorse and support any action that takes place in her honor.
The dark irony that the diary of this young woman, a dead victim of statist brutality, is being censored is not lost upon the world. We remember the innocence and idealism of another young woman, killed years before, a girl whose memory endures because of her diary.
Blocking production of this play is contrary to American values and American constitutional law. It puts on a level with every right-wing-ideologue dominated state that has come before us.
Have we, the victims of fascism and the victors in the struggle against fascism, now become fascists ourselves?
Rachel and I were friends. We worked together on local peace activities. Her insights are important for people to understand. I support wider distribution of her writings.
I last saw Rachel at a homeless tent city protest in Olympia Washington; she was there because supporting the homeless was the right thing to do. Now it’s time for you to do the right thing, don’t silence her now!
I lived in Israel for 3 years and am inspired and informed most by those voices on all sides that refuse to give in to fear and hate. Those voices, of ordinary people, need to be heard. As a U.S. citizen I am acutley aware of my and our share of responsibility for events on the ground in Israel and Palestine, not least of all via our tax dollars. I whole heartedly support airing the voices, including Rachel Corrie’s, of all those working for mutual understanding and peace in Israel, Palestine, and thse world.
The State of Israel’s polcies in occupied Palestine disgrace all Jews. Given the history and suffering of the Jewish people at the hands of Europeans all Jews should be ashamed of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. It is much too reminiscent of the lebensraum and ethnic cleansing operations of the Nazis and the last thing that should be emulated by any Jew. Or do those who are abused always become abusers themselves?
Free thinking and free speech should always be encouraged and supported. No agenda or fear should interfere with our right to have freedom of expression or to our right to access the ideas of others.
I took part in the readings today at the London School of Economics. Public speaing’s never much of a problem for me (I can’t keep my mouth shut and my voice carries) but towards the end of her entry of 28th of Feb 2003 I choked up. That much insight and passion at that age is almost overwhelming.
As an ordinary american – with no ties of blood, creed, or cash to any of the conflicting parties in southwest Asia – I consider Rachel Corrie to be not just an incomprehensibly courageous peace activist but a great American patriot, who has endured martyrdom to wake up the rest of America to the evil abuse Israel makes of our generous support and to our need to force Israel to return the lands it has taken by unlawful military conquest and to make full amends for all the pain and harm it has caused, thereby opening the path to peace and justice in Palestine, honor to America, and an end to terrorism.
This is a must read words from Rachel’s words, but the ridiculous thing about all this is why people are being denied of hearing this voice? Please if there’s any explanation Please I’d like to know.
May Rachel’s words live long and entered into the ears of the oppressors and destroyers of human life and properties. Thank you.
More people, over time, will be blessed by Rachel’s words because they are banned, than would even have known about them had the play been performed in New York. That is the effect that martyrdom has had throughout human history. The gift given by a martyr is self-perpetuating, fertile, and ever disseminating.
Rachel is a martyr for peace. There is no greater gift a human can offer than to lay down her life for her friends.
Some day, we will all be Rachel’s friends; until then, let us pray for those whose blindness her words so threaten, and whose inhumanity caused her death.
Thank you, Rachel Corrie. All of history will honor you; as does God.
I am old enough (70) to know that there are decisions that one must make that really do not reflect our personal opinion. The Zionist pressure upon you had to be enormous for you to cancel the play about Rachel Corrie. We both know what the young lady stood for and we both admired her humanitarian spirit that all bona fide religions extol; furthermore, we both know that Rachel Corrie’s death was at the hands of a member of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). The Zionists in Israel and in our own country will not tolerate a negative image of any member of the IDF.
Finally, we both know that to ignore the dictates of the Zionists to close the play has very serious financial repurcussions for you and your theater. Few Artistic Directors in this country would have the moral courage to present the Rachel Corrie play in the city of New York or in any other large city in our country, a country that preaches tolerance from the churches, synogogues and temples.
I was supposed to do some catch up work on philosophy today, but I instead surfed the web and read an article about Rachel Corrie. As an Evergreen student, I rarely ever heard about her or talked to anyone about her. What I have learned today, from reading articles and reading Rachel’s emails, I feel, is more important than anything I could have learned from my dry philosophy texts. I am not an activist, but I am encouraged by Rachel’s example of following her own lead in the face of adversity.
As a former leader of the Palestine Human Rights Int’l., out of Atlanta, Georgia, I am humbled by the sacrifice made by Rachel. The organization was supported by all faiths. Would that we had had more like her in the 80s and 90s when so many of us felt we were blowing in the wind.
I have in the past followed Rachel’s work in the occupied territories. All I thought about, as I read about her and saw her in the media, was how incredibley courageous and kind this young woman was! And especially in the US where any sympathy toward the plight of the Palestinian people is frowned upon, to say the least. I recently came across an Arabic web site where I saw a peom written by a famous Egyptain poet (Fatima Na’oot). The name of the poem is: “My name is Rachel Corrie”. I am 46 years old and I have not cried in a while. This poem has moved me to tears and I was agitated for the whole day.
Thank you Rachel, for the incredible human being you were!
When I was a student in former Yugoslavia, our whole school was taken to watch
the play about a young Jewish girl, called Ann Frank. She eventually fell
victim to the Nazis. I feel today that Ann Frank would also sign this list in
support of Rachel’s Words.
Rachel saw that we need to create a better world to leave for future
generations. People act hopeless because the wrongness seems to have existed
since so long before our own time. Now could be the threshold time to give the
best gift to all people yet to come, a world which no longer tolerates atrocity
and institutionalized injustice. Right down to the last individual we need to
commit to putting our energies in the way of a future of fear and violence
perpetuating the interests of a few opulent people in a world where billions
are deprived of the basic needs of a decent life.
We have been supporters of Rachel
Corrie ever since she was killed
by the Israelis for her brave work with the Palestinians. We’ve
protested to American Caterpillar for selling their monstrous
killing machines to Israel. We’re so happy that numbers of people worldwide are
bringing forward Rachel’s story. Someone, perhaps Cheryl Crowe, will write
Rachel’s ballad for the whole world to hear. Then everyone will listen and
admit her life was so loving
and generous and her death was no
accident.
This country would still be a British colony had those who resisted not spoken
freely even before free speech was guaranteed under a constitution. It is
inconceivable to me that, in the City of New York, which prides itself as the
social center of this country, a play like Rachel’s Words could be blocked. But
perhaps that more fully than anything, explains the Israeli influence and the
influence of it’s lobbying organization AIPAC in this country. They will, when
they can, restrict free speech in this country.
Rachel Corrie…this incredible woman with a heart of ‘gold’ may have left us and we will forever miss her and wish for many like her to emerge or reincarnate.
Nonetheless, we must not let her memory fade away as easily as the powerful and influential Israeli sympathisers of New York would want us to accept. Wanting to silence Rachel’s words in theatre reveals the cowardice of such people in preventing the truth from coming out about that “Gestapo” state.
Rachel, in her short life, exposed a number of things about Israel and the U.S.
1) Don’t believe what you read in the major media because it is conveniently laundered to serve political ends.
2)Go see Palestine with your own eyes and give the oppressed a voice they deserve.You will not believe what you see and it iwill not be a dream.
3) You will not be witnessing a scene from the 1940’s but 2006. Will give you a better picture of what it means to be in a ‘Gestapo’ camp. Of course, the menacing bulldozers will look much bigger and frighten the hell out you.
4) When your life becomes worthless, you have nothing to lose and if you resist, you will be called a terrorist inthe New York times.
5) You will appreciate the true meaning of the expression famously coined “The Axis of Evil”
Bless Rachel Corrie and may her legacy be one of peace and goodwill to all mankind.
Rachel Levy went to a supermarket in Jerusalem on May 29th, 2002. She was blown up by the Al Aksa Brigades. I guess some Rachel’s are more equal than others.
Peace will not come until every person on this planet realizes that we are all one world, one people, one economy, one humanity. Let Rachel’s Words ring out to every heart! Let them be heard so often that the resonance they build in the human spirit circles the world around with compassion and justice.
Come to Rafah where hundreds of Palestinian civilians including more than 100 children have been killed by the Israeli occupying army in the last five and a half years.
Come to Rafah where peace activists Rachel Corrie and Tom Hurndell and journalist James Miller all met their deaths at the hands of the Israeli military.
Come to Rafah and see for yourself the acres of demolished houses and the dusty stoney wastelands that were once farms and gardens.
Come to Rafah, that is if the Israelis will let you in, for although they have left their illegal Gaza settlements they still control the borders, seacoast and airspace of the Gaza Strip.
Come to Rafah and tell me that you believe that all this destruction and killing are justified for Israeli “security”.
Come to Rafah and tell me if there is any Palestinian security.
Come to Rafah and hear stories of days of “curfew”, endless roadblocks, random and targeted killings, and air force bombings.
Come to Rafah where it is unusual to meet anyone who has not had a family member imprisoned, often tortured and rarely actually charged with any crime.
Come to Rafah and hear about the brutal military assaults on a civilian population armed with nothing except a few guns, handmade bombs and many stones.
Come to Rafah and try to talk to a member of the world’s fourth largest army, the Israeli Defense Force. It is impossible to talk to a single soldier, they are all hidden in tanks, bulldozers, armoured vehicles and sniper towers.
Come to Rafah where no one ever sees the face of the enemy who takes the lives, the shelter, the livelihoods, the peace, the future of its inhabitants.
Come to Rafah and tell me you don’t understand suicide. Every thing is here: hopelessness, helplessness, frustration, constriction, restriction, and the lethal means - the bombers belt.
Come to Rafah and you will understand why an 18-year-old Palestinian would decide to commit suicide.
Come to Rafah and discover that in spite of all of this, the residents persist in their normal lives, defiantly and courageously. They keep their family life together, they welcome strangers, they grow gardens, they celebrate victories and survival.
Three years ago we stood with a simple sign saying “We remember Rachel Corrie” outside the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. The security guards were hostile and intimidating. We felt the pain of those bereft of a daugther - a woman of courage. We felt the sharp contract of the unreasonable and unreasoning fear of those paid to protect the Embassy.
Small acts have the power to change the world. Your act was small but not insiginificant. It has reverberated around the world and contributed to a tilting of the balance towards the realisation of a world of greater justice one day.
That day has not yet dawned for the Palestinian people. As Honourable Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations, relates to residents of Soweto this week - the government of Israel is one of four governments in the world community that has voted against the installation of the new Human Rights Council at the United Nations.
We recall that it is thirty years this year since the children of Soweto made a stand for justice and paid a price for the freedom we now enjoy.
We pray for that day also to come for every Palestinian and that the name of Rachel Corrie will be remembered as one who made a sacrifice towards that goal.
The word has the power to change the world. So be it.
I am inspired by the courageous work of Rachel Corrie on behalf of justice for the Palestinians. She is an example of human goodness and empathy for those whose fundamental rights are ignored and whose basic dignity is stripped from them.
Those who are trying to stop this play only expose their own wickedness. We are hearing Rachel’s Words already and we will never forget her. Let the play go on.
In the 50’s I was just beginning to learn;
In the 60’s I was marching and singing;
In the 70’s I was listening and thinking;
Then came the 80’s and I let others worry while I looked elsewhere.
In the 90’s I began to listen and learn again;
And now, I realize my naivete…my blinded and innocent view of Eretz Yisroel.
I want peace to come. I want the land to be shared and to prosper.
And, I don’t want any more angels to die.
Grief overtakes me as I learn more about Rachel Corrie and her courage, her heart, her poetic soul.
Let’s be sure that we make it happen soon. Stop the occupation.
The world listened in the 60’s.
Let’s be sure the world listens to Rachel’s protest.
Rachel Corrie “peace upon her” is our heroin. While we were sleeping in our silk pillow, she went to Palestine the most problematic geography of the world.
I do appriciate her and her family, her nation at the same time. Because they gave her this education and awerness.
We are all guilty more or less… We left her alone. We did not support her at the proper time and place. Now we try to remember her but not to make her live…
rachels words meen a lot to me they are in spiering and amazing.
rachel corrie did an amazing thing that day
she must have been an amazing person i have a short poem to rachels memory
The void,
so vast,
our lives so small,
what the rachels do will save us all.
i know it’s not the greatest poem but it has meening.
Rachel’s story must be told, and retold and told again until there is not a breath left among those who care about her life and death. A theatre company proves it is not worthy of membership in any authentic artistic community–fine: art is art, truth is truth and cowards, who are in no short supply, cannot negate either. Please find every possible venue to keep talking about this, to let Rachel keep talking.
I am a teacher of Religious Studies and Social Justice at Monsignor
Donovan High
School, Toms River, NJ. I am also an activist who has been kept
extraordinarily
busy by the policies and activities of this current governmental
administration.
I abhor the climate of fear and repression that has been-and continues to
be-intentionally cultivated for the purpose of manipulating and/or
intimidating
the public into complicity and silence in the face of injustice. In
the words of
the late Archbishop Oscar Romero, “We are all called to give a voice to the
voiceless.” In that spirit, let “Rachel’s’ Words” be heard.
I am a teacher of Religious Studies and Social Justice at Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River, NJ. I am also an activist who has been kept extraordinarily busy by the policies and activities of this current governmental administration.
I abhor the climate of fear and repression that has been-and continues to be-intentionally cultivated for the purpose of manipulating and/or intimidating the public into complicity and silence in the face of injustice. In the words of the late Archbishop Oscar Romero, “We are all called to give a voice to the voiceless.” In that spirit, let “Rachel’s’ Words” be heard.
My name is Marlina, and i’m a 16 years old girl from Indonesia.
Actually, i’ve got to admit that I don’t really search about Rachel Corrie until i heard the breath taking news that this play, that was directed by the magnificent Mr Alan Rickman was postponed in NY city, by the New York Theatre Workshop, and also Alan Rickman said that it was a censorship.
I’m really, really astounded, because as far as i know the play got absolutely no problem running in London last April, only a couple of article said how controversial it was. In fact it was so brilliant that it wins three awards on the Whatonstage Theatregoer Awards.
Just so you know, the play is gonna hit a bigger audience in London’s West End soon.
From what i study at school, New York city is in America. And America was known for it’s freedom of speech. So? Where was it? Where’s this freedom of speech?
The play is not political anyway, it’s like what i said when i first join this site:
It’s not about Palestine. It’s not about Israel. It’s not about Pro-Jewishs. And It’s not about Anti-Jewishs too.
It’s only about Rachel Corrie, and about how she see the world.
I hope someday the play could be seen and heard by many people.
What a wonderfully brave young woman! Rachel has given her life in the hope to save the lives of many others. Our duty to Rachel is to strive to educate others of the important work that Rachel was committed to. To Rachel’s parents: Keep hope alive! What wonderful people you must be to have raised such a remarkable young woman. My promise to you: To keep “Rachel’s Words” alive!
1. My Name is Rachel Levy (Israeli girl age 17, blown up in a grocery store)
2. My Name is Rachel Thaler (Israeli girl aged 16, blown up in a pizzeria)
3. My Name is Rachel Levi (Israeli girl aged 19, murdered while waiting for the bus)
4. My Name is Rachel Gavish (killed with her husband and son while at home)
5. My Name is Rachel Charhi (blown up while sitting in a cafe)
6. My Name is Rachel Shabo (murdered with her three sons aged 5, 13 and 6 while sitting at home)
None of those Rachels were willing human shields for a terrorist entity.
Farewell to avante garde theatre in the States. And farewell to free speech, to debate, to having an opinion, to being ‘partial’ on sensitive political issues – in short, farewell to every paradigmatic value of democratic society if we are going to censor works of art because of contextuality issues. IS ANY TIME A GOOD TIME FOR ART? It would cease to be art if it was good timing. These censors of ours no longer deserve to be representatives of an artistic community, for it is obvious they have sold out to interests inimical to art itself.
The postponement of this play is one of the biggest acts of cowardice I have seen on the part of the art world in this country – and it is the art world (along with non-profit journalism) that keeps this country thinking and questioning. But this is diminishing at an alarming rate. I have always thought it would be an overstatement to say that we are meandering headlong into fascism – until now. It would be nice to see the art world take a stand on something, because everyone knows the corporate media cannot be counted on.
Let it be said a thousand times: Being pro-Palestine doesn’t necessarily make a person anti-Israel. Being pro-Arab doesn’t make someone anti-Semetic. Just because you take one side doesn’t mean you have to hate the other. And to be a humanitarian is to take a stand on an issue.
I think Rachel Corrie did what she thought was right and followed her convictions regardless of the consequences. I would say the same if she had died for the other side. It would be nice if more Americans did the same, instead of condemning everyone for taking a side. My sympathies go out to Rachel’s family and the people who have followed in her spirit, but most of all to this brave young girl herself who could teach us all a thing or two.
I am very moved by this publication - this website of Rachel Corries’ writing and the company “she” keeps! Thank you.
Hopefully, Rachel and the Palestinian people she went to Gaza to support, can inspire each of us to take some action in our own lives, to our own level of ability regardless of our location. What a horrible situation Rachel’s words bring to further light!
Yes! to her and the ISM’s goal of shedding light and bringing about action to stop the colonialism of greed and the insanity of power that would mame and kill so many. How can there be so much commentary on the official Holocaust and then allow these events to be happening in front of our eyes today?
This genocide has to stop. Americans have to learn and stop funding this activity and all similar activity in our names.
In this materialistic world where might is always right, where we spill blood for oil, your life stands out like a desert rose. You believed in something far beyond unabashed selfishness and greed. You lived and died for something real. Your body may not have had the strength to stop that bulldozer but your soul has the strength to stop a tsunami. You are courage, love, honor, kindness and selflessness personified. They may not name high schools after you or erect monuments in your honor, that does not matter because you will always have a special place in the hearts of the millions of underdogs, oppressed and justice loving people everywhere.
If in my life I can achieve a millionth of the qualities that you possessed in your short life I will consider my life to have been very successful.
May Allah bless you and reward you as He has promised people like you. And may you rest in peace.
Aamir
PS - Shame on New York Theatre Workshop, what a spineless display.
Since Yasser Arafat “renounced” violence in the Oslo Peace Accords on September 13, 1993, at least 52 American citizens, including women and children, have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists, and at least another 83 Americans have been injured.
Who were you? A candle in the wind… I remember hearing about what happened to you back in 2003 but I was dealing with my own demons then and wasn’t able to really acknowledge the occurence, as schocking as it was.
Your blessed spirit graced the sanctuary of Riverside Church in New York City last night and echoed through the voices and crescendos of people who’s passions you have stirred and imaginations you have ignited. We know you were there, we understand you are with us still, in all corners of the world where the fight for honor, justice, truth
March 10th, 2006 at 8:43 am
We have been getting many emails over the past few days from people wishing to express their feelings about Rachel’s life and writings. Please contribute your thoughts and feelings here on the guestbook. These entries are moderated along with comments made on specific articles. The comments below are posted by visitors to rachelswords.org and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Rachel’s Words inititive.
Please scroll to the bottom to post your own thoughts.
March 11th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
It’s great you people are making an effort! I’ve seen the play stages in London and, having worked in Palestine as an international activist myself, ended up sobbing in my seat. It’s a great, moving piece and I believe everybody should see it, Americans even more than others.
Keep up the great work!
March 12th, 2006 at 8:35 am
Rachel’s story of extraordinary courage and conviction serves all of humanity. She is the Rosa Parks of our generation.
March 12th, 2006 at 9:48 am
I support any action to diffuse the knowledge of Rachel’s Corrie brave action in favour of Justice for the Palestinians, and peace in Palestine-Israel. I am disgusted by the policy of the Israeli Government, and I firmly believe that both Europe and the USA should take a strong position to force Israel to accept a Palestinian State, and withdraw the Army and the settlers from Palestine.
March 12th, 2006 at 11:46 am
Rachel’s e-mails are SO valuable. Her eyewitness accounts of the desperate situation of the Palestinians plus her humanizing descriptions of their lives makes it easier to convince Americans to be critical of the media representation of the conflict. Then, perhaps, the heinous nature of our unflinching support for Israel’s occupation will become clear and Americans will demand a change.
March 13th, 2006 at 2:01 am
Thank you so much to all at Rachel’s Words for doing this; there’s little I can say about her words that haven’t been said already – but they stand as testament to something important and enduring.
Also: it’s not true, and it is unhelpful, to say that ‘the Israelis’ are ‘no better than the Germans were’. Rachel wouldn’t have said that (she was careful with such things), and we shouldn’t either.
March 13th, 2006 at 11:02 am
Rachel had the courage to stand where we all should have been standing but are too afraid.
March 13th, 2006 at 2:33 pm
Rachel got it at age 10. Some people don’t want to get it. They are the ones who wish to censure her, in order to keep others from understanding what they understand, but fear.
March 13th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
Courageous and thoughtful individual who paid the ultimate price trying to defend the innocent.
March 13th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
“On the Liberty of Thought and Discussion,” by John Stuart Mill, should be read by those fearful New Yorkers. I read it in college 51 years ago. It is a beautiful argument for free speech. And Rachel spoke compassion.
Thank you, Rachel.
George Hill
March 13th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
We all have a Rachel inside us. It is that inner voice that emphatizes with the underdog and speaks truth to power and tells us that sometimes we have to put our body on the line. By remembering Rachel and her work and words, we nurture that voice within us as we commit to continue and struggle for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel and around the globe.
March 13th, 2006 at 7:02 pm
Rachel’s life was her message. Those who wish to censure her words live in fear; fear of truth, personal responsibility and power, free will and the reality of their own divinity.
March 13th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
In Fide et in Bello Fortes
March 13th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Dear Mr. Nicola,
I live on a farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I teach French and theatre in the local high school. People would probably consider my political leanings more Republican than Democrat, and more conservative than liberal.
Until this afternoon, I’d been busy organizing a bus trip among my friends to come to your theater one day in April to see “My Name Is Rachel Corrie.” Guess that’s not going to happen now.
I read your press release. When did theatre start needing time to “contextualize”work so a powerful voice could better be heard? Art is art. It speaks for itself. It stands or falls on its own merits. It does not need a politically correct stage to be set for it. And this particular voice seems to have been heard quite well in London thank you. Could it be that the din you’re afraid of hearing over here is the healthy noise of democracy?
So the thing that really frosts me is how un-American the canceling of this play is! Why does the Constitution even ensure freedom of speech? Rachel Corrie, God bless her, was practicing that very right that you would deny the rest of us. American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq die everyday to preserve that freedom of which you have just taken a little something away.
Get this: I am a teacher. In my own way I fight everyday for the freedom of speech. It’s what I tell my students. It’s what I enforce among my students. It’s what I advocate for my students. It’s what I model for my students. And, yes, I would fight even for YOUR freedom of speech, and for your theatre’s freedom of speech. But what are you fighting for? Certainly not my freedom of speech and not your theatre’s either.
I feel very bad for Rachel Corrie’s parents, who have to watch, once again, as their daughter’s life becomes mislabeled and misinterpreted by people who never even knew her.
But, after them, who else do you think really gets hurt the most by your unpatriotic actions? Alan Rickman? Katharine Viner? No. They will both go on being quite successful. The New York theatre scene? Your own theatre? The theatre of protest in general? No, no, and no. There will be other productions and other issues.
No, the one you’ve hurt most is Me. Call me American. Call me Middle Class. Call me a police officer, a teacher, a factory worker, an office worker, a business owner, a housewife, a farmer or anything else you want to call me. I’m not rich enough to go to England to see this play about an American who died fighting her war as she saw it. And, now, you’re not going to let me see it either.
Whether or not we agree with her politics should NOT be the issue. Rather, the issue remains far more basic. It speaks of an intrinsically American right that is being slowly eroded away: our freedom of speech.
You don’t know me. Most people don’t. So what do I have to lose? I’m going to send copies of this letter all over the place. To anyone I think might listen or needs to.
I close with a quote from a poster in the theatre classroom: “A knowledge of theatre is a rich possession. To know the development of theatre is to know the development of mankind. As theatre grows, man grows; when it is suppressed, man walks in darkness.”
Why would you have us walk in darkness?
Sincerely,
Beth Kennedy
March 13th, 2006 at 8:07 pm
To have the courage to do what Rachel did is a very special gift. The world needs all of us to follow her lead in seeking PEACE in the Middle East.
March 13th, 2006 at 8:13 pm
My daughter is going to language school in Palestine, and wants to be part of Christian Peacemaker Teams in Palestine. What Rachel did working for peace is so important. We all need to work for peace.
March 13th, 2006 at 8:15 pm
Such censorship must cease. It is totally un-American. It is blackmail and extortion.
March 13th, 2006 at 8:56 pm
“Let justice roll down like the waters”
In gratitude for her courage,
Geoff Browning
March 13th, 2006 at 9:32 pm
When I last saw Rachel before she left Olympia for Gaza, she was full of hope and positive energy, knowing that her efforts would make a difference in the quest for peace. Her radiance that day was palpable, and she is a shining star in our continued struggle for global equality and justice.
March 14th, 2006 at 6:58 am
The Israelies are no better now than the Germans were. They use “the persecuted race” to the hilt. The Palestinians are now the persecuted race. She died because she believed in freedom of people. Obviously the US won’t support this because it was against their allies.
She will be an example of true freedom.
March 14th, 2006 at 12:42 pm
Rachel’s Words need to be heard by everyone. She has left a legacy of working for peace and justice that needs not to be squandered, but invested in challenging the lives of all, especially young people.
March 14th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Justice for Rachel.
March 14th, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Dear friends,
My name is Phyllis Rodriguez. My son died in the WTC. Since that day, I have felt the responsibility of speaking out against military retaliation as a way of combating terrorism. I feel that international and interfaith reconciliation, communication, love and respect are the most powerful weapons we have against hatred.
It is so important for us to have the courage of our beliefs and convictions. By speaking the truth and standing tall we demonstrate our refusal to hide in these times of fear and intimidation.
I look forward to Rachel’s Words being performed in New York and elsewhere.
Phyllis
March 14th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Among men, there are MEN. For that act of Humanity, may all the good prayers by each and every individual around the world be with you wherever you are today. Your dedication to the cause of Palestinian Liberation, won’t end that way, it is gonna be one day, one day I know very well. May your Gentle soul rest in peace.
Just like Christopher Colombus Said, “And the Sea will grant each new hopes as sleep brings dreams of home”
The Cause of the PALESTINIANS would surely come to fruition.
ADIEU, ADIEU RACHEL!
March 14th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
We pray to Allah to open their hearts as hers is open to aid the course of the oppressed.
March 14th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
We need more of you in this world!
March 14th, 2006 at 1:23 pm
Freedom of speech is the basis of a democratic society.
Stan van Houcke
journalist/author from Amsterdam
March 14th, 2006 at 1:27 pm
I am so inspired by Rachel’s words and actions. Though I’m three times her age, she is a role model for me.
March 14th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
New York deserves to hear Rachel’s words. The closing down of theatre doors to a cry for justice is simple censorship.
March 14th, 2006 at 1:31 pm
Rachel’s courageous deed was an act of atonement for ’sins’ of our government.
March 14th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
Riskless theatre is yesterday’s pablum.
March 14th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
RACHEL the courage the human. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding you always be there, thinking of you, love you, criying on you, because we lost you.
your brother,
Ashraf S. Khader
Palestine
March 14th, 2006 at 2:29 pm
Rachel’s words and life must be shared around the world to give courage to all who are oppressed and yearn for freedom and peace and struggle nonviolently.
March 14th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
We demand ALL the U.N. resolutions be followed, or none. You can not selectively enforce laws. That is called discrimination. The U.N. created Israel, the U.N. should fix it or disolve it.
March 14th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
What is it about Rachel’s words that so frightens the opposition? Could it be truth?
March 14th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Rachel’s life is an example for all of us to emulate. From childhood she saw the need to love and care for others as well as saw how we are individually responsible for all our acts whether by ignoring our responsibilities to our enviroment or ignoring our responsibilities to all who suffer on earth. Her young life is a beacon for justice and love.
March 14th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
I think it is important to spread Rachel Corrie’s words as far and wide as possible. Her place in history is alongside Anne Frank - two young martyrs who succumbed to violence directed against their people.
March 14th, 2006 at 3:32 pm
Rachel’s words need to be heard!!
March 14th, 2006 at 3:32 pm
Freedom has to be conquered very often with blood and tears and the pain which almost breaks the soul, and always by those who dare to be different, to think without constraints and who dream that victory is after all possible.
March 14th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
I have been deeply moved by Rachel’s courage and her sacrifice.
March 14th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
I saw “My Name is Rachel” in London last year. The play and Rachel’s words are immensely moving. No matter one’s point of view, you cannot help but be moved by the play and Rachel’s heart. I am saddened that this beautiful play will not be seen in the states and that we will not be able to engage in the collective dialogue the play is sure to spark.
March 14th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Please allow Rachel’s words to be heard.
March 14th, 2006 at 4:41 pm
The world needs more voices of conscience.
March 14th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
Rachel will be remembered in history as a young courageous loving spirit who fought for justice and freedom for the defenseless and oppressed Palestinians, giving her own life…an act of pure selfless love.
March 14th, 2006 at 9:51 pm
From minor defeats come major victories.
March 14th, 2006 at 10:33 pm
Hi-
FYI, here is our message that we sent to New York Theater Workshop on March 8. Not surprisingly, we have received no reply from NYTW.
Bill Koehnlein for the Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory
toplab@toplab.org
http://www.toplab.org
——– Original Message ——–
Subject: courage vs. cowardice
From: “Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory”
Date: Wed, March 8, 2006 14:06
We’re disappointed to learn that New York Theatre Workshop has decided not to stage the play, My Name Is Rachel Corrie.
In this era of George Bush it is not surprising, I suppose, that cowardice and censorship is alive and well and flourishing, but that is no excuse for a company such as NYTW–supposedly in the forefront of innovative theater and artistic risk-taking – to cave in to right-wing political pressures.
For a company that’s produced radical playwright Tony Kushner and presented controversial productions like Patriot Act, as well as numerous others, perhaps you should go back and take a look at your mission statement and ask whether you are truly fulfilling your goal of “explor[ing] perspectives on our collective history and responses to the events and institutions that shape our lives.”
Shame on you.
Sincerely-
Bill Koehnlein,
on behalf of the Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory (TOPLAB)
451 West Street
New York, New York 10014
(212) 924-1858
toplab@toplab.org
http://www.toplab.org
March 14th, 2006 at 11:35 pm
I was in Israel and Palestine shortly after Rachael was killed as one of many women from 22 nations on a Human Rights March. Her writing describes what I experienced as well. We as Americans need to understand that we are allowing these same actions to continue, often using our weapons and our funding as well as our political support as a nation. If Rachael’s death is to mean anything, we must increase our willingness to fight for justice and peace in the Middle East. The world needs this change to happen as an inspiration for other places with equally desperate situations.
March 14th, 2006 at 11:36 pm
This sort of political censorship makes manifest the fear of the censor that people will find out, and condemn, what the censor’s community is doing, and the censor is supporting. This sort of freedom of speech threatens the censor and those supported with responsibility for their actions.
March 14th, 2006 at 11:38 pm
We’re disappointed to learn that New York Theatre Workshop has decided not to stage the play, My Name Is Rachel Corrie.
In this era of George Bush it is not surprising, I suppose, that cowardice and censorship is alive and well and flourishing, but that is no excuse for a company such as NYTW – supposedly in the forefront of innovative theater and artistic risk-taking – to cave in to right-wing political pressures.
For a company that’s produced radical playwright Tony Kushner and presented controversial productions like Patriot Act, as well as numerous others, perhaps you should go back and take a look at your mission statement and ask whether you are truly fulfilling your goal of “explor[ing] perspectives on our collective history and responses to the events and institutions that shape our lives.”
Shame on you.
Sincerely
Bill Koehnlein,
on behalf of the Theater of the Oppressed Laboratory (TOPLAB)
451 West Street
New York, New York 10014
(212) 924-1858
toplab@toplab.org
http://www.toplab.org
March 14th, 2006 at 11:43 pm
There is an enormous void encompassing the Palestinian people. They have been swallowed up in media and events and politics. Rachel’s voice stretches across that void to reach those who need to hear, connecting a people without a voice to those without eyes. Now, more than ever, her voice needs to be heard.
March 14th, 2006 at 11:44 pm
The postponement of “My name is Rachel Corrie” is a disgrace. What about the First Amendment - freedom of speech?
March 14th, 2006 at 11:46 pm
If only we all had the strength and courage to stand up for justice as Rachel did.
March 14th, 2006 at 11:46 pm
As a human rights activist who has visited the West Bank and Gaza and seen first-hand the devastation caused by the occupation I understand how important it is for the world to hear Rachel’s words.
March 14th, 2006 at 11:48 pm
Those who seek to crush Rachel’s words are not satisfied that a bulldozer could not crush her stand for ordinary freedoms.
Censorship has never worked yet, and never will. Rachel will be heard, and remembered long after those who enforced this temporary silencing.
What about sending the play out to small communities for dramatic readings?
We’ll do it here!
March 14th, 2006 at 11:49 pm
Rachel, you were an inspiration to us in your life, and also in your death. We have much to learn from you.
Love,
A Peacemaker
March 14th, 2006 at 11:49 pm
We did a short piece on Rachel at our International Women’s Day event. So many people are affected by Rachel’s life and her death. It so important that the play be performed in theaters and her words be spread.
March 14th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
Rachel Corrie was a true American heroine. I was looking forward to attending the play based on her writings once it came to New York, and am hoping it will still be possible. I am shocked that her words have been silenced, and hope this silence will soon end.
March 14th, 2006 at 11:51 pm
Rachel Corrie inspired all by her courage and simple conviction that justice was to be extended to every person, even to Palestinians.
March 14th, 2006 at 11:52 pm
I don’t know where to start, I went to Palestine in 2004 to take part in the olive harvest with ISM. It was a trip I am still recovering from. To see the situation in Palestine first hand is difficult not to lose hope for humanity. What the Palestinians are experiencing is an outrage and what the Israeli government is demanding their young people do is an outrage. It breaks my heart that the progeny of the people who suffered the concentration camps and pograms of the past centuries are now commiting those same atrocities. The hope for humanity is in people like Rachel who see the truth and act on it. My deepest respect to her family.
March 15th, 2006 at 6:06 am
Ham radio operators in the Warsaw Ghetto sent messages to the world as to what was happening and the “free” world, to its shame, either didn’t believe the truth, ignored, misunderstood or feared it. Or didn’t hear or want to hear. Or was silenced. Don’t silence Rachel now. The truth heals. So let’s tell the truth about the Occupation. In Rachel’s words: “This has to stop.”
March 15th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
We should all be brave and make the everybody hear the words of Rachel every day until the American people stand up and demand change in our gevernement policy. Thank you all very much for leading!
As a Palestinian, Rachel will be in my heart for ever.
March 15th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
What happened to “The Right of Free Speech?” I thought this was America?
Rachel’s words SHOULD be heard. We MUST educate people so that they know what is REALLY going on in Palestine/Israel.
March 15th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Lets see what she had to say and how she died.
March 15th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
Rachel’s efforts and words regarding peace and justice resonate with anyone
concerned with these issues.
March 15th, 2006 at 2:43 pm
I believe in free speech in America! Free speech doesn’t just belong to supporters of Israel it also belongs to supporters of Palestinian HUMAN RIGHTS!! Rachel died for justice. The Palestinians deserve justice, and the right to return to their homeland, Palestine! Peace Now!
March 15th, 2006 at 2:44 pm
I’ve read some of Rachel’s writings and I’ve heard her mom and dad speak with such eloquence and compassion. Rachel was an incredible young woman with such wisdom and compassion. Her voice needs to be heard and her message heeded. Blessings to Craig and Cindy and may peace be with you.
March 15th, 2006 at 2:47 pm
These words ring so true!
They represent all human beings’ dreams for peace, justice, security and stability, whether they were Palestinians, Israelis, Latinos, Africans, whatever, at least those who believe that these values belong to all humanity!
March 15th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
I saw “My Name Is Rachel Corrie” in London last October. It is superb theater, and no one should fear watching it. Watch, listen, make up your own mind.
March 15th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
Rachel’s words MUST be heard.
March 15th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
The cancellation of this play is a tragic reflection on the tenor of the times. It is not a time to be silent and, for sure, denying Rachel her voice is a disgrace.
March 15th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Censorship is born of fear. What have we to fear from Rachel?
March 15th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
Rachel was - and remains - an outstanding example of courage and humanity. We all need to understand what she stood for.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
I hope that this play, along with Rachel’s words, get a wide hearing! La lutte continue!
Regards,
Steve K.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
I am an individual who deeply believes in social justice, equality and freedom of speech. I have followed Rachel’s story since I read about her death in the L.A. Times. She represents to me the few spirits today are willing to stand up for what they believe even in the face of their own death. I strongly support her story being told to others!!
March 15th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
Please continue to give a voice to Rachel and her generous work for all of the voiceless people who are victims of aggression.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:11 pm
I have followed Rachel’s story since the tragic event in which she was killed. I think what she had to say is extremely important and needs to be heard by more and more people. Please don’t let the extremists silence her.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
We cannot, we dare not allow fear and intimidation keep us from hearing Rachel Corrie’s words and testimony. She is one of a few in our world willing to put her life on the line for justice.
Let’s bring this production to as many locations in the US as possible.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
I first met Rachel in Gaza, six months before her tragic death. We became very close. We were like sisters. I knew I could tell her anything. Even my secrets and hopes. Like how I wanted to become a lawyer and fight for the human rights of people eveywhere. Rachel lived her life out of her moral center and gave freely of herself to save lives of people she would probably never meet.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
If we both claim the same land, we have a problem which we need to solve peacefully. We do not need to kill one another.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
This is a good awareness program. We pray that her soul rest in peace, and that Allah librate the oppressed of the world.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
This is in honor of my son, a Jew, who was brave enough to work alongside people like Rachel as part of the International Solidarity Organization. His stories touched us deeply and we are proud of our son.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
All of us who believe in this cause as strongly as Rachel must continue to speak out and take action for the liberation of Palestine.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
We need to understand each other so we do not act out of fear.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:38 pm
Lets support legacies left by real human beings like Rachel.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
Let us hear Rachel’s Words.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
Rachel lives in the hearts of not only all Palestinians but in the hearts of those who understand that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and who know that staying silent is not acceptable, that freedom and justice is not just for one group of people, but for all of us; we are thus all Palestinians and honor their Intifada, their struggle to break the chains that enslave them and imprison and kill them in their own little 22% of their historic Palestine, which for the last 39 years has been illegally occupied and by now inundated by 500,000 armed illegal settlers who help the IDF (now boldly called the Israeli Occupation Forces) in its ethnocide of the Palestinian people.
Thanks to the courage of Rachel and other ISM workers, there is still some hope among Palestinians that justice will be done. It will entail speaking truth to power and to our American Jewish brothers and sisters so they will stand up to AIPAC and our US Congress: their silence is deafening. It’s not enough to hold hands and sing kumbaya (Palestinian and Jews getting to know each other to prove they’re human beings); we need US government action and pressure on Israel to end their occupation and dismantle their settlements. Rachel was screaming for justice and we must join her and continue that struggle against the daily injustice that our corporate media does not report.
Thanks Rachel!
March 15th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
Rachel did not die in vain, she was killed by the IDF doing what she believed in. Her words deserve to be heard by the rest of the world.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
The murder of Rachel is a crime against humanity. She was a martyr in the name of freedom and self determination.
Free Palestine, and long live the memory of Rachel.
March 15th, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Rachel was a great and a wonderful woman, she is the HERO of the Palestinian Freedom in the eyes of every Palestinian child, adult and old, she will always be an example of a true freedom, she will always be the example for every Palestinian around the world, She is the Palestinian Angel that witnessed the truth, fought for it and died for it, words can not describe how much she was loved by the Palestinians, words can not describe how much she was respected by the Palestinians and now words can not describe how much she is missed by the Palestinians, the pain when the Palestinians lost her will be with us forever, She will always be ours, She will always be our rose, our Angel till the end of time.
We love you Rachel.
March 15th, 2006 at 6:03 pm
I support Rachel’s Words, I support everyone who works for Peace… I was a United Nations Observer in the West Bank when the incident happened and as an Observer I witnessed, observed and sometimes prevented Human Rights violations by the military in the West Bank and Gaza, there are many stories, there are more to tell and there are more and more alot like Rachel’s incident to say.
March 15th, 2006 at 6:04 pm
O my world…wake up..
March 15th, 2006 at 6:12 pm
We need to hear Rachel Corrie’s message of peace and reconciliation.
March 15th, 2006 at 6:15 pm
I have met Rachel’s parents and have heard them speak her words. I have also witnessed Rachel herself in a movie about her life, and I felt the voice of conscience coming from her. She was a striking and unique individual who is a role model for how to live a meaningful life. It is so ironic that her words are being kept from public view in this way. I encourage you to reconsider your decision.
March 15th, 2006 at 7:09 pm
Rachel Corrie is a monumental modern-day saint. We shall always revere and honor her. God bless her!
March 15th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
We honor the memory and contribution to human rights made by Rachel Corrie at http://www.exposingisraeliapartheid.com.
She will always be in our hearts.
March 15th, 2006 at 11:55 pm
This is one of the greatest work done by an individual to protect the interest and properties of people by an individual. If people like Rachel are being copied by others may be by now the Palestinians are living their life without fear. Where are the so called American human rights? are you still afraid of the Israels? or you are just there with unfolded arms which you can not protected the innocent from execution by the Israels, but only to declared a war on countries that you have interest in their worldly treasures?
It’s time for everybody now to act and think twice about what is going on in the Palestine.
For Rachel you will always be in our hearts, and may your words excelled into the ears of those who can not hear.
March 16th, 2006 at 12:04 am
Dear friends,
My name is Phyllis Rodriguez. My son died in the WTC. Since that day, I have felt the responsibility of speaking out against military retaliation as a way of combating terrorism. I feel that international and interfaith reconciliation, communication, love and respect are the most powerful weapons we have against hatred.
It is so important for us to have the courage of our beliefs and convictions. By speaking the truth and standing tall we demonstrate our refusal to hide in these times of fear and intimidation.
I look forward to Rachel’s Words being performed in New York and elsewhere.
Phyllis
March 16th, 2006 at 6:48 am
Rachel lives in evry palestinain, I read today that after israeli break into palestinain prisons, which stirred up palestinians and militants tried to kidnap westerners, some militants tried to kidnapp Rachel’s parents and when they knew their identities they apologised. I send my deepest apologies to Rachel’s parents and I would like to tell them that they have 10 million children in addition to Rachel, all palestinians consider them to be their parents.
March 16th, 2006 at 12:23 pm
You are not forgotten. You will never be forgotten.
Warmest regards to the family of Rachel Corrie.
Amber Poole Kieniewicz
March 16th, 2006 at 1:56 pm
Please support the truth.
March 16th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
Rachel represents the conscience this country has lost, and the conscience this world must have for peace to exist. Her precient and powerful words must be heard not just in this country, but around the world.
March 16th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
I am both honored and flattered to be able to have this small part in courage and dedication of Rachel Corrie represents to me and to our World. I think both the the World are just beginning to understand what Rachel’s words mean.
March 16th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
I strongly support the cause for which Rachel gave her life.
March 16th, 2006 at 1:59 pm
I support you, my fellow woman, you are so strong. Your spirit is still here with us. We want your words. We want them so badly. But they dont want us to hear.
March 16th, 2006 at 1:59 pm
Please, let’s make this work…..
March 16th, 2006 at 2:15 pm
I live in Olympia, WA and I support the efforts of these people and organizations to promote the hearing of Rachel’s words.
March 16th, 2006 at 2:22 pm
http://Rachel-Corrie.com
Our website for you Rachel
May you rest in peace,
Mark R. Elsis
March 16th, 2006 at 2:33 pm
Rachel life represnts the best of America because it was focused on peace & justice for both the Palestinian Arabs & the Israeli Jews. Her legacy will continue to be remembered by all Palestinian Christians and Muslims and all Israeli Jews who want peace to be based on justice and human dignity and not on our militay might that continue to occupy other people land.
March 16th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
Aida camp-Bethlehem-Palestine
March 16th at 16:00 hrs
It has been exactly 3 years that the Israeli occupation soldiers with their monstrous bulldozers have bulldozed one of the lost beautiful faces of the American people, Rachel Corrie, while she was trying to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian family’s house in Rafah, Gaza. When she was 10 years old, in the Conference on World Hunger, she was also there, and she said:
“I am here for all children
I am here, because I care”
We also do care, and we remember her. That’s why Alrowwad Theatre with it’s troop has made a reading of her poem and excerpts of her letters to her family and friends just to say that her death is not forgotten, while the Israeli crimes continue to propagate horror and terror wherever they pass.
The board of administration, parents and volunteers joined around 30 children of the troop who narrated Rachel’s words, and looked at her photos and made a small prayer for her.
March 16th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
I have 2 children - still quite young but i hope that my children grow up to be as brave, loving and giving as this young woman was. What a tribute to the parents of Rachel that they had created someone so beautiful in heart and mind.
Justice, fair play, truth, honour, self respect, respect of others and love are qualities that we must always tr to instill in our children. Rachel’s memory will live on in all our hearts. This brave woman made the ultimate sacrifice for those qualities. We can only honour this woman by ensuring that we work towards peace - that the next generation of palestinian children live in peace and that war is only a memory in that troubled land.
March 16th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
Rachel’s words should heard on all major thearters on Radio stations and TV stations all over the country.
March 16th, 2006 at 3:28 pm
Rachel’s words need to be heard NOW.
March 16th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
Rach…
We’re with you.
Much Love,
Rob Prince
March 16th, 2006 at 3:32 pm
They would hear Rachel’s words if they were not deaf.
March 16th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
Rachel is an inspiration and her words are meaningful to all who would seek truth. Rachel lived another’s words…There is no greater love than this, but that one lay down one’s life for another. Rachel’s picture hangs in my office. She is a real hero.
March 16th, 2006 at 3:56 pm
I arrived in Gaza the day Rachel died. I will never forget what it was like in Rafah after her death, how Rachel’s presence in Gaza challenged all Palestinians who thought they hated Americans and mistakenly believed Americans had to be an enemy. Rachel’s message was one of peace. She should never have died in Palestine, but her death has changed thousands of lives, starting with her parents and the families she tried to protect. Her memory lives on. Those who malign her just don’t get what she was about.
Love to the Corrie family and Rachel’s friends
March 16th, 2006 at 3:57 pm
I can’t understand why the play is not to be performed in NY. Freedom of speech is the issue. The play can’t be a direct cause or incitment for violence or death. Show it.
March 16th, 2006 at 3:59 pm
Rachel Corrie led a life all people can admire. She can be an inspiration to especially the young, if her words are freely open for all.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
The Israeli and US government, in collusion, must not be allowed to cover up the incident of Rachel’s killing by an Israeli Caterpillar D-9 bullodozer. It was not an accident but deliberate.
C.E. Prince
March 16th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
I am from New York City and now Los Angeles…an Arab-American, an actress, and now a writer. I feel a deep and cutting pain over Rachel’s murder, and have been moved and inspired by her writings and her convictions. I add my voice to the protests, again and again and pray for comfort for her family and for all those who continue to suffer injustice.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
Rachel, though your voice has been silenced, your spirit never will be.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:24 pm
I heard Rachel’s parents speak and show the videos of her, and I will never forget the final video of her as a 10-year-old, already so wise, caring, compassionate, so aware of the needy in this world. She was one-of-a-kind; surely God’s spirit dwelt in her.
How awful to lose all of her bright light from a world so lost in the darkness of hate and fear.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:24 pm
Why wouldn’t anyone want to endorse a lovely young lady who gave her life - at it’s prime - to help the oppressed? Many years ago, I too lost a child, in this case, a baby son. I hope that Rachel is watching over him as the angel she continues to be. You may be gone from the earth, Rachel - but you are not forgotten by those of us who admire you so very much…
PIE JESU
Pie Jesu Domine,
dona eis requiem,
requiem sempiternam.
Merciful Lord Jesus,
grant them rest,
rest everlasting.
ANGUS DEI
Agnus Dei,
qui tollis peccata mundi,
dona eis requiem,
requiem sempiternam.
Lamb of God,
who taketh away the sins of the world,
Grant them rest,
rest everlasting.
Amer sweet girl
March 16th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
I was with the ISM in Palestine when Rachel was killed, and did support for the team that was with her. Her words and legacy are an important gift to the world. Rachel showed great courage, commitment, and love. Her voice is a threat only to those who want to maintain their control with violence. Her words can only strengthen those who truly work for peace.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
…you will never be forgotten.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:56 pm
Rachel’s Words will not be silenced
March 16th, 2006 at 4:57 pm
Every time I read about Rachel Corrie and the amazing courage she demonstrated during her too-short life, I simultaneously mourn her and celebrate her. Sometimes it takes someone else bearing witness to attrocities to make us all look up from our small worlds. Rachel is my hero.
March 16th, 2006 at 4:58 pm
May her voice carry
peace
S.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:01 pm
How I wish the New York Theatre would put on the play about Rachel’s words. I wrote and complained to them. I wish it would help. But it appears certain pro-Zionist members of the Jewish community have a lot of pull.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:05 pm
Honor Rachel and free speech -
March 16th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
Rachel Corrie was a model for all of us. It is criminal that her work was stopped so suddenly and violently. I heartily endorse and support any action that takes place in her honor.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Rachel’s story needs to be heard.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:12 pm
Rachel
in this rubble
there are families
who continue to live for you
clipping mint into steaming white teacups
they remember your smile in all of Rafah
dipping pita into the plate of garlicky hummus
the sweet lemon of your laugh comes to mind
seeing children at play in the dusty highway
they see your heart consistent
and persistent
each lamb sacrificed for a wedding feast
or funeral strengthens
those to come
looking into the large plastic container of olives
found in the corner of each Arab kitchen
they know the salt of your tears
the waste of lives
lost
Ibnati Rachel
Daughter
live in our house for a while –for Rachel Corrie (1979=2003)
March 16th, 2006 at 5:14 pm
Something must be done to find the parties responsible for Rachel’s death, no matter how high up in any government.
-Jim Abourezk
March 16th, 2006 at 5:18 pm
The dark irony that the diary of this young woman, a dead victim of statist brutality, is being censored is not lost upon the world. We remember the innocence and idealism of another young woman, killed years before, a girl whose memory endures because of her diary.
Blocking production of this play is contrary to American values and American constitutional law. It puts on a level with every right-wing-ideologue dominated state that has come before us.
Have we, the victims of fascism and the victors in the struggle against fascism, now become fascists ourselves?
March 16th, 2006 at 5:19 pm
Rachel and I were friends. We worked together on local peace activities. Her insights are important for people to understand. I support wider distribution of her writings.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:20 pm
I last saw Rachel at a homeless tent city protest in Olympia Washington; she was there because supporting the homeless was the right thing to do. Now it’s time for you to do the right thing, don’t silence her now!
March 16th, 2006 at 5:21 pm
The best tribute to Rachel is to carry on her work.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:25 pm
Rachel’s words and her message of human rights and justice should be heard.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:26 pm
The truth makes us free. What can be more in service to truth than to allow ourselves to hear the words of another human speaking of ultimate things?
March 16th, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Some of Rachel’s words, and a tribute to her, have been posted on my blog, Left I on the News, where a thousand people will read them today.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:31 pm
I lived in Israel for 3 years and am inspired and informed most by those voices on all sides that refuse to give in to fear and hate. Those voices, of ordinary people, need to be heard. As a U.S. citizen I am acutley aware of my and our share of responsibility for events on the ground in Israel and Palestine, not least of all via our tax dollars. I whole heartedly support airing the voices, including Rachel Corrie’s, of all those working for mutual understanding and peace in Israel, Palestine, and thse world.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:34 pm
Thank you for your writing Rachel
March 16th, 2006 at 5:36 pm
The State of Israel’s polcies in occupied Palestine disgrace all Jews. Given the history and suffering of the Jewish people at the hands of Europeans all Jews should be ashamed of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. It is much too reminiscent of the lebensraum and ethnic cleansing operations of the Nazis and the last thing that should be emulated by any Jew. Or do those who are abused always become abusers themselves?
March 16th, 2006 at 5:37 pm
No person or government should stand in the way of the truth. I support freedom for Rachel’s memory and her cause.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Free thinking and free speech should always be encouraged and supported. No agenda or fear should interfere with our right to have freedom of expression or to our right to access the ideas of others.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:40 pm
God bless Rachel and SHAME on the NY theatre workshop for censoring her voice.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:41 pm
I took part in the readings today at the London School of Economics. Public speaing’s never much of a problem for me (I can’t keep my mouth shut and my voice carries) but towards the end of her entry of 28th of Feb 2003 I choked up. That much insight and passion at that age is almost overwhelming.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:43 pm
Justice for Palestine, justice for Rachel Corrie.
March 16th, 2006 at 5:53 pm
As an ordinary american – with no ties of blood, creed, or cash to any of the conflicting parties in southwest Asia – I consider Rachel Corrie to be not just an incomprehensibly courageous peace activist but a great American patriot, who has endured martyrdom to wake up the rest of America to the evil abuse Israel makes of our generous support and to our need to force Israel to return the lands it has taken by unlawful military conquest and to make full amends for all the pain and harm it has caused, thereby opening the path to peace and justice in Palestine, honor to America, and an end to terrorism.
March 16th, 2006 at 7:40 pm
This is a must read words from Rachel’s words, but the ridiculous thing about all this is why people are being denied of hearing this voice? Please if there’s any explanation Please I’d like to know.
May Rachel’s words live long and entered into the ears of the oppressors and destroyers of human life and properties. Thank you.
March 16th, 2006 at 7:45 pm
More people, over time, will be blessed by Rachel’s words because they are banned, than would even have known about them had the play been performed in New York. That is the effect that martyrdom has had throughout human history. The gift given by a martyr is self-perpetuating, fertile, and ever disseminating.
Rachel is a martyr for peace. There is no greater gift a human can offer than to lay down her life for her friends.
Some day, we will all be Rachel’s friends; until then, let us pray for those whose blindness her words so threaten, and whose inhumanity caused her death.
Thank you, Rachel Corrie. All of history will honor you; as does God.
March 16th, 2006 at 7:47 pm
Dear Mr. Jim Nicola,
I am old enough (70) to know that there are decisions that one must make that really do not reflect our personal opinion. The Zionist pressure upon you had to be enormous for you to cancel the play about Rachel Corrie. We both know what the young lady stood for and we both admired her humanitarian spirit that all bona fide religions extol; furthermore, we both know that Rachel Corrie’s death was at the hands of a member of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). The Zionists in Israel and in our own country will not tolerate a negative image of any member of the IDF.
Finally, we both know that to ignore the dictates of the Zionists to close the play has very serious financial repurcussions for you and your theater. Few Artistic Directors in this country would have the moral courage to present the Rachel Corrie play in the city of New York or in any other large city in our country, a country that preaches tolerance from the churches, synogogues and temples.
I hope you are one of the giants of tolerance.
Sincerely,
Art Hebert
Florida
March 17th, 2006 at 7:19 am
I was supposed to do some catch up work on philosophy today, but I instead surfed the web and read an article about Rachel Corrie. As an Evergreen student, I rarely ever heard about her or talked to anyone about her. What I have learned today, from reading articles and reading Rachel’s emails, I feel, is more important than anything I could have learned from my dry philosophy texts. I am not an activist, but I am encouraged by Rachel’s example of following her own lead in the face of adversity.
Fan Huang
Evergreen State College, Olympia WA
March 17th, 2006 at 10:07 am
As a former leader of the Palestine Human Rights Int’l., out of Atlanta, Georgia, I am humbled by the sacrifice made by Rachel. The organization was supported by all faiths. Would that we had had more like her in the 80s and 90s when so many of us felt we were blowing in the wind.
March 17th, 2006 at 10:36 am
I have in the past followed Rachel’s work in the occupied territories. All I thought about, as I read about her and saw her in the media, was how incredibley courageous and kind this young woman was! And especially in the US where any sympathy toward the plight of the Palestinian people is frowned upon, to say the least. I recently came across an Arabic web site where I saw a peom written by a famous Egyptain poet (Fatima Na’oot). The name of the poem is: “My name is Rachel Corrie”. I am 46 years old and I have not cried in a while. This poem has moved me to tears and I was agitated for the whole day.
Thank you Rachel, for the incredible human being you were!
March 17th, 2006 at 10:46 am
Rachel is the symbol of humanity, generosity and courage. Her words and her sacrifice will never be forgotten.
March 17th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
When I was a student in former Yugoslavia, our whole school was taken to watch
the play about a young Jewish girl, called Ann Frank. She eventually fell
victim to the Nazis. I feel today that Ann Frank would also sign this list in
support of Rachel’s Words.
March 17th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Rachel spoke about peace. Let her words continue to be heard even though her
voice was stilled by barbarism.
March 17th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Rachel saw that we need to create a better world to leave for future
generations. People act hopeless because the wrongness seems to have existed
since so long before our own time. Now could be the threshold time to give the
best gift to all people yet to come, a world which no longer tolerates atrocity
and institutionalized injustice. Right down to the last individual we need to
commit to putting our energies in the way of a future of fear and violence
perpetuating the interests of a few opulent people in a world where billions
are deprived of the basic needs of a decent life.
March 17th, 2006 at 4:27 pm
May Rachel’s holy action be an example to all people everywhere who put their
lives on the line to resist the oppression of the powerless
March 17th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
Rachel’s words will live
March 17th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
The price for truthtelling should not be this high.
March 17th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
We have been supporters of Rachel
Corrie ever since she was killed
by the Israelis for her brave work with the Palestinians. We’ve
protested to American Caterpillar for selling their monstrous
killing machines to Israel. We’re so happy that numbers of people worldwide are
bringing forward Rachel’s story. Someone, perhaps Cheryl Crowe, will write
Rachel’s ballad for the whole world to hear. Then everyone will listen and
admit her life was so loving
and generous and her death was no
accident.
March 17th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
Truth and justice are the prerequisites for peace. We need to hear Rachel’s
truths.
March 17th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Shame on Catepillar!
Shame on the New York Theatre Workshop!
Shame on Senator Murray!!!
March 17th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Please show the play “Rachel’s Words” whether you agree with her words or not.
Thank you,
Doug
March 17th, 2006 at 4:33 pm
This country would still be a British colony had those who resisted not spoken
freely even before free speech was guaranteed under a constitution. It is
inconceivable to me that, in the City of New York, which prides itself as the
social center of this country, a play like Rachel’s Words could be blocked. But
perhaps that more fully than anything, explains the Israeli influence and the
influence of it’s lobbying organization AIPAC in this country. They will, when
they can, restrict free speech in this country.
March 17th, 2006 at 4:35 pm
Rachel’s Words MUST be available to the world, especially to this continuing Long
War
March 18th, 2006 at 12:23 am
Rachel Corrie…this incredible woman with a heart of ‘gold’ may have left us and we will forever miss her and wish for many like her to emerge or reincarnate.
Nonetheless, we must not let her memory fade away as easily as the powerful and influential Israeli sympathisers of New York would want us to accept. Wanting to silence Rachel’s words in theatre reveals the cowardice of such people in preventing the truth from coming out about that “Gestapo” state.
Rachel, in her short life, exposed a number of things about Israel and the U.S.
1) Don’t believe what you read in the major media because it is conveniently laundered to serve political ends.
2)Go see Palestine with your own eyes and give the oppressed a voice they deserve.You will not believe what you see and it iwill not be a dream.
3) You will not be witnessing a scene from the 1940’s but 2006. Will give you a better picture of what it means to be in a ‘Gestapo’ camp. Of course, the menacing bulldozers will look much bigger and frighten the hell out you.
4) When your life becomes worthless, you have nothing to lose and if you resist, you will be called a terrorist inthe New York times.
5) You will appreciate the true meaning of the expression famously coined “The Axis of Evil”
Bless Rachel Corrie and may her legacy be one of peace and goodwill to all mankind.
March 18th, 2006 at 7:12 am
Rachel Levy went to a supermarket in Jerusalem on May 29th, 2002. She was blown up by the Al Aksa Brigades. I guess some Rachel’s are more equal than others.
March 18th, 2006 at 7:34 am
Peace will not come until every person on this planet realizes that we are all one world, one people, one economy, one humanity. Let Rachel’s Words ring out to every heart! Let them be heard so often that the resonance they build in the human spirit circles the world around with compassion and justice.
March 18th, 2006 at 10:50 am
COME TO RAFAH
Come to Rafah if you dare.
Come to Rafah where hundreds of Palestinian civilians including more than 100 children have been killed by the Israeli occupying army in the last five and a half years.
Come to Rafah where peace activists Rachel Corrie and Tom Hurndell and journalist James Miller all met their deaths at the hands of the Israeli military.
Come to Rafah and see for yourself the acres of demolished houses and the dusty stoney wastelands that were once farms and gardens.
Come to Rafah, that is if the Israelis will let you in, for although they have left their illegal Gaza settlements they still control the borders, seacoast and airspace of the Gaza Strip.
Come to Rafah and tell me that you believe that all this destruction and killing are justified for Israeli “security”.
Come to Rafah and tell me if there is any Palestinian security.
Come to Rafah and hear stories of days of “curfew”, endless roadblocks, random and targeted killings, and air force bombings.
Come to Rafah where it is unusual to meet anyone who has not had a family member imprisoned, often tortured and rarely actually charged with any crime.
Come to Rafah and hear about the brutal military assaults on a civilian population armed with nothing except a few guns, handmade bombs and many stones.
Come to Rafah and try to talk to a member of the world’s fourth largest army, the Israeli Defense Force. It is impossible to talk to a single soldier, they are all hidden in tanks, bulldozers, armoured vehicles and sniper towers.
Come to Rafah where no one ever sees the face of the enemy who takes the lives, the shelter, the livelihoods, the peace, the future of its inhabitants.
Come to Rafah and tell me you don’t understand suicide. Every thing is here: hopelessness, helplessness, frustration, constriction, restriction, and the lethal means - the bombers belt.
Come to Rafah and you will understand why an 18-year-old Palestinian would decide to commit suicide.
Come to Rafah and discover that in spite of all of this, the residents persist in their normal lives, defiantly and courageously. They keep their family life together, they welcome strangers, they grow gardens, they celebrate victories and survival.
I know, I have been to Rafah.
XERO
March 18th, 2006 at 11:56 am
Three years ago we stood with a simple sign saying “We remember Rachel Corrie” outside the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. The security guards were hostile and intimidating. We felt the pain of those bereft of a daugther - a woman of courage. We felt the sharp contract of the unreasonable and unreasoning fear of those paid to protect the Embassy.
Small acts have the power to change the world. Your act was small but not insiginificant. It has reverberated around the world and contributed to a tilting of the balance towards the realisation of a world of greater justice one day.
That day has not yet dawned for the Palestinian people. As Honourable Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations, relates to residents of Soweto this week - the government of Israel is one of four governments in the world community that has voted against the installation of the new Human Rights Council at the United Nations.
We recall that it is thirty years this year since the children of Soweto made a stand for justice and paid a price for the freedom we now enjoy.
We pray for that day also to come for every Palestinian and that the name of Rachel Corrie will be remembered as one who made a sacrifice towards that goal.
The word has the power to change the world. So be it.
March 18th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
I am inspired by the courageous work of Rachel Corrie on behalf of justice for the Palestinians. She is an example of human goodness and empathy for those whose fundamental rights are ignored and whose basic dignity is stripped from them.
March 18th, 2006 at 5:05 pm
Rachel died for what she believed in.
I’m sorry to say not many of us alive, including myself, could do what she did.
March 18th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
You were great in your existace and greater in your death. you lived for 23 years but you wrote an example for humanity.
I loved you in both in life and in death
March 19th, 2006 at 10:09 am
Those who are trying to stop this play only expose their own wickedness. We are hearing Rachel’s Words already and we will never forget her. Let the play go on.
March 19th, 2006 at 10:24 am
Her courage and her death makes me ashamed of myself for having done nothing yet about anything important.
March 19th, 2006 at 11:09 am
When my daughters have reached the age of awareness I will show them Rachel’s Words.
Thank you, dear Rachel, for your poetry.
You have given the earth more color and hope.
March 19th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
In the 50’s I was just beginning to learn;
In the 60’s I was marching and singing;
In the 70’s I was listening and thinking;
Then came the 80’s and I let others worry while I looked elsewhere.
In the 90’s I began to listen and learn again;
And now, I realize my naivete…my blinded and innocent view of Eretz Yisroel.
I want peace to come. I want the land to be shared and to prosper.
And, I don’t want any more angels to die.
Grief overtakes me as I learn more about Rachel Corrie and her courage, her heart, her poetic soul.
Let’s be sure that we make it happen soon. Stop the occupation.
The world listened in the 60’s.
Let’s be sure the world listens to Rachel’s protest.
It’s time for peace.
March 20th, 2006 at 2:53 am
Rachel Corrie “peace upon her” is our heroin. While we were sleeping in our silk pillow, she went to Palestine the most problematic geography of the world.
I do appriciate her and her family, her nation at the same time. Because they gave her this education and awerness.
We are all guilty more or less… We left her alone. We did not support her at the proper time and place. Now we try to remember her but not to make her live…
Best Regards,
Dr. Veysel Gani
March 20th, 2006 at 3:07 am
Rachel, you will be always always a lesson, a hard one, a practical one, to all of us, on how to be a human.
You will be always carved on our hearts. We will always fail to forget you no matter how hard we try.
Rachel, you are what we should be, wish to be, and couldn’t be. Rachel, I am sorry, I failed you, please forgive me. I will keep trying, I promise ….
March 20th, 2006 at 5:02 am
Even dead she’s still kicking.They’ve killed Rachel’s body but they can’t kill her smile.
March 20th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
rachels words meen a lot to me they are in spiering and amazing.
rachel corrie did an amazing thing that day
she must have been an amazing person i have a short poem to rachels memory
The void,
so vast,
our lives so small,
what the rachels do will save us all.
i know it’s not the greatest poem but it has meening.
March 21st, 2006 at 3:02 pm
Rachel’s story must be told, and retold and told again until there is not a breath left among those who care about her life and death. A theatre company proves it is not worthy of membership in any authentic artistic community–fine: art is art, truth is truth and cowards, who are in no short supply, cannot negate either. Please find every possible venue to keep talking about this, to let Rachel keep talking.
March 21st, 2006 at 8:23 pm
I am a teacher of Religious Studies and Social Justice at Monsignor
Donovan High
School, Toms River, NJ. I am also an activist who has been kept
extraordinarily
busy by the policies and activities of this current governmental
administration.
I abhor the climate of fear and repression that has been-and continues to
be-intentionally cultivated for the purpose of manipulating and/or
intimidating
the public into complicity and silence in the face of injustice. In
the words of
the late Archbishop Oscar Romero, “We are all called to give a voice to the
voiceless.” In that spirit, let “Rachel’s’ Words” be heard.
March 21st, 2006 at 8:25 pm
I am a teacher of Religious Studies and Social Justice at Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River, NJ. I am also an activist who has been kept extraordinarily busy by the policies and activities of this current governmental administration.
I abhor the climate of fear and repression that has been-and continues to be-intentionally cultivated for the purpose of manipulating and/or intimidating the public into complicity and silence in the face of injustice. In the words of the late Archbishop Oscar Romero, “We are all called to give a voice to the voiceless.” In that spirit, let “Rachel’s’ Words” be heard.
March 22nd, 2006 at 8:31 am
Hi there,
My name is Marlina, and i’m a 16 years old girl from Indonesia.
Actually, i’ve got to admit that I don’t really search about Rachel Corrie until i heard the breath taking news that this play, that was directed by the magnificent Mr Alan Rickman was postponed in NY city, by the New York Theatre Workshop, and also Alan Rickman said that it was a censorship.
I’m really, really astounded, because as far as i know the play got absolutely no problem running in London last April, only a couple of article said how controversial it was. In fact it was so brilliant that it wins three awards on the Whatonstage Theatregoer Awards.
Just so you know, the play is gonna hit a bigger audience in London’s West End soon.
From what i study at school, New York city is in America. And America was known for it’s freedom of speech. So? Where was it? Where’s this freedom of speech?
The play is not political anyway, it’s like what i said when i first join this site:
It’s not about Palestine. It’s not about Israel. It’s not about Pro-Jewishs. And It’s not about Anti-Jewishs too.
It’s only about Rachel Corrie, and about how she see the world.
I hope someday the play could be seen and heard by many people.
Have a nice day.
Warm Hugs,
Marlina.
March 22nd, 2006 at 8:59 am
What a wonderfully brave young woman! Rachel has given her life in the hope to save the lives of many others. Our duty to Rachel is to strive to educate others of the important work that Rachel was committed to. To Rachel’s parents: Keep hope alive! What wonderful people you must be to have raised such a remarkable young woman. My promise to you: To keep “Rachel’s Words” alive!
March 22nd, 2006 at 9:14 am
When is it too late to listen?
March 22nd, 2006 at 9:28 am
1. My Name is Rachel Levy (Israeli girl age 17, blown up in a grocery store)
2. My Name is Rachel Thaler (Israeli girl aged 16, blown up in a pizzeria)
3. My Name is Rachel Levi (Israeli girl aged 19, murdered while waiting for the bus)
4. My Name is Rachel Gavish (killed with her husband and son while at home)
5. My Name is Rachel Charhi (blown up while sitting in a cafe)
6. My Name is Rachel Shabo (murdered with her three sons aged 5, 13 and 6 while sitting at home)
None of those Rachels were willing human shields for a terrorist entity.
March 22nd, 2006 at 4:13 pm
Farewell to avante garde theatre in the States. And farewell to free speech, to debate, to having an opinion, to being ‘partial’ on sensitive political issues – in short, farewell to every paradigmatic value of democratic society if we are going to censor works of art because of contextuality issues. IS ANY TIME A GOOD TIME FOR ART? It would cease to be art if it was good timing. These censors of ours no longer deserve to be representatives of an artistic community, for it is obvious they have sold out to interests inimical to art itself.
The postponement of this play is one of the biggest acts of cowardice I have seen on the part of the art world in this country – and it is the art world (along with non-profit journalism) that keeps this country thinking and questioning. But this is diminishing at an alarming rate. I have always thought it would be an overstatement to say that we are meandering headlong into fascism – until now. It would be nice to see the art world take a stand on something, because everyone knows the corporate media cannot be counted on.
Let it be said a thousand times: Being pro-Palestine doesn’t necessarily make a person anti-Israel. Being pro-Arab doesn’t make someone anti-Semetic. Just because you take one side doesn’t mean you have to hate the other. And to be a humanitarian is to take a stand on an issue.
I think Rachel Corrie did what she thought was right and followed her convictions regardless of the consequences. I would say the same if she had died for the other side. It would be nice if more Americans did the same, instead of condemning everyone for taking a side. My sympathies go out to Rachel’s family and the people who have followed in her spirit, but most of all to this brave young girl herself who could teach us all a thing or two.
David Long
College English Teacher
March 22nd, 2006 at 6:19 pm
I am very moved by this publication - this website of Rachel Corries’ writing and the company “she” keeps! Thank you.
Hopefully, Rachel and the Palestinian people she went to Gaza to support, can inspire each of us to take some action in our own lives, to our own level of ability regardless of our location. What a horrible situation Rachel’s words bring to further light!
Yes! to her and the ISM’s goal of shedding light and bringing about action to stop the colonialism of greed and the insanity of power that would mame and kill so many. How can there be so much commentary on the official Holocaust and then allow these events to be happening in front of our eyes today?
This genocide has to stop. Americans have to learn and stop funding this activity and all similar activity in our names.
March 22nd, 2006 at 7:55 pm
Her words empower me.
They needs to be heard, not censored!
March 22nd, 2006 at 7:56 pm
Her words empower me.
They need to be heard, not censored!
March 22nd, 2006 at 10:41 pm
Rachel,
In this materialistic world where might is always right, where we spill blood for oil, your life stands out like a desert rose. You believed in something far beyond unabashed selfishness and greed. You lived and died for something real. Your body may not have had the strength to stop that bulldozer but your soul has the strength to stop a tsunami. You are courage, love, honor, kindness and selflessness personified. They may not name high schools after you or erect monuments in your honor, that does not matter because you will always have a special place in the hearts of the millions of underdogs, oppressed and justice loving people everywhere.
If in my life I can achieve a millionth of the qualities that you possessed in your short life I will consider my life to have been very successful.
May Allah bless you and reward you as He has promised people like you. And may you rest in peace.
Aamir
PS - Shame on New York Theatre Workshop, what a spineless display.
March 23rd, 2006 at 9:37 am
http://johnshadegg.house.gov/RSC/PalestinianTerrorismFacts.PDF
Since Yasser Arafat “renounced” violence in the Oslo Peace Accords on September 13, 1993, at least 52 American citizens, including women and children, have been murdered by Palestinian terrorists, and at least another 83 Americans have been injured.
March 23rd, 2006 at 10:58 am
Thank you for sharing Rachel’s words and her life with us. We are learning about her in class and she was a fascinating person.
Thank you
March 23rd, 2006 at 12:43 pm
Dear Rachel:
Who were you? A candle in the wind… I remember hearing about what happened to you back in 2003 but I was dealing with my own demons then and wasn’t able to really acknowledge the occurence, as schocking as it was.
Your blessed spirit graced the sanctuary of Riverside Church in New York City last night and echoed through the voices and crescendos of people who’s passions you have stirred and imaginations you have ignited. We know you were there, we understand you are with us still, in all corners of the world where the fight for honor, justice, truth