Remembering Iowan Rachel Corrie

It has been 16 years since Rachel Corrie, an American college student, was crushed to death by a U.S.-made Caterpillar bulldozer driven by an Israeli Defenses Forces soldier in Rafah, Gaza.

To this day there has been no investigation into her death by her government, no apology, no remorse or concern by the Israeli government.

Rachel's last words to her mother: 'Don't worry. I am safe. There are many Americans and Europeans here with me trying to help Palestinians who are losing their homes and land. See you in a couple of weeks. Don't worry.”

Rachel's roots run deep in Iowa. Her parents are from the Des Moines area, and she still has aunts living in Iowa City and Denison. When will Rachel receive the justice she deserves?

In 1948, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created, these rights were extended to the people of Israel. When will those rights be extended to the people of Palestine?

Laila Aossey

Cedar Rapids