Henry Herskovitz: Herskovitz noted that the day marked the sixth anniversary of the death in Rafah of Rachel Corrie, an American citizen, who on March 16, 2003 was crushed by bulldozer (manufactured in the U.S.) driven by a soldier-driver with the Israeli military. Herskovitz described her death as a “murder.” He said that although the case had been ruled by the Israeli military as an “accident,” the incident had provoked criticism by human rights groups. Herskovitz said that Israel had “celebrated” the anniversary by shooting an American peace activist three days ago: Tristan Anderson, who like Rachel was working with the International Solidarity Movement in Ni”lin, which is in Palestine. Anderson had been hit in the forehead by a high-velocity teargas canister, said Herskovitz, and is now in critical condition.
Herskovitz said that councilmembers might wonder, “What can I as a city councilperson do about this?” The first part of his answer was to look to the city”s human rights commission, and to ask the commission to reinstate their 2003 resolution, which called for an end to U.S. aid to Israel.
The second part of his answer was for councilmembers to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions Campaign by becoming members of the People”s Food Co-op, and then voting for him in his candidacy for a seat on the co-op”s board. He said that his campaign for the seat was based on the complete boycott of goods imported from Israel.
