At the 2025 Glamour Women of the Year Awards, held on November 4 at the Plaza in New York City, Ms. Rachel (Rachel Accurso) used her appearance to deliver a heartfelt and unmistakably political message in support of the children of Gaza. Her red carpet look wasn’t just fashion; it was a form of advocacy.

Glamour revealed that, ahead of the event, Ms. Rachel had asked children in Gaza to create artwork that told their personal stories. These images were then embroidered onto an upcycled dress she wore to the ceremony.

Each illustration, she explained, held deep meaning, and each child knew their story would be seen. "I’m thinking about all the little ones there and what we can do for them," Ms. Rachel told livestream hosts Brooks and Grace Ann Nader. "I’m carrying their stories in my heart," she said, adding that she brought printed pictures of all the children with her to the event, adding: "They all know about the dress, and they’re so excited."

More than just a symbolic gesture, the dress served as a medium to highlight the humanity and resilience of children living through war. Through it, Ms. Rachel hoped to elevate their stories and shine a light on their continued suffering.

Using her platform for global children’s rights

Rachel Accurso is best known for her educational content for children, but she’s also become one of the most prominent US voices advocating for children in Gaza. Her media presence spans more than 13 billion YouTube views, nine books, a bestselling toy line, and a Netflix series with over 53 million views.

But it’s how she uses that platform, not just for education, but for justice and human rights, that earned her a place among the 2025 Glamour Women of the Year. "My love and care for children doesn’t stop at my own children," she previously told Glamour.

"It doesn’t stop at the children in our country. It embraces every child of the world… Children should have human rights, and children do have human rights." She continued, "To me, that grown-ups are failing children and not following those guidelines, it’s so upsetting."

Ms. Rachel emphasized that she regularly attends briefings to learn what it’s like for children living in the most difficult conditions, including in Gaza. “I don’t think having a platform comes with negatives,” she said. "One of the positives is being able to highlight issues and get a message to a bigger audience. I think it’s a big responsibility that should be used as much as possible."

By literally wearing their stories, Ms. Rachel has reminded the world that the children of Gaza are not just statistics or casualties; they are individuals with voices, dreams, and the right to be seen and protected.

Ms. Rachel and Palestine 

Ms. Rachel’s vocal support for children in Gaza began in May 2024, when she launched a fundraiser benefiting children impacted by war, including in Gaza and other war zones. Since then, she has consistently used her platform to shed light on the suffering of Palestinian children.

One of the most notable moments came on May 21, when she posted a video singing Hop Little Bunnies alongside Rahaf, a 3-year-old girl from Gaza who lost her legs in an Israeli airstrike. The emotional video resonated globally and further amplified her message.

YouTube Superstar Ms Rachel meets a 3-year-old from Gaza pic.twitter.com/2Ymzc2UGvC

— Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) June 2, 2025

Following her public stance, Ms. Rachel became the target of criticism from the pro-"Israel" organization StopAntisemitism. The group accused her of spreading “Hamas-aligned propaganda” and called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether she was “remunerated” for her advocacy.

Speaking to NPR, she acknowledged the emotional toll of the backlash, saying, “It’s really painful. And I have to remind myself that people don’t know my heart, and people try to tell you who you are, but you know who you are. And I know how deeply and equally I care for all children, and I do lean on my faith in that situation.”