Ms. Rachel says willing to risk career to support children in Gaza
4 Min Read
Children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel has become a rare pro-Palestine voice in the kids' media world, using her global platform to spotlight the suffering of children in Gaza despite mounting criticism.
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Ms. Rachel met Rahaf from Gaza, who is a 3-year-old double amputee who lost her legs in an Israeli airstrike, on May 12, 2025 (msrachelforlittles/Instagram)
Rachel Accurso, widely known as Ms. Rachel, has become a cherished figure for millions of families through her educational content for toddlers. On Tuesday, she told NPR’s Here and Now that she is ready to risk her career to advocate for children in Gaza.
“I wouldn’t be Ms. Rachel if I didn’t deeply care about all kids,” she said.
“And I would risk everything, and I will risk my career over and over to stand up for them. It’s all about the kids for me,” she tersely.
With over 15 million YouTube subscribers, Ms. Rachel’s cheerful persona, characterized by her iconic overalls and pink headband, has been synonymous with early childhood learning. Her reach extends beyond YouTube, including a Netflix series translated into 33 languages and a successful merchandise line.
Using her platform to highlight the sufferings of Gaza’s children
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 Poso 🇺🇸 (@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.
Powerful new cartoon on Ms. Rachel from @LatuffCartoons 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/FuZg4FOK7H
— Alan MacLeod (@AlanRMacLeod) April 12, 2025
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.”
Ms. Rachel reaffirms her values of compassion and equality
On Tuesday, Ms. Rachel reaffirmed her beliefs in a statement shared across her social media platforms, “I stand against all forms of hate and violence, including antisemitism, anti-Palestinian hate, anti-Arab hate, anti-Muslim hate, and all hate meant to divide us and cause harm rather than bring us together.”
She continued, “Every child, person, and every family deserves to feel valued, loved, and safe.”
Reinforcing her commitment to empathy, Ms. Rachel added, “Let’s continue to model empathy, compassion, and teach our children that we are all connected. When we hate, deny people human rights, and attack each other, we all suffer. When we love, respect all people’s human rights, and show compassion, we all thrive. We all rise.”
Read more: Ms. Rachel accused of antisemitism for speaking out for Gaza children
Meanwhile, "Israel" continues to face growing international criticism over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. In May, the United Nations warned that the entire population of Gaza was at risk of famine.
Since March 18, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported 4,149 killings in the Strip, bringing the total toll of "Israel’s" war on the Palestinian territory to more than 53,000, mostly women and children.
Read more: US-Israeli aid plan in Gaza used as tool for forced displacement: MSF
