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Leaders
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
From Gaza to Joy: Ms. Rachel and Rahaf's Inspiring Dance
In a world often shadowed by conflict and despair, a moment of pure joy and resilience recently captured millions of hearts. Rahaf Saad, a four-year-old Palestinian girl who lost her legs in an Israeli airstrike, danced with YouTube star Ms. Rachel. Their video, set to the tune of 'Wake up soon Wake up little bunnies! Hop little bunnies hop … Skip little bunnies skip skip skip Skip skip skip and stop Let's hop again!', has went viral, garnering millions of views, showcasing Rahaf's indomitable spirit and Ms. Rachel's unwavering support. Rahaf's Journey of Resilience Rahaf Saad, now four years old, lost her legs in an Israeli airstrike on her family home in September 2024. Despite her tragic circumstances, Rahaf's spirit remains unbroken. She traveled for treatment thanks to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, but she still struggles with mobility. During her dance with Ms. Rachel, Rahaf often stumbled but always got back up, eager to continue. Ms. Rachel described Rahaf as 'so precious' and highlighted her resilience, stating, 'She would fall right on her face but then pop back up, wanting to hop like a bunny'. Rachel Griffin Accurso, known to millions as Ms. Rachel, has been a vocal advocate for children's rights and education. Her meeting with Rahaf was not just a dance but a powerful statement of solidarity. Ms. Rachel shared her emotional turmoil, saying, 'I can't help but think, what if my son and husband were over there, and I'm here with my little girl, losing her legs? And then, I'm thinking about the boys and she was saying they don't eat anymore and they are starving'. This encounter underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on innocent lives and the urgent need for humanitarian aid. The Power of Support and Resilience Ms. Rachel's advocacy extends beyond Rahaf. She has faced backlash for her support of Palestinian children but remains steadfast. 'It's a vivid reminder of how when children have what they need—like medical care, healthy food, and support—they are going to thrive and show such resilience,' she said. Her commitment to speaking out for children facing immeasurable suffering is a testament to her belief that 'it should be controversial to not say anything'. A Call to Action Rahaf's story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion. As Ms. Rachel continues to advocate for children in Gaza, she calls on the world to pay attention and take action. 'When I saw pictures of Rahaf in Gaza on the hospital floor, I saw the devastating consequences of endless bombing and continuous violations of children's human rights,' she shared. Her words and actions inspire us all to stand up for the innocent and vulnerable. In conclusion, the dance between Rahaf and Ms. Rachel is more than a viral video; it is a symbol of hope and resilience. It reminds us of the power of compassion and the urgent need to support children affected by conflict. As Ms. Rachel aptly put it, 'It's sad that people try to make it controversial when you speak out for children that are facing immeasurable suffering'. Let us all be inspired by Rahaf's spirit and Ms. Rachel's advocacy to make a difference in the world. Short link : Post Views: 1
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Is Everyone Talking About Ms. Rachel Right Now?
Getty Images If you have children under four, I don't need to explain who Ms. Rachel is to you. If toddlers could break down Maslow's hierarchy of needs, they would most certainly include a GoGo Squeez pouch, taking things out of cabinets, and watching the YouTube star and children's educator on repeat. With her signature pink headband, denim overalls, and sing-songy voice, a woman once described as a 'toddler whisperer' seems the least likely candidate to become a lightning rod for controversy, or even the subject of discourse beyond a tired mom asking out loud, to nobody in particular, 'Another 20 minutes of screen time is fine if it's educational, right?' Yet nobody seems to draw as much ire or praise these days as Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso. Depending on who you're talking to (and which headlines you read), your opinion on the former preschool music teacher has somehow become a shorthand for your entire worldview. So, how did we get here? Why is everyone—whether they have little kids or not—so obsessed with talking about Ms. Rachel right now? Let's break it down in the latest TL;DR. Accurso has been making headlines recently for her outspoken support of children affected by the war in Gaza. Just this week, she posted a video of herself singing toddler favorite 'Hop Little Bunnies' with Rahaf, a 3-year-old double amputee who lost her legs in an airstrike. Over footage of Rahaf bounging happily along to the song, Accurso wrote that she would do everything she can to help Rahaf and 'children everywhere whose human rights are being violated' and thanked the Palestine Children's Relief Fund for their efforts. 'Thank you to everyone who sees Rahaf like you see your own child and is speaking out for her and children like her,' she continued. 'I love you, sweet Rahaf.' While many have praised Accurso's advocacy for children in Gaza, and for using her platform to shine a light on humanitarian efforts there, others have accused her of treating Palestinian children with more sympathy than Israeli ones and even outright antisemitism. If you're not caught up on the Ms. Rachel lore, here's a brief history: Accurso started her YouTube channel after realizing there was a lack of media for children, like her son, who had a delay in speech development. She used techniques from speech therapists and early childhood experts to create Songs for Littles, a series where she sings nursery rhymes, teaches sign language for words like 'more' and 'thank you,' and introduces phonics, colors, shapes, and other skills that might help prepare little kids for preschool and kindergarten. A billion or so views later, the mother of two now has over 14 million subscribers, a major Netflix licensing deal, and a line of toys available at major retailers like Target and Walmart. While her videos always speak to children and are focused on education, Accurso's social media posts are more for parents and caregivers. Among the parenting tips and heartwarming videos are posts about more serious topics, like postpartum depression and universal childcare. And with success has come some controversies, of course. Conservatives have criticized Accurso and called for a Ms. Rachel boycott over videos that featured a nonbinary costar who uses they/them pronouns as well as a post on TikTok that wished viewers a happy Pride Month. The biggest divide, however, has been around her posts about children suffering due to the war in Gaza. In May 2024, Accurso raised over $50,000 for Save the Children through making Cameo videos. In her post announcing the fundraising campaign, she said all proceeds would help children in many war-torn parts of the world—including Gaza. Critics flooded her feed, asking why she didn't mention raising money for Israeli children affected by Hamas' deadly October 7 attack. A few days later, Accurso posted a tearful video in which she reiterated that she cares deeply for all children. 'Palestinian children, Israeli children, children in the US—Muslim, Jewish, Christian children—all children, in every country,' she wrote in the caption. 'Not one is excluded…. To do a fundraiser for children who are currently starving—who have no food or water—who are being killed—is human.' Since then, Accurso has continued to post support for both Palestinian and Israeli children and doubled down on her view that it shouldn't be controversial to want to help children in distress, regardless of their background. Still, last month, the organization Stop Antisemitism accused her of spreading 'Hamas propaganda,' claimed she only posted about Israeli children because of backlash, and questioned whether or not she was being funded for her post. Accurso told the New York Times, 'This accusation is not only absurd, it's patently false.' She did not dispute that she has posted more frequently about Gazan children, but said, 'The painful reality is that Palestinian children in Gaza have been killed by the thousands and continue to be killed, maimed, and starved right now. The idea that caring about one group of children prevents us from caring about another group of children is false.' 'The reason I post about Israeli children is because I care deeply about them,' she continued. 'The accusation that I would be doing it for any other reason is outrageous and wrong.' Oh yes, multiple times. In addition to the aforementioned New York Times interview and social media posts, Accurso spoke with journalist Mehdi Hasan for his independent publication Zeteo. 'It's sad that people try to make it controversial when you speak out for children that are facing immeasurable suffering,' she said. 'The idea that caring for a group of children in an emergency situation means you don't care about other children is false.' There's no denying that Ms. Rachel has clout. So whenever she shares her opinion on something, especially if it's as divisive as the war in Gaza, people will pay attention. And somebody as influential as she is with children, in particular, will always be treated with more scrutiny for better or for worse. It's natural to want the people your child looks up to be aligned with your own moral code. We can't guarantee that their teachers (or even their own grandparents) vote the same way we do, as much as we might want to. The one thing we do have some control over is the media they consume. So yeah, who Ms. Rachel is to you—a hero, a villain, or something in between—probably will inform how much 'Icky Sticky Bubble Gum' you'll be listening to in the future. 'I've been blessed to get this platform,' Accurso told Hasan. 'And kids feel that I care about them all deeply, and that's why I have the platform. Because they feel it through the screen, because it's genuine.' Originally Appeared on Glamour More Parenting Parents, you might be too emotionally invested in Bluey Can a $200 Instagram class really make you a better mother? Inside the (annoying?) rise of Cocomelon How Fisher-Price's 'Purple Monkey' Mat Became a viral hit
The Guardian
19-04-2025
- General
- The Guardian
An Israeli bomb took a teen's arm in Gaza. She's healing with a family in Philadelphia
Dozens of people across the world were in non-stop communication for several months to arrange the arrival of Tasneem Sharif Abbas to the US. Abbas's entire life changed when a bomb dropped on her family's home in Gaza on 31 October 2023. A piece of metal severed her arm and she blacked out as rubble fell on her. Soon after, her arm was amputated at a local Gaza hospital. 'This is not a movie or a fictional story. This is the reality I have lived,' Abbas said in a statement. 'This is just a glimpse of the dark days that have turned my life into a nightmare.' Last year, the 16-year-old and an accompanying guardian, her adult sister Ashjan who is not injured, evacuated to Egypt, where they spent several months aboard a medical ship. The journey to fit Abbas with a prosthetic arm began with a 24-hour-flight from Cairo to New York, where volunteers met them in the airport during a several-hour layover. 'The only time there was uncertainty was in the visa process,' said Raghed Ahmed, vice-president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), a non-profit that has provided medical care to Middle Eastern kids since the 1990s. The group also facilitated the sisters' travel. 'We weren't sure if it would take two weeks or six months, but her visa was approved in a couple of weeks,' Ahmed said. So when Abbas entered the arrivals section at the Philadelphia international airport last December, the mood was ebullient. Some 100 community members cheered and waved Palestinian flags, while others held handmade signs that read 'Welcome to Philadelphia' in English and Arabic. 'Free Palestine!' they shouted in unison. Farha Ghannam, an anthropology professor at Swarthmore College and Abbas's host mother, embraced the 16-year-old and handed her a bouquet of flowers as they met for the first time. 'When they saw that there was a really big presence from the community at the airport, they really appreciated that. And [Abbas] said it made them forget the tiredness of travel,' said Johara Shamaa, a volunteer coordinator for PCRF's Philadelphia chapter. Abbas, who declined to be interviewed due to stress, is the only Palestinian child being hosted and medically treated in Philadelphia at the sponsorship of PCRF. Aside from Philadelphia, PCRF has brought more than 20 children to Chicago, Illinois; Washington DC; Portland, Oregon; Houston, Texas; Greenville, South Carolina; St Louis, Missouri; Lexington, Kentucky; Boston, Massachusetts; and Sacramento and Los Angeles, California, to seek medical treatment since October 2023. Everywhere the children are sent, a community of people rally behind them to improve their lives. All the while, they perform a delicate dance of navigating an ever-changing evacuation system in the absence of a permanent ceasefire. In Philadelphia, 50 volunteers pitch in by driving Abbas to doctors' appointments, tutoring her in English, and hosting dinners at their homes during the sisters' six-month stay. The cost of Abbas's prosthetic limb and the medical treatment to repair her residual appendage, which was improperly amputated due to the lack of medical resources in Gaza, are being covered by the hospital Shriners Children's Philadelphia. Though Abbas's is a story of triumph, thousands of children from Gaza have inadequate or no access to medical treatment. And with Abbas and her sister's visa renewal coming up in May, their futures are uncertain. 'You have to constantly be amendable, because every single day something is always changing,' said Tareq Hailat, head of PCRF's treatment abroad program, which works with government entities and hospitals to facilitate free medical care. 'There's always some kind of difficulty occurring: abandonment of ceasefires, the targeting of humanitarian workers, a new border or corridor coming up, which puts a hold on operations.' While the volunteers are helping shape Abbas's life, her host family said that the girls' presence has also helped them feel empowered as they watch from afar Israel's war on Gaza, where more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October 2023. When PCRF approached them in the late fall of 2024, Ghannam, a Palestinian American, and her husband, Hans Lofgren, a Swedish American who is fluent in Arabic, were eager to host Abbas and her sister at their home in Swarthmore, a quiet suburb 20 miles (32km) south-west of Philadelphia. Being host parents gave them a concrete way to help Palestinians after seeing 'unimaginable suffering' while watching the news, Lofgren said: 'When you get that kind of a request, you cannot in good conscience say no. It's absolutely a necessity to say yes. You do not know exactly what this would involve, and what would happen, it's a bit of an unknown. But to jump into this was absolutely necessary.' The complicated process of sending a child to the US from Gaza involves clearances from several governments and the financial backing of non-governmental organizations and hospital systems. It begins when a hospital in the Middle East contacts PCRF because they are unable to address a child's medical needs. PCRF then lines up a hospital abroad that will treat the child for free, and seeks approval to pull the child out of Gaza from the Israeli ministry of defense's coordinator of government activities in the territories, and the Egyptian government. They coordinate with the United Nation's World Health Organization to transport the child through Gaza's Rafah border crossing to a buffer zone in al-Arish, Egypt, and then their visas are secured at embassies in Egypt. PCRF then creates a shortlist of families from a large database of volunteers whose culture and language typically align with those of the child, said Hailat from PCRF. Then a member of Hailat's team and the local chapter interview the families and visit their homes before making the final selection. PCRF pays for the children's travel and any clothes or supplies they will need during their six-month stay abroad. Outside the US, they've sent more than 250 children to Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Lebanon and Jordan, and they hope to expand their efforts to the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. But Hailat said that the amount of children they've helped is only a drop in the bucket. When Gaza's Rafah border crossing to Egypt closed in May 2024 and children were instead transported through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, the number of evacuated children dropped from more than 280 children a month to 20. Since the Rafah border crossing was reopened in February, Hailat said, at least 600 people a month have been evacuated from Gaza. But he fears that the amount of evacuees may severely dwindle again following Israel's new security corridor that blocks Rafah from the rest of Gaza. 'The biggest problem is that we as an organization are caught in the middle,' Hailat said. 'We don't want to be a part of the proposed displacement of these children, but we don't want them to die. The only solution is a complete ceasefire that allows us to bring medical treatment inside Gaza.' Despite the frustration in the international process that hinders more children from evacuating, he said his faith resides in the compassionate communities throughout the US that have opened their arms to the children in need of medical treatment. 'One of the most beautiful things about these communities is that they are not just Arabs, they are not just Muslims, they are not just Palestinians. They are Americans. They are of all races, of all religions, of all sexes,' Hailat said. 'No matter where you stand on the political aisle, once they see these children in real life, people realize that this is a humanitarian issue.' As a Palestinian American, Ghannam said, she was initially concerned that she might be overwhelmed by the sisters' trauma. But over the past few months, she and Lofgren say, the sisters have brought a brightness to their home. 'I think I'm able to support them, but I think they are also able to support me,' Ghannam said. 'Just seeing sometimes their spirits and their resilience has actually been very, very important to me. They also have been helping me deal with what's happening.' The couple only had about a week to prepare for the sisters' arrival after completing a vetting process with PCRF. As a semi-retired economist, Lofgren was in charge of moving the furniture into the 60-somethings' spare storage room and securing two mattresses for the sisters to sleep on. Neighbors and friends gifted the sisters gloves and gift cards to a beauty supply chain. Philadelphia's PCRF chapter created a group chat on WhatsApp to collect winter clothes, hygiene items, books and phone chargers, and community members stepped up to host dinners for the sisters at their homes. Volunteers also drive Abbas to her appointments at Shriners hospital, where she's undergoing occupational therapy and being fitted for her prosthesis. Her medical team is determining whether they need to make adjustments to the arm replacement. 'It's a lot more complicated because of the dire need of medical supplies in Gaza, especially with the ongoing genocide and the lack of aid and completely destroyed healthcare systems. The amputation wasn't done as it should have been,' said Shamaa, of PCRF. As part of her sessions, Abbas is training her left arm to write and do other tasks since she is right-handed. When the prosthetic arm is attached, further occupational therapy sessions will teach Abbas how to use it. PCRF will likely try to renew Abbas's visa in May for another six months since she is still undergoing medical care, said Hailat. She and her sister will return to Egypt and live independently through help from PCRF and donations from the community when her treatment ends. Earlier this year, volunteer tutors who are bilingual in Arab and English began teaching Abbas English as a second language. They are also tutoring her in math and science using a Palestinian curriculum for the 10th grade, the last grade she completed prior to evacuating Gaza. Supporting Abbas requires a delicate balance of helping her feel welcome while giving her the space to process the trauma of evacuating from a war zone and leaving behind most of her family in Gaza, said Ghannam. The couple's home has seen a complicated range of emotions with the backdrop of Israel's war on Gaza. When the ceasefire was announced in mid-January, the sisters were thrilled and exclaimed how enthusiastic they were to eventually return home and for Gaza to be rebuilt. 'I am very cautious and pessimistic, and they managed to engulf me with their optimism,' Ghannam said. A few hours later, Abbas became solemn when she learned that more than 80 people had been killed in airstrikes directly following the ceasefire announcement. Still, Ghannam said, she is impressed by Abbas's strength and wonder as she adjusts to life in the US. During the evenings, the family often watch Arabic shows on Netflix together, or take turns choosing their favorite Arabic songs on YouTube. When Abbas saw snow falling outside the window for the first time during the winter, a big smile stretched across her face as she remarked on its beauty. She went outside to touch it and posed for photos with her sister. 'When I see them laugh,' Ghannam said, 'and when I see them excited about life, that really gives me a good feeling.'
CBS News
22-02-2025
- General
- CBS News
Palestinian teen awaits prosthetic leg in Colorado after losing leg in Israeli bombing of Gaza
Abdal Aziz, who came to Colorado just one month ago, hasn't had a whole lot of time to explore the state because he's been waiting for his prosthetic leg. He says his February has been pretty slow. "He spends a lot of time indoors alone here," a translator for Aziz said. He's in Colorado Springs waiting for a prosthetic leg, but it's not quite ready yet. "It was supposed to be last Tuesday, but unfortunately, they told him that they still have some work to do," Aziz said through a translator. He lost his leg in the Israel-Hamas war. He says he feels incredibly lucky to get away from the devastation in Gaza. "There is no schools, there's no mosques. Some places, there's no food. There's a lot of people in Gaza who are injured," he said. Dr. Mohamed Kuziez isn't treating Aziz, but he just returned to Colorado from Gaza where he was treating children impacted by the war. He says he's never seen so many children amputees. "A lot of them have come up with nontraditional prosthetics using, you know, different joints that they can get or different pieces of metal and wood to make something that works," Kuziez said. "It makes me keenly aware of the privilege and the resources that we have." Aziz is in Colorado thanks to HEAL Palestine. Palestine Children's Relief Fund, which Kuziez works with, has also sent children to Colorado to get medical treatment. Kuziez says these programs change lives. "It gives them a chance at a future," he said. It certainly has given Aziz hope. He wants to finish his education once he gets his new leg so he may one day live his dream of driving a car. "Inshallah. Inshallah. Hopefully," Aziz said. He'll be in Colorado until the spring or summer and says the one thing he wants to do while he's here is to ride a horse because, before the war, he had a horse that he liked to ride all the time back in Gaza.
Khaleej Times
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Winners of the Sixth TRT World Citizen Awards announced
The winners of the sixth edition of the prestigious TRT World Citizen Awards, launched in 2017 under the banner of 'Inspiring Positive Change,' were announced at a grand ceremony held in Istanbul. This annual event celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their communities, amplifying their inspiring stories on a global stage. Since its inception, the TRT World Citizen Awards have recognised 25 extraordinary individuals from 15 countries, highlighting their selfless efforts and impactful initiatives. This year's ceremony, hosted by TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı, was graced by Fahrettin Altun, Turkey's Presidency's head of communications, along with TRT executives, politicians, NGO leaders, and distinguished guests from culture, arts, media, and academia. Adding a musical touch to the evening, Palestinian singer Ilnur performed his moving compositions, 'Wake Up' and 'Keep Your Key,' dedicated to Palestine. Delivering an impassioned speech, Altun emphasised the core mission of the TRT World Citizen initiative: to institutionalise goodness in an era where negativity often dominates. This programme is a testament to how one human's inspiration and courage can spark change in another," Altun remarked. "By sharing the stories of real-life heroes, we provide a platform for their invaluable contributions to society. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have made this initiative a reality. It is essential that we sustain this mission, passing on the ideal of goodness to future generations. This program stands as a beacon of hope in addressing humanity's challenges." In his keynote address, Sobacı highlighted TRT's unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of those championing justice and truth. "The TRT World Citizen Awards shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes whose sacrifices often go unnoticed. Their stories of resilience and compassion inspire hope and pave the way for a brighter future,' Sobacı stated. "As Türkiye's public broadcaster, TRT leverages its extensive global network to bring these impactful narratives to the forefront, championing goodness and justice worldwide." Sobacı added, "Through 17 television channels, 17 radio channels, digital platforms, and international events, TRT serves as a voice for the marginalized, ensuring their stories reach audiences around the globe. We are proud to represent humanity's collective pursuit of goodness in all that we do." The ceremony celebrated remarkable individuals across various categories. In the "Communicator" category, Azima Dhanjee and Arhum Ishtiaq were recognised for their exceptional contributions. Rana Dajani received the award in the "Educator" category, while Hélène Ba was celebrated in the "Youth" category. The coveted Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Steve Sosebee, founder of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF). His unparalleled efforts have saved the lives of thousands of children in war and conflict zones. The prestigious World Citizen of the Year Award was posthumously awarded to Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, who tragically lost her life during a protest in Nablus on September 6, 2024. The award was accepted by her father, Mehmet Suat Eygi, on her behalf. Additionally, a special honor—the TRT Special Award—was presented to Dr. Amani Ballour for her extraordinary leadership in managing a hospital during the Syrian war, embodying courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
