Latest news with #Rahaf
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ms. Rachel Is Not Backing Down From Speaking Out About Gaza, Even If It Costs Her Career
Ms. Rachel — the bubbly, sing-songy children's YouTuber personality who has probably caught the affection of a child you know and love — has made it clear that she won't stop speaking up about the children in Gaza, even if it means risking her career. Known off-screen as Rachel Accurso, Ms. Rachel has built a massive brand with over 15 million YouTube subscribers, a Netflix deal, and a line of merchandise. In a recent interview with NPR, when asked if she's received pushback from financial backers about her outspoken stance, she said, "There has been, but I wouldn't be Ms. Rachel if I didn't deeply care about all kids. 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." Ms. Rachel has been speaking out for the kids affected by the tragedy in Gaza since 2024, when she first shared a video fundraising for children in war zones, including those in Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ukraine. Since then, she's only gotten more outspoken, especially in the last month. In May, she shared a series of posts and videos of her meeting Rahaf, a 3-year-old girl who lost both her legs in an airstrike. Rahaf was able to be medically evacuated thanks to the help of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. "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," Ms. Rachel wrote. "Rahaf is now thriving because she has access to medical care, food, water and a safe place to live. It's so clear what we need to give children so they can grow up into healthy, happy adults." Ms. Rachel shared that Rahaf's father and two younger brothers are still in Gaza. Ms. Rachel said Rahaf and her mother, Israa, also a teacher, avoid eating during FaceTime calls with them because the family has so little food. In another post, Ms. Rachel sings and dances with Rahaf in her signature pink T-shirt, blue jean overalls, and ever-cheerful tone. But her caption is somber: "We both love our children with all of our hearts. We want the same thing for them. But my son will have dinner tonight, a story and snuggle with me, school in the morning… and hers won't. If the situation was the other way around, what would I hope Israa would do for me?" Related: A Republican's Response To A "Tax The Rich" Chant At His Town Hall Is Going Viral This past week, Ms. Rachel addressed world leaders, calling out their silence. "Leaders, be so ashamed of your silence. Be so ashamed that you've seen the same images and videos that we've all seen, but they haven't moved you to do the right thing," she said. "Be so ashamed that you normally speak out for human rights. You normally speak out for children everywhere, but you won't know because they're Palestinian." Ms. Rachel has received some criticism, like from pro-Israel group StopAntisemitism, who asked the DoJ to investigate Ms. Rachel over her posts about Palestinian children, arguing Ms. Rachel has been "remunerated to disseminate Hamas-aligned propaganda to her millions of followers." Ms. Rachel did not respond to the allegations, but made her stance clear in recent posts. "It's not a crime to say the children of Gaza should have food and medical care – it's a crime to keep it from them," she posted. Related: "I Am So Torn With What You Are Doing" — 11 Posts From MAGA Business Owners Who Are So Close To Getting It She also reiterated her stance against all hate. In a post this week, she wrote, "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. Every child, person and every family deserves to feel valued, loved and safe." To NPR, she said the criticism is "painful," but she sticks to her faith and advocacy. "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," she said. "I recently sat down with someone who has a family member that was taken hostage, and sitting with her and hearing the harrowing accounts. Feeling her pain, the anguish, the desperation to get that loved one home, where that loved one belongs, and have the family be complete. If you sat with her as well, if you just sat with her, you would want more than anything for that family to be whole again and them to not be suffering immensely." On social media, her voice does not go unnoticed. "God bless Ms. Rachel. A true inheritor of Mr. Rogers's legacy," one person wrote after another applauded Ms. Rachel for speaking out against leaders who have stayed silent on tragedies in Gaza. "Thank you for using your voice when so many with power choose silence. The children—and all Palestinians—deserve better. May more hearts follow your lead ❤️," another wrote in her comments. "Thank you for being so human," someone else wrote on her video dancing with Rahaf. "As a Jew I just want to say thank you. This shows nothing but insane kindness and compassion. Sending so much love," another said. According to U.N. agencies, of the 40,717 Palestinian bodies identified as of January, one-third – 13,319 — were children. An additional 25,000 have been estimated injured, and another 25,000 hospitalized for malnutrition. You can support and donate to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund here. Also in In the News: People Can't Believe This "Disgusting" Donald Trump Jr. Post About Joe Biden's Cancer Diagnosis Is Real Also in In the News: One Body Language Expert Spotted Something Very Telling When Donald Trump "Held His Own Hand" At His Recent Press Conference Also in In the News: Republicans Are Calling Tim Walz "Tampon Tim," And The Backlash From Women Is Too Good Not To Share
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Why Ms. Rachel Won't Stay Silent About Gaza
Ms. Rachel — the bubbly, sing-songy children's YouTuber personality who has probably caught the affection of a child you know and love — has made it clear that she won't stop speaking up about the children in Gaza, even if it means risking her career. Known off-screen as Rachel Accurso, Ms. Rachel has built a massive brand with over 15 million YouTube subscribers, a Netflix deal, and a line of merchandise. In a recent interview with NPR, when asked if she's received pushback from financial backers about her outspoken stance, she said, "There has been, but I wouldn't be Ms. Rachel if I didn't deeply care about all kids. 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." Ms. Rachel has been speaking out for the kids affected by the tragedy in Gaza since 2024, when she first shared a video fundraising for children in war zones, including those in Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ukraine. Since then, she's only gotten more outspoken, especially in the last month. In May, she shared a series of posts and videos of her meeting Rahaf, a 3-year-old girl who lost both her legs in an airstrike. Rahaf was able to be medically evacuated thanks to the help of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. "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," Ms. Rachel wrote. "Rahaf is now thriving because she has access to medical care, food, water and a safe place to live. It's so clear what we need to give children so they can grow up into healthy, happy adults." Ms. Rachel shared that Rahaf's father and two younger brothers are still in Gaza. Ms. Rachel said Rahaf and her mother, Israa, also a teacher, avoid eating during FaceTime calls with them because the family has so little food. In another post, Ms. Rachel sings and dances with Rahaf in her signature pink T-shirt, blue jean overalls, and ever-cheerful tone. But her caption is somber: "We both love our children with all of our hearts. We want the same thing for them. But my son will have dinner tonight, a story and snuggle with me, school in the morning… and hers won't. If the situation was the other way around, what would I hope Israa would do for me?" This past week, Ms. Rachel addressed world leaders, calling out their silence. "Leaders, be so ashamed of your silence. Be so ashamed that you've seen the same images and videos that we've all seen, but they haven't moved you to do the right thing," she said. "Be so ashamed that you normally speak out for human rights. You normally speak out for children everywhere, but you won't know because they're Palestinian." Ms. Rachel has received some criticism, like from pro-Israel group StopAntisemitism, who asked the DoJ to investigate Ms. Rachel over her posts about Palestinian children, arguing Ms. Rachel has been "remunerated to disseminate Hamas-aligned propaganda to her millions of followers." Ms. Rachel did not respond to the allegations, but made her stance clear in recent posts. "It's not a crime to say the children of Gaza should have food and medical care – it's a crime to keep it from them," she posted. She also reiterated her stance against all hate. In a post this week, she wrote, "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. Every child, person and every family deserves to feel valued, loved and safe." Earlier this year, she expressed condolences to the families of the Israeli embassy staff who were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum. She also shared an Instagram Story in support of the Jewish community after a man attacked a peaceful protest in Boulder, Colorado, that was calling for the release of Israeli hostages. To NPR, she said the criticism is "painful," but she sticks to her faith and advocacy. "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," she said. On social media, her voice does not go unnoticed. "God bless Ms. Rachel. A true inheritor of Mr. Rogers's legacy," one person wrote after another applauded Ms. Rachel for speaking out against leaders who have stayed silent on tragedies in Gaza. "Thank you for using your voice when so many with power choose silence. The children—and all Palestinians—deserve better. May more hearts follow your lead ❤️," another wrote in her comments. "Thank you for being so human," someone else wrote on her video dancing with Rahaf. "As a Jew I just want to say thank you. This shows nothing but insane kindness and compassion. Sending so much love," another said. According to U.N. agencies, of the 40,717 Palestinian bodies identified as of January, one-third – 13,319 — were children. An additional 25,000 have been estimated injured, and another 25,000 hospitalized for malnutrition. You can support and donate to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund here.
Leaders
5 days ago
- 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 Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Ms Rachel shares heartwarming moment with 3-year-old double amputee from Gaza
Ms Rachel shared a sweet moment with a 3-year-old double amputee from Gaza whom she invited onto her show. The YouTube star and children's educator, whose full name is Rachel Accurso, sang one of her trademark songs with Rahaf, who was evacuated from Gaza by the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. She said Rahaf's mother told her that they no longer eat while video chatting with her sons, who are still in Palestine. Accurso has been vocal about her support for children in Gaza as Israel intensifies its attacks. In a tearful video posted on her Instagram, Accurso shared an image of an emaciated Palestinian baby while rocking her own newborn Susannah on her arms.
