By Saumya V.
Rachel Anne Accurso, also known as Ms. Rachel, is an educator and specialist in child development. She is best known for her educational videos on YouTube for infants, toddlers and young children. She not only promotes education for children but also advocates for children’s rights all over the world:
“I wouldn’t be true to myself if I didn’t use my platform to speak out for every child, everywhere,”
– Ms. Rachel
Accurso is the global ambassador for Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), an organization she has worked closely with in supporting fundraising efforts. She has received backlash and even accusations of antisemitism for showing support to children in Gaza and the middle east.
“I have so much empathy for an Israeli mom, waiting for her child to come home,” she expressed in an interview. Despite expressing support and empathy for Israeli children who are also suffering due to the war, she still faces criticism from pro-Israel groups, with one such group going as far as to label her the “antisemite of the week”.
These groups by far do not represent the views of all Jewish, or even all Israeli people. Many members of the Jewish community support Ms. Rachel or at least think it’s wrong to group her with the likes of actual antisemites. When asked for comment on these accusations, Ms. Rachel responded, “The backlash, it’s painful but…I know who I am and I know what’s right.”
In times of crisis and war, genuine advocates for children like Ms. Rachel deserve positive recognition. During her acceptance speech for Woman of the Year 2025, Ms. Rachel called to prioritize children’s safety, education, and basic rights, extending care beyond borders.