Who Is Ms Rachel And Why Is She Refusing To Work With Creators Who Stay Silent on Gaza?

Children's content creator Rachel Griffin Accurso, better known online as Ms. Rachel, shared a personal message on 24 July announcing she will no longer collaborate with fellow creators who have stayed silent on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The 41-year-old educator made the announcement through a post on Instagram, expressing disappointment with influencers who, despite their large platforms and privilege, have chosen not to speak up as the war in Gaza continues.

'I Will Always Choose Kindness, But...'

In her post, Ms. Rachel wrote: 'I will always choose kindness, but I will never understand your silence ... I especially can't understand those with so much privilege - the uncancelable - who still remain in the shadows.'

The message, while composed and respectful, was firm. It drew widespread attention online, with thousands of comments both supporting and debating her stance. For Accurso, the issue is not politics it's people, and particularly children, caught in crisis.

This is not the first time she has used her platform to speak out. Over the past year, she has repeatedly raised awareness about the impact of conflict on children in Gaza, sharing stories and images in an attempt to center the human cost.

Who Is Ms Rachel?

Ms. Rachel is the creator and star of Songs for Littles, a popular YouTube channel designed to support speech and language development in toddlers. Her videos are widely praised for their educational value, with content focusing on nursery rhymes, emotional learning, and early vocabulary.

With nearly 15 million subscribers, she has become a household name for millions of parents not just in the US, but around the world. Her videos are gentle, inclusive, and widely regarded as a gold standard for screen time in early childhood.

Originally a music teacher, Accurso holds a master's degree in early childhood education. She has built her brand on warmth, empathy, and direct communication with children. Now, she's extending that same tone to global issues particularly those affecting young lives.

Advocacy and Accusations

Ms. Rachel's support for Palestinian children has not gone unnoticed. In April, the group StopAntisemitism called for an investigation into whether she was being funded to 'spread anti-Israel propaganda.' The group accused her of amplifying misleading content and targeting Israel unfairly.

In an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan on Zeteo, Accurso rejected the accusations. 'It should be controversial to not say anything,' she said. 'My advocacy doesn't come from a place of antisemitism. It comes from empathy.'

She explained that her concern stems from seeing children in pain—children like Rahaf, a three-year-old girl from Gaza who lost both legs in an airstrike. 'When I saw pictures of Rahaf on the hospital floor, I saw the devastating consequences of endless bombing and continuous violations of children's human rights,' she said.

Drawing the Line

Despite criticism, Ms. Rachel has remained outspoken and her latest post signals a firmer stance. She now says she will no longer work with creators who choose silence. Her decision, she says, comes from a place of responsibility.

'I've been blessed with this platform,' she wrote. 'And children feel that I care about them all of them through the screen. Because it's genuine.'

Accurso has also partnered with Save the Children to highlight humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, including Gaza. Her message isn't about sides, it's about children. And for Ms. Rachel, that's non-negotiable.