"Silence wasn’t a choice for me”: Children’s Star Ms. Rachel Speaks Out for Gaza’s Youngest Victims

“Please Look at Her Eyes”: Ms. Rachel’s Emotional Plea for Gaza’s Children

American YouTube star and educator Ms. Rachel, best known for her wholesome “Songs for Littles” videos, has emerged as an unexpected yet powerful voice for Gaza’s suffering children. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she called on world leaders to break their silence, following a UN warning that 14,000 babies in Gaza could face starvation within 48 hours if Israel’s blockade persists.

“Please, everyone say something for these babies. Please, leaders, say something,” she implored, cradling her newborn while showing the image of a severely malnourished Palestinian infant. “World leaders, please help this baby. Just look at her eyes for one minute. If you do, you’ll know this isn’t right.”

“You Can’t Kill 15,000 Kids and Let 14,000 Starve”

The UN’s humanitarian chief recently warned of the catastrophic toll Israel’s siege is taking on children in Gaza. Since March 2, Israel has blocked aid deliveries, allowing only a small convoy recently, what UN officials called “a drop in the ocean.” Responding with urgency, Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, spoke out.

“Whatever is keeping you from standing up for these children — who are starving, injured, and undergoing amputations without anesthesia — is not greater than your humanity,” she said. “You have to see these children as what they are: precious children of God.”

Why Gaza? “Our Compassion Doesn’t Have Borders”

When questioned by journalist Mehdi Hasan in a now-viral interview about why she speaks up specifically for children in Gaza, Ms. Rachel replied with heartfelt conviction.

“Silence wasn’t a choice for me,” she said. “As a teacher, you love all children — Jewish, Muslim, Christian. They love to play, they love to laugh. They deserve to grow up happy and safe. Our compassion should never have borders.”

She recalled being haunted by the voice of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, and a video of a boy staring blankly at a wall after losing his entire family.

Deceased Palestinian Infant in the ‘Rainbow Onesie,’ Image by Ali Jadallah

“And then there was a child in a rainbow onesie… my daughter has the same one. I had to give it away. You see that, and it just doesn’t make sense. We know what children need to grow up healthy — and this is the opposite of that.”

Pro-Israel Lobby Targets Ms. Rachel Amid Backlash

Ms. Rachel’s advocacy hasn’t gone unchallenged. The group StopAntisemitism — known for publicly naming those it accuses of antisemitism — has called on the US Department of Justice to investigate her under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The group claims her social media posts supporting Gaza’s children may be part of an effort to spread “Hamas-aligned propaganda.”

The accusation, though serious in tone, appears legally dubious, as Ms. Rachel is not alleged to be affiliated with any foreign government or organisation. Furthermore, she has only shared widely verified content, including UN-corroborated casualty figures and viral images of injured or starving children.

“I care deeply for all children — Israeli, Palestinian, American. The idea that caring about one group means you don’t care about others is simply false,” she said.

Humanitarian First, Educator Always

Since launching her YouTube channel in 2019, Ms. Rachel has earned a devoted following for her early childhood education videos — a role that she says makes her especially attuned to children’s suffering.

Ms Rachel with 3-year-old double amputee, Rahaf, from Gaza

She previously raised over US$50,000 through a Cameo fundraiser for Save the Children, with proceeds supporting children in conflict zones, including Gaza. Despite online attacks accusing her of neglecting Israeli victims, Save the Children does not operate in Israel, a nation with robust infrastructure and aid access.

Watch her videos here:

@msrachelforlittles

I was so honored to spend time with Rahaf from Gaza. Rahaf is a 3-year-old double amputee who lost her legs in an airstrike. She’s absolutely adorable and the most loving, smart, playful little girl.🥹💕 I am so thankful to @The PCRF for facilitating her medical evacuation. They are my heroes! I will link to them in my bio. 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. 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. I was also honored to spend time with Rahaf’s wonderful mom, Israa. She is a teacher as well. We FaceTimed with Rahaf’s two adorable, young brothers who are still Gaza with their dad. I watched her look at them proudly, like I look at my son. I imagined myself holding up the phone in the US with my daughter, now a double amputee from an airstrike, away from my son and husband in Gaza, unable to help them – unable to feed them and keep them safe. Israa and Rahaf don’t eat in front of the boys anymore on FaceTime because there’s so little food there. Israa and I both love our children with all of our hearts. We’re both teachers who know what kids need to thrive. We want the same things for our sweet babies. But my son will have dinner tonight, a story and snuggle with me, school in the morning and hers won’t. It’s so clear what needs to be done for kids in Gaza by the global community. We know treating children like they are being treated in Gaza isn’t right morally and ethically. We know it in our souls and hearts. It doesn’t align with the teachings of our religions. We also have so much research on brain development that shows how trauma and malnutrition during the first three years of life can have life long consequences. Leaders who are silent and not helping these children, you should be ashamed. Your silence will be remembered. Help my friends, like sweet Rahaf, now. Proud to be married to Mr Aron, who brought her so much joy and so many giggles! #gaza #msrachel

♬ original sound – Ms Rachel