Children’s YouTuber Ms. Rachel, real name Rachel Griffin Accurso, sparked controversy with accusations of racism aimed at celebrities and leaders. She claimed their silence on the deaths of Palestinian children in Gaza reflects a racial double standard in valuing children’s lives.
Accurso criticized those who have not publicly spoken about the war, suggesting they would likely react if the children were White. On Instagram, she challenged individuals to stop being racist and take risks. Her statements come after podcaster Avi Lichtschein confronted her for labeling Israel’s actions against Hamas as “genocide.” Lichtschein emphasized the importance of considering the impact of her rhetoric due to her massive audience.
Accurso divided public figures into two groups: those vocal about Palestinian children’s plight and those remaining silent, implying a hierarchy in valuing children’s lives. Her comments contrast these two types of celebrities and leaders, pointing out that some believe Palestinian children’s lives are not worthwhile.
A June report from the United Nations’ Independent International Commission of Inquiry found that at least 20,179 Palestinian children were killed and 44,143 injured between the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the commission’s reporting period through March 31. The commission accused Israeli forces of intentionally targeting children, labeling these acts as genocide. Despite this, Israel rejected the commission’s findings, citing flaws in its methods. The Israeli government argued that the report contained extensive errors.
Ms. Rachel’s activism, including her use of “genocide” regarding the conflict in Gaza, has drawn scrutiny. Reports surfaced about her liking an antisemitic Instagram comment, which she attributed to an accident. In a statement to Fox News, she repudiated antisemitism, insisting her advocacy is rooted in concern for all people.
She has previously expressed horror over the events of October 7, denying that her advocacy for Palestinians implies disregard for Israeli children. Elizabeth Barcohana of the California Republican Party criticized Ms. Rachel, labeling her outrage as fake and selective, accusing her of sanitizing terrorism. Barcohana warned that Ms. Rachel’s actions misrepresent the situation, manipulating her audience with misleading information.
The source of her figures comes from the ‘Gaza Ministry of Health,’ identified by Barcohana as Hamas. She argued that Ms. Rachel overlooked distinctions between innocent children and those involved in combat, as well as the causes of deaths, which include various sources of violence.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Federations of North America for comment. The response was not received immediately.