Love, Courage, and a Half Heart: Why Ms. Rachel Is Standing With Gaza’s Children
Beloved children’s educator Ms. Rachel has begun using her platform to share photos and stories from Gaza, raising awareness about the immense suffering children are experiencing there
Known for her educational videos that have become a staple in many young children’s lives, Ms. Rachel is now speaking out about the ongoing crisis in Gaza — and advocating for the children caught in it.
Using Her Voice For A Cause
In the last few months, Ms. Rachel or Rachel Accurso worked on special episodes featuring a young girl named Rahaf Saed, who lost both legs in an Israeli strike in 2024. But Rachel went further. She has been posting support and calls out to different leaders worldwide to help the families affected by the continuing war.
Ms. Rachel has also launched a social media campaign on Instagram called #HalfHeartsForGaza, showing half of a heart to show the world that the families affected by the war in Gaza matter.
In an interview with Christiane Amanpour on CNN, Rachel admitted that she was initially worried about the backlash that would come for speaking up on the humanitarian crisis. Although she’s no expert, Rachel emphasized her background as an educator.
“ I’ve worked with children my whole life for 20 years. I knew that what I was seeing was wrong, and I had to say something. I did pray about it,” she said.
Christiane also played a video of two kids watching her show via phone in what was once their home, but was destroyed. Ms. Rachel said that the footage moved her heart.
“ That I could bring a little bit of joy in the midst of unimaginable suffering, that I could be there for them during a genocide. Kids every day message me voice memos.”
She recalled one message where a girl asked her if she would stay with her because her family had been killed.
“Seeing that, and seeing the little ones watching in tents and watching in the rubble, I’m just so grateful that I can be there for them, and I know what my responsibility is as someone who has this platform to stand up for them.”
Facing Backlash But Staying True
During the interview, Ms. Rachel also answered questions about an Instagram post where she expressed her thoughts on people’s reactions to the war.
“ I think in your advocacy journey, sometimes you get frustrated because it feels like you’re in a nightmare, saying ‘Hey, 18,000 kids have been killed,’” she said.
“ You just try so hard to get people to move… but I have to hold on to hope for them.”
Ms. Rachel adds that she also thinks about the development of the kids. “So 0 to 3 the brain – it’s such a critical time. If you’re exposing children to trauma and malnutrition, it can have effects for a lifetime, and I’m thinking about all those little ones who aren’t getting that chance. And don’t we, as grown-ups, have a responsibility to give all children that chance? I don’t believe that deep care and that responsibility ends at our own children.”
Empathy for All Children
Ms. Rachel admits that it’s tough given the backlash she has received in speaking for the Palestinian children, and even emphasized that she also supports the Israeli kids who were traumatized by the war.
“The dehumanization is painful, but I have so much empathy for an Israeli mom waiting for her child to come home. And I have so much empathy for the people of Gaza losing their families and these little ones,” she said.
She shared hopeful updates about children like Raja, who was able to come to the U.S., receive a prosthetic, and begin therapy to walk again.
Ms. Rachel said that people have to think about what they would do if they were in the position of the families.
“I feel for everyone, and I know who I am. I think the backlash it’s painful, but then you have to be like “I know who I am and I know what’s right.”
Despite the criticism, Ms. Rachel appreciates those who rally behind her and, at the same time, understand those who may not agree with her.
In an interview published by The Guardian last June, Ms. Rachel said that she will continue to speak up for the children.
“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,” she told WBUR.
What It Means for Parents and Kids
Even with the backlash she has gotten, Ms. Rachel remained adamant in helping people. Families, especially parents, see her as a person who is not only educating kids but also teaching them the importance of kindness, love, and friendship, values that many need today amid so much chaos.
It’s easy to lash out because of the news about the crisis, but Ms. Rachel found the opportunity to reach out and help those in need. She used her platform to give a bit of joy to children, not only starving for food but also for care and love.
Ms. Rachel could have closed her eyes and talked about other things, but she is also a mother of kids, and she knows what hardships look like. In a time when people are often asked to look the other way, Ms. Rachel didn’t and spoke up. This is why she is commendable not only for using her platform but also for reminding the basic values people often forget.
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