Unfortunately, in this current societal moment, it feels like showing empathy and caring for others simply on the basis of humanity is often perceived as “woke” or “radical.” The online backlash to public figures who express concern, especially on what are viewed as political issues, shows how much attitudes toward such actions have hardened. In this era, Ms. Rachel (Rachel Accurso), a YouTube personality and teacher adored by parents and children alike, demonstrates what it looks like when someone with privilege uses their platform for more than personal gain, even when they are harshly demonized for doing so.
For those unfamiliar, Ms. Rachel has built a massive following through her songs and educational videos for children. Her gentle encouragement and commitment to kindness have made her a household name. She has long championed inclusivity and early childhood development, helping families navigate the often overwhelming world of parenting and learning. Over the past year, she has expanded her advocacy efforts, which has brought her both support and criticism.
As the genocide in Gaza continues, attacks remain ongoing. Schools, homes, hospitals and businesses have been flattened, and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. While many public figures have not spoken about the immense human toll, Ms. Rachel has used her online presence to call for empathy and highlight the suffering, especially among children in Gaza.
Her activism goes beyond reposting on Instagram or making the advocacy about herself. Instead, she elevates the voices of those most affected. She shares stories, experiences and resources from Palestinian families and children’s advocates, including the story of Rahaf, a young girl who had both legs amputated due to an Israeli airstrike. Ms. Rachel not only highlights Rahaf’s story but also does what she is best at, allowing Rahaf to simply be a child through singing and dancing.
It is telling that her advocacy, centred on compassion and care for children, has been met with accusations of being too political or too “woke.” But in the face of criticism, Ms. Rachel has stayed true to her values. As she explained in an interview with Glamour, “My love and care for children doesn’t stop at my own children. It doesn’t stop at the children in our country. It embraces every child of the world.”
I remember being asked on more than one occasion by people aware that I do pro-Palestinian advocacy if I was Palestinian. While it was never explicitly stated why they were asking, it was clear that if I was not, they wondered why I cared about the issue so much. The idea that people might go out of their way to help others on the basis of shared humanity, rather than something like nationality, seemed difficult for some to understand. I mention this not to centre myself, but to illustrate that, despite our increased technological connectivity, it can feel like people are more disconnected than ever when it comes to empathy and care for one another.
In her Instagram posts, Ms. Rachel has made clear that human rights are being treated like a joke by many, and she will not be silent or allow that to continue unchallenged. She stated plainly that “wanting kids to not be killed” should not be met with unfounded claims that she is being paid by Hamas to speak out about the atrocities unfolding for children in Gaza.
It is not new that any issue more often than not will be met with opposition. However, the growing and vocal opposition to human rights is particularly dangerous. Whether it is Palestine, growing income inequality, climate change or any other current issue, complacency will solve nothing. The loudest voices in the world, like those trying to silence Ms. Rachel, only continue to win when we remain uneducated and disconnected from one another’s struggles.
While this can be heavy and disheartening to discuss, advocates like Ms. Rachel still have many supporters. She was recently recognized by Glamour as one of their 2025 Women of the Year at an event where she wore a dress depicting the artwork of children from Gaza. About the drawings, Ms. Rachel said, “I’m carrying their stories in my heart. They all know about the dress, and they’re so excited.” Along with this recognition, she has the support of many everyday people, with 4.3 million followers on Instagram and an outpouring of encouragement online.
Ms. Rachel is an example we should all strive to follow. While most of us may not have the same level of influence, her unwavering compassion should be replicated by people everywhere.
