KEY POINTS
- Rachel Accurso, known as “Ms. Rachel,” has been honoured for her advocacy and impact on children worldwide.
- Accurso uses her platform to raise awareness and support for vulnerable children.
- Accurso says that “kids’ lives are more important than [her] reputation.”
ISLAMABAD: Rachel Accurso, the beloved children’s entertainer known to millions as “Ms. Rachel,” has earned a prestigious spot on Glamour Magazine’s annual Women of the Year list, honoured for her vast influence and unwavering advocacy for vulnerable children around the globe.
With over 17 million subscribers on YouTube and nearly 8 million followers on TikTok, Accurso has turned her platform into a beacon of support for children in conflict zones, including Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.
Her journey began six years ago, when she started posting songs to help her young son Thomas through a speech delay. Today, her songs and iconic look, characterized by bright colours and a joyful energy, have become a brand recognized by toddlers everywhere.
Also Read: Ms Rachel Stands by Her Support for Gaza’s Children
In an exclusive interview with Glamour, Accurso shared that her childhood dreams of working with kids and being a singer have come true through her digital presence. “I wanted to work with children and sing,” she said. “And now, I’m living my dream.”
Accurso’s activism extends far beyond her YouTube videos. She is a vocal advocate for children affected by war, particularly in Gaza, where she has regularly spoken out against the toll of conflict on young lives.
As a global ambassador for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), Accurso has not only provided financial support but also spent time with children the PCRF brings to the US for medical treatment.
Her heartfelt connection with Rahaf, a four-year-old double amputee from Gaza, has been a testament to her deep commitment to making a difference.
Reflecting on her influences, Accurso credited Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood fame as her source of inspiration.
“I can’t accept the comparison [to Rogers] because it’s just too much pressure,” she humbly remarked. “But I’m honoured to be in the same sentence as him.”
Despite facing significant backlash, including accusations of anti-Semitism from pro-Israel lobbyists due to her outspoken views on Gaza, Accurso remains resolute in her mission.
“Kids’ lives are more important than my reputation,” she said, emphasizing the importance of standing up for the innocent children suffering in conflict zones. “I imagine myself as a mother whose child is going through that, and that keeps me going.”
In a powerful addition to the Women of the Year list, actress Rachel Zegler, also known for her outspoken support of Gaza, joins Accurso.
Zegler, whose public feud with Israeli actress Gal Gadot made headlines last year, has been a vocal critic of the violence in Gaza. “I can’t watch children die,” Zegler told Variety.
As Israel’s war on Gaza continues, claiming tens of thousands of lives and displacing millions, Accurso and other advocates like Zegler are shining a light on the plight of children, raising awareness and calling for action.
Despite the ceasefire agreement made earlier this month, the situation remains tense, with sporadic Israeli strikes still affecting the region.
The voices of Accurso, Zegler, and others are a reminder of the enduring need to prioritize the safety and well-being of the world’s most vulnerable.
