Children’s content creator Rachel Griffin Accurso, widely known as Ms. Rachel, has been placed on the “Antisemite of the Year” list by pro-Israel lobbying group “StopAntisemitism” after her post about suffering of Gaza’s children.
The decision has ignited fierce debate across social media and political circles, with critics questioning why a preschool educator has been targeted while prominent far-right figures were excluded.
“StopAntisemitism” announced its finalists on 1 December, encouraging followers to vote for their choice. Alongside Ms. Rachel, nominees included conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, actress Cynthia Nixon, and UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell.
The group’s avoidance of openly antisemite live streamer Nick Fuentes prompted further criticism, with Fuentes himself mocking his exclusion.
The controversy stems from Ms. Rachel’s decision to use her platform, which reaches millions of families worldwide, to highlight the suffering of Palestinian children in Gaza.
She has shared videos of traumatised children Palestinian children, including those injured in Israeli bombings, and raised more than $50,000 for humanitarian causes earlier this year.
In January, she revealed she had faced harassment and bullying online after launching the fundraiser, which supported Save the Children and other relief efforts.
In April, “StopAntisemitism” group escalated its campaign against her by sending a letter to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging she was spreading “propaganda” and questioning whether she was being paid to promote pro-Palestine content. The organisation suggested this could violate laws designed to prevent covert foreign influence.
Ms. Rachel has defended her actions, stating she felt compelled to speak out after seeing footage of a Palestinian child who survived an Israeli airstrike. “Children have human rights. These rights are not just for some children, they are for all children,” she wrote in response to the accusations.
The backlash against “StopAntisemitism’s” list has been swift. US Congressman Ro Khanna commented on X: “Ms. Rachel is a preschool teacher who speaks up for starving children in Gaza. That is not antisemitism. I hope thousands will join me in standing up for her”.
Human rights advocates argue that the inclusion of Ms. Rachel reflects a growing trend of conflating criticism of Israel’s military actions with antisemitism.
Supporters say her work has brought global attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands of children have been killed or injured during ongoing conflict.
The debate underscores the polarised climate surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in the United States, where public figures face increasing scrutiny for their positions.
For Ms. Rachel, the controversy has transformed her from a beloved children’s educator into a lightning rod in one of the world’s most contentious political debates.
Sources: The Independent, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Yahoo News, Al Jazeera
