Ms. Rachel Named Finalist for ‘Antisemite of the Year,’ Drawing Backlash and Support

Beloved children’s entertainer and YouTube star Rachel Griffin Accurso better known as Ms. Rachel has been named a finalist in StopAntisemitism’s controversial “Antisemite of the Year” campaign, thrusting the Songs for Littles creator into the center of a political storm.

The nonprofit watchdog group cited Ms. Rachel’s social media posts about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including images attributing starvation to Israel and a public appearance wearing a dress adorned with art by Palestinian children. Critics also pointed to her invitation to Palestinian journalist Motaz Azaiza who has openly supported Hamas as a guest on her show.

StopAntisemitism’s inclusion of Ms. Rachel has sparked fierce backlash and intense debate. While the group filed a DOJ complaint earlier this year accusing her of failing to register as a foreign agent, the YouTube star has maintained that her advocacy is humanitarian, not political.

“All children have the right to food, water, medical care and education. All children should be protected from violence,” she wrote in April. In an interview with The New York Times, she rejected allegations of antisemitism, stating her focus is solely on the wellbeing of children caught in conflict zones.

Her supporters, including Rep. Ro Khanna, denounced the nomination as “a smear,” arguing Ms. Rachel is being targeted for expressing concern for suffering civilians.

The annual campaign by StopAntisemitism selects ten public figures across politics, media, and entertainment for alleged antisemitic rhetoric or actions. Previous “winners” have included Kanye West, Candace Owens, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. This year’s top-10 list features figures like Tucker Carlson, Cenk Uygur, Cynthia Nixon, Ana Kasparian, and MMA fighter Bryce Mitchell, who has denied the Holocaust.

Three finalists will be selected for a public vote in the coming days, with the group expected to announce the “winner” by year’s end.

Ms. Rachel’s inclusion despite her background in early childhood education and widespread acclaim for her inclusive content has ignited broader conversations about where advocacy ends and extremism begins. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.