Mays Rachel: The American influencer who sided with the children of Gaza
From educational content aimed at children to a global platform for humanitarian solidarity, American influencer Rachel Akorsu, known as "Miss Rachel," has become one of the most prominent American figures to leverage her fame to speak about the suffering of Palestinian children in Gaza. Rachel commands a massive audience, with her YouTube channel surpassing 21 million subscribers. In recent years, her name has become closely associated with fundraising campaigns and efforts to highlight the plight of children affected by the war.
In 2025, the "Palestinian Children Relief Foundation" announced the appointment of Miss Rachel as its Global Ambassador, following her collaboration with the organization in campaigns supporting Palestinian children. Her association with the foundation was further strengthened through the stories of Palestinian children who received treatment and care, including the young girl "Rahaf," who lost both legs in a bombing in Gaza and was transported to the United States for treatment through the foundation's programs. Rachel appeared alongside Rahaf, a move that integrated the girl's story into her broader public message regarding children affected by war. The attached file highlights Rachel's appearance with Rahaf and her emphasis on the girl's story.
In September 2026, Miss Rachel announced a donation of one million dollars to the "Palestinian Children Relief Foundation." This gesture came after American rapper Mac Miller announced he would donate one million dollars from the net profits of his tour with Ed Sheeran to organizations providing aid to Palestinians. Rachel stated that she would match Mac Miller's donation, calling on other wealthy and influential figures to make similar contributions to support Palestinian children.
Her donation is part of a series of stances in which she has used her extensive platform to raise funds and raise awareness about the humanitarian situation of children in Gaza, following her previous participation in fundraising campaigns for war-affected children. Rachel's positions have not been without criticism; she has faced campaigns from pro-Israel groups due to her posts and statements regarding Palestinian children in Gaza.
In April 2025, the organization "StopAntisemitism" called on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Rachel, questioning whether her posts related to Gaza could constitute activity on behalf of a foreign entity. It was unclear at the time whether the Department of Justice would open an investigation, and the organization did not provide evidence to substantiate this claim. Rachel responded by stating that she cares about children on all sides, emphasizing that her focus on Palestinian children is part of her ongoing work advocating for children's rights.
She has also faced accusations of antisemitism from pro-Israel entities due to her stance on Gaza, allegations which Rachel denies. In her public statements, she asserts that she distinguishes between supporting Palestinian rights and targeting Jews or engaging in antisemitism.
Rachel began her career by providing educational content for preschoolers before her channel evolved into a global digital phenomenon. As her audience grew, she used the same platform to address issues related to children and their rights, including those affected by the war in Gaza. Rachel says she is prepared to bear the consequences of her positions and will continue to speak about the suffering of children in Gaza, despite the criticism she has faced.
Thus, the name "Miss Rachel" has become associated not only with educational content for children but also with humanitarian activism that has sparked widespread debate in the United States, particularly as she has transitioned from awareness campaigns and fundraising to assuming an official role as the Global Ambassador for a foundation dedicated to Palestinian children.
