This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Since its founding in 2018, the StopAntisemitism organization has positioned itself as a prominent watchdog, dedicated to exposing individuals and groups accused of inciting hatred toward Jewish people and the State of Israel. The organization actively monitors and calls out public figures, celebrities, lawmakers, and politicians who, in its view, engage in or promote antisemitic behavior. Each year, StopAntisemitism hosts a public vote on its website to determine the “Anti-Semite of the Year,” drawing significant attention and sparking conversation within the broader community.
On November 30, the organization announced the ten finalists for the 2024 “Anti-Semite of the Year” on its Instagram page. The finalists were selected through a nomination and voting process that involved public participation. Notable names on this year’s list include Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian, political commentators for The Young Turks media platform; Tucker Carlson, a controversial political commentator formerly with Fox News; and Guy Christensen, a TikTok influencer known for his outspoken views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The inclusion of such high-profile figures has fueled further debate about the boundaries of free speech and the definition of antisemitism in today’s polarized climate.
Most of those named on the list are political figures, activists, journalists, or commentators whose platforms are closely tied to their political perspectives. However, one of the most controversial additions this year was Ms. Rachel—a YouTube educator known for creating content for toddlers. In her videos, she teaches a variety of topics, frequently using music as an educational tool.
Rachel Griffin-Accurso, a retired teacher and mother best known for her “Songs for Littles” series, was a surprising inclusion for many observers. In the post naming her as a finalist, StopAntisemitism stated that she had spread “Hamas-aligned propaganda.”
The controversy has raised questions about the specific actions that led to her inclusion on the list.
Griffin-Accurso has been vocal in her advocacy for children in Gaza, using her platform to highlight the experiences of Gazan children and raise funds for those in need. In 2024, she launched a fundraiser via the video platform Cameo to support children in several conflict areas, including Gaza. This initiative drew criticism from some individuals and groups, particularly those who support Israel in the conflict, with comments on her posts suggesting she was disregarding the plight of Israeli hostages and children.
In another instance, she featured a Palestinian child, Rahaf—a three-year-old double amputee from Gaza—in one of her videos. After seeing clips of Rahaf watching her show, Ms. Rachel arranged to meet her and record a video of them singing together. The experience, which occurred shortly after Ms. Rachel learned she had young fans living in war zones, underscored her stated commitment to supporting children affected by conflict.
She has also been outspoken about the suffering of children in Palestine, which has ruffled many feathers. Her actions have drawn both praise and criticism. Even a writer for City Journal wrote an article accusing her of various things, including “hating Israel” and posting “anti-Israel messages.“
Despite this, Ms. Rachel has reiterated her message that all children should be protected and has supported this claim through her actions and advocacy.