World
Beloved Children’s Educator Ms. Rachel Faces Backlash from Pro-Israel Group Over Gaza Aid Advocacy
April 8, 2025 – Rachel Griffin Accurso, widely known as Ms. Rachel, the cherished American children’s educator and YouTube sensation, has found herself at the center of a heated controversy. A pro-Israel advocacy group, StopAntisemitism, has launched a public campaign against her, accusing the beloved figure of spreading “Hamas propaganda” after she voiced concern for […]
April 8, 2025 – Rachel Griffin, widely known as Ms. Rachel, the cherished American children’s educator and YouTube sensation, has found herself at the center of a heated controversy. A pro-Israel advocacy group, StopAntisemitism, has launched a public campaign against her, accusing the beloved figure of spreading “Hamas propaganda” after she voiced concern for the children of Gaza and called for humanitarian aid.
Ms. Rachel’s Heartfelt Shift: Advocating for Gaza’s Children Amid Global Crisis
Ms. Rachel, famous for her cheerful songs and educational videos that captivate toddlers and parents alike, recently stepped beyond her usual content. She shared heartfelt posts highlighting the dire situation in Gaza, where over 15,000 children have reportedly lost their lives since the conflict escalated in October 2023. This figure, sourced from the Gaza Health Ministry and backed by the United Nations and various aid organizations, underscores the devastating toll of the ongoing war. Rachel’s posts were part of a broader charity campaign she initiated to support children affected by humanitarian crises worldwide, including those in Gaza.
However, her compassionate outreach didn’t sit well with StopAntisemitism, a U.S.-based organization known for its hardline stance against perceived criticism of Israel. The group didn’t hold back, claiming Rachel’s references to Gaza’s suffering were biased and ignored the plight of Israeli victims. They’ve even suggested she could be violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a law targeting foreign influence, by allegedly being paid to promote pro-Gaza sentiments—though no evidence has surfaced to support this accusation.
Rachel, in response, opened up about the emotional toll of the backlash. “I’ve faced bullying after trying to help kids in need,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness but resolve. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about kids starving and suffering. I just want to help.” Her campaign, she explained, wasn’t meant to take sides but to shine a light on a humanitarian crisis affecting innocent lives.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate online. Supporters of Ms. Rachel argue she’s being unfairly targeted for showing empathy, with many praising her courage to speak out. “She’s a mom and a teacher—she cares about all kids, not just some,” one fan wrote on social media. Critics, however, echo StopAntisemitism’s claims, accusing her of pushing a one-sided narrative that overlooks the complexities of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
StopAntisemitism’s track record adds another layer to the story. The group has a history of calling out public figures—from activists to celebrities—for statements they deem anti-Israel, often blurring the line between policy critique and antisemitism. Their campaign against Rachel has drawn criticism from those who see it as an overreach, with some labeling it a “smear tactic” meant to silence discussion about Gaza’s humanitarian needs.
For parents and fans, the sight of Ms. Rachel—typically a beacon of joy with her signature headbands and sing-alongs—caught in this storm feels jarring. Her videos, which rack up millions of views, are a lifeline for families seeking educational entertainment. Now, her plea for compassion has thrust her into a polarizing spotlight.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, with aid agencies warning of famine and widespread displacement, Ms. Rachel’s ordeal highlights a broader tension: how public figures navigate speaking out on global issues without igniting backlash. For now, she’s standing firm, focusing on her mission to help kids in crisis, even as the debate around her words rages on.
Business
Israel confirms use of laser weapons to defend against drone attacks
The larger Iron Beam laser, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems Ltd., will be integrated into Israel’s multi-level air defenses in the next six months. The technology has been touted as a cheaper way to repel drones and short-range projectiles, with each interception costing less than . The system, however, still has numerous technical limitations and can’t work in cloudy weather.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comIsrael has deployed laser weapons during its ongoing war to deflect “scores” of aerial attacks, including from drones, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. This is the first time the country has acknowledged the use of directed-energy technologies in the battlefield.The systems were described as a less powerful “prototype” of the 100-kilowatt Iron Beam laser interceptor that will be operational in Israel by the end of the year. The Defence Ministry also released footage of what it said were the lasers intercepting fixed-wing drones in the sky.
The announcement suggests that Israel may soon pull ahead of other countries in the race for laser weapons. Nations have pursued the technology for decades, but efforts to scale lasers have been complicated by significant technical difficulties. The systems were described as a less powerful “prototype” of the 100-kilowatt Iron Beam laser interceptor that will be operational in Israel by the end of the year. The Defence Ministry also released footage of what it said were the lasers intercepting fixed-wing drones in the sky. Israel’s air defenses have faced over 26,000 aerial attacks from missiles, drones and rockets since Oct. 2023. Most of the projectiles, which were fired from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq and Yemen, were intercepted by the Iron Dome and long-range Arrow shield systems. Many drones, however, penetrated its defenses.
Business
Bessent announces ‘substantial progress’ in crucial US-China trade talks
“I’m happy to report that we’ve made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks,” Bessent told reporters.Bessent said he had informed President Donald Trump of the progress of the talks, and there would be a complete briefing on details on Monday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that there had been “substantial progress” in talks between his team and that of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva on defusing a trade war between the world’s two largest economies.Published on May 11, 2025
The talks had continued into a second day on Sunday as both sides discussed how to de-escalate a trade war that threatens to inflict major damage on the world economy.
Business
Fed holds rates steady, flags rising risks of inflation and unemployment
Economic picture
With unemployment still low and demand steady, Fed officials have said they are comfortable keeping rates unchanged until they have a better understanding of where the economy is headed. Trump, however, has repeatedly said the central bank should lower borrowing costs.Trump, meanwhile, has ramped up his criticism of Powell in recent weeks. At one point, Trump said in a social media post that “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!” Federal Reserve officials held interest rates steady for a third-straight meeting and emphasised they see a growing risk of both higher inflation and rising unemployment.Companies scrambled in the first quarter to import merchandise ahead of the tariffs, and a surge in consumer spending in March suggested households also sought to frontload purchases. Key inflation gauges cooled in the month.Chair Jerome Powell will hold a press conference with reporters at 2:30 p.m. in Washington.Powell and his colleagues are determined to keep tariffs from sparking a persistent rise in inflation, and several officials have signaled they would not support lowering interest rates preemptively to protect against a slowing economy.The S&P 500 index of US stocks and Treasury yields fell following the announcement, while the dollar pared gains.“Uncertainty about the economic outlook has increased further,” the Federal Open Market Committee said in a statement Wednesday at the conclusion of a two-day meeting in Washington. “The committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate and judges that the risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation have risen.”
Published on May 8, 2025
Economic picture
The central bank announced Tuesday that Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid would miss the May meeting due to the recent death of his wife. Kansas City was represented by First Vice President Kim Robbins. Schmid’s vote passed to alternate member Neel Kashkari, president of the Minneapolis Fed.“Although swings in net exports have affected the data, recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace,” the statement said.President Donald Trump‘s trade policy has unleashed a wave of uncertainty across the economy. While the levies are still being negotiated, economists widely expect the expansive tariffs to boost inflation and weigh on growth. That would pit policymakers’ two goals – price stability and maximum employment – against one another.Trump, meanwhile, has ramped up his criticism of Powell in recent weeks. At one point, Trump said in a social media post that “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!” Companies scrambled in the first quarter to import merchandise ahead of the tariffs, and a surge in consumer spending in March suggested households also sought to frontload purchases. Key inflation gauges cooled in the month.Officials voted unanimously to keep the benchmark federal funds rate in a range of 4.25 per cent to 4.5 per cent, where it has been since December.
Economists say it will take time for the full effect of the new tariffs to work through the economy. So far, the impact has mainly included a sharp decline in sentiment and a surge in imports. The US economy contracted at the start of the year for the first time since 2022, but a gauge of underlying demand stayed firm.The S&P 500 index of US stocks and Treasury yields fell following the announcement, while the dollar pared gains.But the president has since insisted that he does not intend to fire Powell.
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