When the United States passed the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and then the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, it seemed like the days of restaurants, movie theaters, and places of entertainment being able to refuse service to anyone were far behind us. But some recent incident in New York City with Ms. Rachel was denied service in three venues. This kind of conduct is illegal as it violates the 1964 federal law that bans discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin in public places and places of entertainment.

However, businesses have the right to refuse service only for reasons like disruptive behavior or violating dress codes. Restaurants are also not permitted to refuse service on the basis of national origin or citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, and veteran status.

Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Anne Accurso, is an American educator, singer, songwriter, and YouTuber known for her engaging children's content focused on language. She earned a master's degree in music education from New York University and is currently pursuing a second master's degree in early childhood education, according to Wikipedia. 

Ms. Rachel is like YouTube's Mr. Rogers with millions of subscribers and billions of views. Recently, she Rachel invited Rahaf, a 3 y/o Palestinian child from Gaza along with her mother to come visit and stay with her in NYC. Rahaf who is double amputee is currently living now with her mother in Missouri while receiving medical treatment. Miss Rachel wanted to celebrate Rahaf's birthday and wants Rahaf to have her best day ever.

Ms. Rachel shared on Instagram that she attempted to rent three venues in New York to celebrate Rahaf’s birthday but was turned away three times. She made sure to state that there would be no press, no photos, no videos, and that she would rent out that whole venue for the birthday of a girl who was evacuated from Gaza so that they can try and make it extra special. 

Video # 1 Bing VideosMs. Rachel DENIED By THREE VENUES For Gaza Child's Birthday Party

* The first business owner stated that she would have to think about it because it’s ‘really complicated,’ leaving Ms. Rachel heartbroken trying to find another spot.

* The second spot agreed but then canceled just two days later due to “the safety of our staff.” 

* The third venue she said didn’t want Palestinians from Gaza there, which is illegal.

*  Finally, on the fourth try, a business was ecstatic to have Rahaf, where they ended up having the birthday party.

*  Mainstream media did not cover the story.

* Of course, President Trump did not tweet about it.

What if Miss Rachel or Rafah were Jewish Israelis who are in the US for medical treatment?

I wonder about the same thing myself and here what exactly happened last July in Okland, California, when the perceived victim is Jewish, please read here. An Oakland, California Jerusalem Coffee House was sued by the Trump administration for allegedly asking the customer wearing a Star of David ball cap to leave the shop. The SF Standard found out the customer's name Jonathan Hirsch who posted a curiously long history of smartphone-recorded arguments that were often posted online.

A copy of the press release from Department of Justice website.

"The U.S. Department of Justice went ballistic then filed a lawsuit against claims that the owner Fathi Abdulrahim Harara (a Gaza native. That is mine and not the DOP) and the coffee house's management discriminated against Jewish customers through accommodations, and privileges. The lawsuit includes allegations of confrontations with Jewish customers including one where Harara told a customer to leave after spotting a Star of David on his hat. The coffee house's menu also includes drinks with names that have been interpreted as a reference to Hamas, such as 'Sweet Sinwar' and 'Iced In Tea Fada.' The lawsuit aims to combat anti-Semitism and discrimination and protect the civil rights of all Americans." 

Honestly, this strikes as a stunt to make a quick buck through questionable and unethical means.

Video # 2Bing VideosKid's Show Host Ms. Rachel Criticized for Support of Palestinian Children's Causes

“It is illegal, intolerable, and reprehensible for any American business open to the public to refuse to serve Jewish customers,” said at that time Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Through our vigorous enforcement of Title II of the Civil Rights Act and other laws prohibiting race and religious discrimination, the Justice Department is committed to combatting anti-Semitism and discrimination and protecting the civil rights of all Americans.” Does Assistant AAT Dhillon now feel the same way that Mis. Rachel and Rahaf were denied equal protection under the law? The DOJ cannot hide its bias in Mis. Rachel case and will discard it as not worthy of their time.

After AG Pam Bundi announced the lawsuit on Fox News against JCH, every mainstream newspaper and TV network covered the story. That begs the question, would AG Bundi condemn this illegal treatment of Mis. Rachel and Rahaf? Would AG Bundi express the same kind of outrage against those NYC venues and investigate them for discrimination and violating the civil rights of Mis. Rachel. As the saying goes, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. On a lighter note, I just found out that Mis. Rachel was nominated by Glamour magazine as Woman of the Year for 2025, which is a well-deserved distinction.

 Video # 3
Bing VideosChildren's YouTube star Ms Rachel meets girl from Gaza | AJ#shorts

Mahmoud El-Youseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He writes on U.S. foreign policy, Middle East affairs, and justice. Email: elyousseph6@yahoo.com