Killarney for Palestine will present the County Kerry premiere screening of the critically acclaimed film The Voice of Hind Rajab at The Brehon Hotel on Sunday, February 22, at 18:30.

The exclusive community event brings one of the most decorated films of the year to Killarney following its success on the international awards circuit.
The film has recently secured a BAFTA nomination, adding to its previous Academy Award and Golden Globe nods. A Tunisian-French co-production, it tells the true story of Hind Rajab, who was killed in Gaza.
The production is noted for incorporating actual voice recordings between Hind and the Red Crescent volunteers who attempted to rescue her.
At its London premiere, Killarney actress Jessie Buckley spoke about the film’s impact, stating: “I don’t know how to be human. I need stories like this to wake me up. And make me realise something I didn’t know I needed to realise.”
The film also holds the record for the longest standing ovation in the history of the Venice International Film Festival, where it received a 20-minute tribute and won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize.
The project features a high-profile executive production team, including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and Spike Lee.
While the film is currently on release in cinemas nationwide, local organisers moved the screening to The Brehon Hotel after being unable to secure a local cinema setting.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine described the event as “an act of bearing witness,” adding that it provides a chance for the community to come together for a powerful experience cantered on a child’s voice.

The local connection: A Voice from Linden House

The upcoming screening of The Voice of Hind Rajab holds a direct and poignant connection to the Killarney community through residents currently living in Linden House.
Bilal, a Palestinian native from Dura, has been living in Killarney for the past two months and highlights the ongoing reality faced by those in his homeland.
While Bilal’s wife and children are currently safe in Jordan, his community in Dura continues to face extreme hardship. Recently, a friend in his home village received a 72-hour notice from the Israeli army regarding the imminent demolition of a family home, a practice described as collective punishment.
Bilal is sharing his story to give a local face to the international headlines, seeking to get the message of his people out to the world. His presence in Killarney serves as a reminder that the global events depicted in the film have a deep, personal impact on individuals now living within our local community.

Killarney’s multi-million euro Community Nursing Unit is finally expected to open its doors by the end of March 2025, bringing an end to years of bureaucratic delays.

The 130-bed facility on the grounds of St Finan’s Hospital. which began construction in 2022 as part of a national Public Private Partnership, was officially handed over to the HSE last year.
The Health Service Executive is currently in the final stages of the registration process with HIQA.
A “courtesy pre-registration visit” was conducted in late January, and the HSE is now addressing minor recommendations before submitting the final application.
The state-of-the-art unit includes 30 dementia-specific beds and will replace the aging facilities at St Columbanus’ Home and Killarney Community Hospital.
Once the transfer of residents is complete, it will clear the way for further healthcare developments in the town, including a proposed Minor Injury Unit at the St Columbanus site.
Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE, recently told the Oireachtas Health Committee that the opening is a priority for the first quarter of the year.
Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady confirmed the timeline.