Palestinian Embassy, MAHAR Host Screening To Mark International Solidarity Day

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 -- Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause was underscored once again when the Embassy of Palestine in Malaysia, in collaboration with Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR), hosted the screening of the award-winning docudrama, The Voice of Hind Rajab.

Held in conjunction with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, it also marked the first public event of Ambassador-Designate of Palestine to Malaysia, Jehad Fouad Alqdra, since his arrival here less than two months ago.

The Voice of Hind Rajab reconstructs the final moments of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed in Gaza in January 2024. Her story drew global attention after an audio recording of her desperate plea for help to a Palestinian Red Crescent Society dispatcher was released.

In his remarks on Thursday evening, Jehad said that while Hind’s voice reached the world, many other Palestinian children have suffered the same fate in silence.

“Hind’s story is heartbreaking. Tragically, she is lucky because her voice reached the world. Many other Palestinian children who face the same destiny are never known,” he said, before leading the audience in a chant of “Free, Free Palestine.”

Jehad also shared updates on his diplomatic accreditation, confirming that he has submitted a copy of his credentials to the protocol department at Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra).

“I arrived in Kuala Lumpur about 45 days ago, and I am very happy to be here. Malaysia has supported us consistently, from the King to the people,” he said.

Jehad added that he expects to officially present his credentials to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara in the coming weeks.

“They informed us it may be by the end of this month or in January,” he said, marking the final step in his formal appointment as Palestine’s envoy to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the non-governmental organisation (MAHAR)’s President and Ops Ihsan chairman Jismi Johari, highlighted the severe logistical challenges faced by humanitarian organisations attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.

Despite a fragile ceasefire, he said humanitarian access remains extremely limited, with only a small fraction of the required 600 aid trucks entering Gaza daily.

“We have tried every possible route, by land, by air and by sea. We have sent almost everything that is needed. We have never stopped,” he said, urging Malaysians to remain united in advocating for Palestinian freedom.

The event drew nearly 400 attendees from across Malaysian society, including government officials, representatives of human rights organisations, members of the local film industry, as well as NGO members and activists.

-- BERNAMA