Unveiling of New Mural 'Woman, Life, Freedom' near Gaza border in Ibim

A striking public art installation honoring Iranian and Persian women was unveiled on Wednesday in the community of Ibim, part of the Shaar HaNegev Regional Council and located near the Gaza border. Created by Iranian-American artist and filmmaker Hooman Khalili, this mural is the 19th in his Woman Life Freedom series, which highlights the resilience of women living under oppression in Iran.

The mural showcases six women whose lives embody courage. Among them are Shirel Haim Pour, a 22-year-old Persian Jew killed during the October 7 attacks, and Sahar Saudyn, another young Persian Jewish woman who lost her life defending her country. Other figures include Mahsa Amini, whose death ignited global protests, along with Yalda Dokhtiare, Raheleh Amirli, and Parastoo Ahmadi. Khalili describes them collectively as The Esthers of the world who are rising.

Ibim, deeply affected by the October 7 assaults, was chosen for this installation to link the artwork with the communitys recent experiences of trauma. The project connects contemporary activism with centuries of shared PersianJewish heritage, aiming to strengthen solidarity amid ongoing regional tensions.

The mural was created with support from Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Dan Oryan and Ran Natanzon playing key roles in promoting the Women, Life, Freedom movement and Israels support for Iranian women facing oppression.

Khalili emphasized the symbolic importance of the murals location. In every city where one of these murals rises, we are declaring the same truth: Israel is the only country in the Middle East standing with the women of Iran, he said. The Ibim mural is particularly poignant as it stands near the site where Shirel Haim Pour was killed. Khalili added, Persian women and Jewish women share a spiritual history, and now they share a pain and a destiny. This wall is a reminder that their courage is stronger than any regime, any terror group, or any darkness.

The mural also draws from historical and religious narratives, referencing Queen Esther and Cyrus the Great, as well as incorporating verses from Jeremiah, symbolizing the intertwined destinies of Persia and Jerusalem.

Over the past 21 months, Khalili has installed 18 murals across Israel and four in the United States. Future projects are planned for Washington, DC, and several American university campuses.

Author's Opinion: The Resilience of Women in the Face of Oppression

The unveiling of Hooman Khalili's mural in Ibim serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Iranian and Persian women under oppressive regimes. The artwork, located near the Gaza border, resonates deeply with the community, particularly in light of the recent October 7 attacks. Its symbolic importance cannot be overstated, especially as it honors those whose lives were tragically lost, including Shirel Haim Pour, a Persian Jewish woman who was killed during the same attacks. This mural is more than just an artistic expression; it is an act of remembrance and a call to action. It highlights the courage of individuals who defy oppressive systems, such as Mahsa Amini, whose death sparked global protests.

By choosing Ibim as the site for this installation, Khalili has directly tied the mural’s message to a community deeply affected by violence and loss. It is an affirmation that solidarity can bridge the painful gaps of history, politics, and geography. The mural’s connection to Iran's Women, Life, Freedom movement underscores the importance of global support for those battling oppression, especially in a region where such advocacy is often silenced.

The piece is also a reflection on the shared heritage between Persian and Jewish cultures, emphasizing their intertwined destinies. As Khalili aptly stated, "This wall is a reminder that their courage is stronger than any regime, any terror group, or any darkness." These words echo the power of art to not only commemorate the past but to inspire future resistance against oppression.

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• New ‘Woman, Life, Freedom' mural unveiled in Ibim, near Gaza border