Woman Life Freedom Mural in Ibim, Israel

A Powerful Statement Near the Gaza Border

IBIM, ISRAEL — December 3, 2025 — Iranian-American artist, filmmaker, and human-rights advocate Hooman Khalili will unveil his 19th Woman Life Freedom mural this Wednesday at the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council in Ibim, located just minutes from the Gaza border. This installation marks the newest chapter in Khalili's international mural movement honoring the courage of Iranian women and the historic relationship between the Persian and Jewish peoples.

This Ibim mural—situated in a community that endured the trauma of the October 7th massacre—stands as a powerful visual declaration that Persian and Israeli destinies are intertwined, and that both peoples will rise against the forces of oppression.

Featuring Six Women Who Embody Courage and Sacrifice

The new mural includes portraits of six Iranian and Persian women whose lives, stories, and legacies symbolize the Woman Life Freedom movement:

Shirel Haim Pour
A 22-year-old Persian Jew murdered by Hamas on October 7, representing the shared suffering of Persian and Jewish communities
Sahar Saudyán
A young Persian Jewish woman who was murdered on October 7th defending her Country
Mahsa Amini
The Kurdish-Iranian woman whose killing ignited a global revolution
Yalda Dokhtiare
A symbol of Persian womanhood, resilience, and beauty
Raheleh Amirli
Representing the artistic and intellectual spirit of Iranian women
Parastoo Ahmadi
A voice for the silenced, oppressed, and imprisoned

Together, these women symbolize what Khalili calls "The Esthers of the world who are rising up."

Supported by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This mural was created in close collaboration with two key leaders at Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Dan Oryan
Ran Natanzon

Both have worked tirelessly to ensure that Israel continues to stand publicly with the women of Iran and with the global Woman Life Freedom movement.

Their support reflects Israel's unique position as the only country in the Middle East openly standing with Iranian women fighting oppression.

The Artist's Statement

"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. This mural in Ibim is especially meaningful because it sits near the Gaza border—the very place where Shirel Haim Pour was killed by Hamas. 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."

A 3,000-Year Friendship Renewed

Khalili's murals emphasize the ancient bond between Persians and Jews, beginning with:

  • Queen Esther, who saved the Jewish people in ancient Persia
  • Cyrus the Great, who allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem
  • And today's Woman Life Freedom revolution, which echoes the same cry for freedom and justice

Two scriptures appear on the mural:

  • Jeremiah 3:17 — "At that time Jerusalem shall be called the Throne of the Lord…"
  • Jeremiah 49:38 — "I will set My throne in Elam…"

These verses represent the twin spiritual destinies of Jerusalem and Persia.

About the Woman Life Freedom Mural Movement

Over the past 21 months, Hooman Khalili has unveiled:

  • 18 murals across Israel
  • 4 murals in the United States
  • This 19th mural in Ibim
  • And several new projects planned for Washington D.C. and U.S. university campuses

His work has been praised internationally for giving voice to Iranian women and for strengthening cultural ties between Jews and Persians worldwide.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, December 3
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, Ibim, Israel
Near: Po'alei Tsiyon New York Community Center