
Unveiling of the Declaration "Two Women Against the Iranian Terror Regime"
December 17, 2023
On Sunday, December 17th, a profound commemoration took place on the façade of the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem. This mural, a collaboration led by Iranian-American filmmaker and entrepreneur Hooman Khalili, stands as a tribute to the late 20-year-old Persian-Jewish soldier Shirel Haim-Pour and Kurdish Persian Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman of Kurdish origin.
Shirel Haim-Pour, stationed at the Nahal Oz base near the Gaza Strip, tragically lost her life in the Hamas attack on October 7th. Originating from Isfahan, Iran, Shirel's image, composed of 7,000 tiles, symbolizes the 1,200 lives lost in the same attack, along with 240 hostages.
Mahsa Amini, was beaten to death on September 16th, 2022 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in Iran. She has become an international symbol of the fight for freedom. Her mosaic, also comprising 7,000 tiles, memorializes 1,020 individuals who lost their lives or faced imprisonment due to protests against the Iranian regime since September 2022.
Hooman Khalili, who came to Israel from the San Francisco Bay area to implement this poignant project, has created seven impactful murals in Israel, titled "Woman Life Freedom." Beyond the tragedy of these two young women, the murals carry a powerful message calling on women worldwide, the Esthers of our time, to stand up for freedom and equality.
Moreover, the project emphasizes the unity between the Iranian people, as voiced by exiles fleeing the oppressive regime, and the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
The mural encapsulates a rich history of friendship between Persia and the Jewish people, spanning 3,000 years. It serves as a reminder that enmity only emerged in the last 50 years due to the Iranian regime's threats to freedom and global security.
In a unique blend of art and biblical references, the mural incorporates verses from Jeremiah 3:17 and Jeremiah 49:38, highlighting the importance of Jerusalem as well as God's unique plan for the people of Iran.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by the Haim-Pour family, representatives from the Foreign Ministry, the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Municipality, honorary consuls, and representatives from the Merage Foundation.
This remarkable mural was a collaborative effort, produced by Hooman Khalili and designed by Justin Mcginnis, Ryan Tsuen and Kent Jordan, The ceremony received significant social media coverage, amplifying its message of solidarity and justice.
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