Internationally-Recognized “Woman Life Freedom” Murals Debut in America with First Installation at Rice University
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Internationally-Recognized “Woman Life Freedom” Murals Debut in America with First Installation at Rice University
From Jerusalem to Houston: Mural Campaign Honors Iranian Women of Courage
Houston, TX, May 21, 2025 - A powerful work of public art that captured global attention when it first appeared on the façade of the Jerusalem Tolerance Museum is now making history on American soil. The “Woman Life Freedom” mural, created by Iranian-American filmmaker and activist Hooman Khalili, will be unveiled at Rice University, becoming the first installation of its kind on a U.S. college campus.
The movement, formally endorsed by the State of Israel, serves as a “bridge between cultures” in its expansion to the United States, where college campuses have become epicenters for debates about free speech, human rights and antisemitism.
“This isn’t just about art. It’s a call to conscience,” said Khalili. “These murals are monuments to truth, courage and the sacred right to be free. It's also an effort to galvanize student activism and global solidarity for the women of Iran.”
The mosaic mural, to be installed on June 5, 2025, at Rice University, is formed from over 14,000 mosaic tiles to honor two women whose stories have become global symbols of resistance and resilience:
Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman whose death in police custody in 2022 sparked mass protests against Iran’s regime. Her portrait stands for the more than 1,000 lives lost in the fight for women’s rights in Iran.
Shirel Haim-Pour, a 20-year-old female Persian-Jewish soldier killed during the October 7 Hamas attacks, whose image represents the 1,200 lives lost and the 240 hostages taken that day.
The work is rich in symbolism. Interwoven into the mosaic are verses from Jeremiah 3:17 and Jeremiah 49:38, the only biblical passages that mention God placing His throne in Jerusalem and Iran (known in Jeremiah’s day as “Elam”), bridging sacred texts with modern calls for justice—all while uniting individuals across the Middle East and America in a practical way.
The installation at Rice University marks the beginning of the “Woman Life Freedom” tour across the United States. Khalili has already unveiled 18 murals throughout Israel and hopes to install 18 more on universities across the U.S.
The “Woman Life Freedom” mural at Rice University will be unveiled at an official event on June 5, 2025 and remain installed at the university’s Multicultural Center through the summer. For additional details and to attend this event at Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center, please register here and email victoria@alarryross.com for media clearance.
About Hooman Khalili
Hooman Khalili is an Iranian-American human rights activist, media personality, entrepreneur and philanthropist. With a diverse career, from interviewing top celebrities and directing the Oscar-contending film 'Olive,' to promoting over 1,000 movies, Hooman is known for his commitment to meaningful causes, including creating a viral video to encourage youth voting in 2008, serving the homeless in San Francisco and embarking on global mission work. Following the Iranian uprising in 2022, Hooman was invited by Israel to design murals supporting Iranian human rights and is currently developing a documentary to foster peace between Persians and Jews.
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Media Contact:
A. Larry Ross Communications
Victoria Johnson
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