Woman, Life, Freedom, are the three words headlining the women-led revolution in Iran.
All around the world, Persians part of the Iranian diaspora are leading marches, demonstrations, rallies, and more celebrating their Persian heritage and the true Iran, a free country not led by an extremist dictatorship oppressing basic human rights.
For many Iranians, the royal Pahlavi family represents a time when Iran was free, bright, and beginning to transform into a leading power in the Middle East. Today, Prince Reza Pahlavi (the son of Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, former Shah of Iran) and wife Princess Yasmine Pahlavi advocate for a free Iran by appearing at freedom rallies and raising awareness for the Iranian revolution throughout the world.
Recently, the Pahlavis visited mural artist Hooman Khalili’s Woman, Life, Freedom murals in Israel during their trip to the Jewish homeland. The first five murals were painted in Nazareth, Netanya, and Jerusalem, respectively.
Though Christian himself, Khalili feels a strong connection to Israel, and knows Israelis present the only Middle Eastern ally to Iranians fighting for their freedom. Iranian and Jewish people have been allies for centuries, since the time of Cyrus the Great, and many feel that the past 50 years of dictatorship are no reason to halt the friendship.
The Pahlavis feel a great need to reaffirm the Iranian-Jewish alliance, and as such, visited the land of Israel. During their trip, they posed for a photo in front of Hooman’s mural in Netanya, which features a woman blinded in one eye after fighting against the Islamic regime. Though Hooman had not spoken to the Crown Prince and Princess in person, they exchanged greetings on a video call in front of the mural. When Mr. Khalili announced he would be unveiling his 6th mural in Los Angeles, his first in America, Princess Yasmine was insistent on making an appearance.
The mural was unveiled in Downtown LA on June 2nd, 2023. Hooman’s supporters- friends, Christians, Americans, Iranians, and Iranian-Jews alike gathered on the Friday morning to pay homage to the longtime Iranian-Jewish friendship and to the brave fighters for a free Iran. Princess Yasmine arrived shortly before the curtain came up, and delivered a speech celebrating Hooman and reminding the audience that the fight for freedom is not over at the subsequent reception.
Hosted by the Persian American Women’s Conference, the reception and luncheon was held at the California Club in Downtown. Emily Schrader, Israeli journalist, and Lisa Daftari, Persian-Jewish journalist, both delivered speeches at the reception along with the Princess emphasizing Iranian-Jewish unity, a friendship that will support Iran throughout the fight for freedom and beyond.