in Loving Memory of
** The Late Mr. Hanan Khalili**
April 5, 1923 – April 23, 2026
Hanan Khalili was born on April 5, 1923, in the historic city of Nahavand, Iran, to his father, Mehdi, and his mother, Touti.
He spent his childhood in Iran and completed his education through the ninth grade. Because of the heavy responsibility of helping support his large family, he was forced to forgo higher education.
Although life’s circumstances deprived him of the opportunity to continue his studies, this unfulfilled dream remained one of the greatest regrets of his life until his final days.
Mr. Khalili was deeply devoted to Persian literature, philosophy, and the pursuit of knowledge. No one who knew him could ever remember seeing him without a book in his hands. His admiration for Hafez was boundless. The poetry of Hafez was engraved upon his heart, and throughout his life he drew upon those verses to express his thoughts and emotions.
Although he strongly disagreed with Saadi because of passages he believed reflected hostility toward the Jewish people, he nevertheless knew Saadi’s poetry by heart. His remarkable command of Persian literature gave his words exceptional beauty, depth, and eloquence.
Beyond literature, he had a profound passion for philosophy. He held Baruch Spinoza in the highest esteem and found lasting inspiration in his ideas. He also greatly admired Hannah Arendt for her courage, intellectual independence, and fearless commitment to speaking the truth.
Mr. Khalili devoted many years of his life to the world of Persian rugs, becoming a respected expert in the art and craftsmanship of handwoven Persian carpets. His appreciation for beauty, artistry, and refinement was reflected not only in his profession but also in every aspect of his life. Although he possessed a gentle spirit and a kind heart, he occasionally spoke with a sharp tongue—a trait that those close to him would sometimes gently remind him of with a smile. It was simply one part of his sincere and genuine character. He was also a gifted poet.
He composed many beautiful poems but never permitted them to be published. Nevertheless, his name is proudly recorded in the book Great Figures of Iranian Jewry, a lasting honor for his family.
Among his siblings, he shared an especially close bond with his beloved sister, Bahieh, whose love, encouragement, and unwavering support meant the world to him. The burdens and hardships he carried from a young age left lasting marks upon his heart, yet he never diminished his lifelong passion for learning, reading, and thoughtful reflection.
In the early years following the Iranian Revolution, Mr. Khalili immigrated to the United States and settled with his family in Reseda, California.
On April 23, 2026, he passed away peacefully at his home at the remarkable age of 103. He was laid to rest on April 24, 2026, at Eden Memorial Park, in the Hill of Moses section (Phase 5 – 1729C).
To many, Hanan Khalili was a distinguished scholar, philosopher, poet, artist, and a respected member of the Iranian-Jewish community.
May his memory forever be a blessing. Baruch Dayan Ha’emet.
“Blessed is the True Judge.”
