Internationally-acclaimed muralist Solomon Souza has completed a new mural on the front wall of the soon-to-be-completed Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Lawrence, Kansas.
Towering 50 feet wide and 14 feet tall, the mural is a visual tapestry of Jewish symbols, themes and heritage. It’s intended as a public declaration of identity and inspiration, a first of its kind in Lawrence and one of the few Jewish-themed murals in the entire state of Kansas.
"This mural will not just be art on a wall; it will be a beacon," said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad. “It’s a declaration that the Jewish story belongs here, in the heart of Lawrence, Kansas. It sends a powerful message to our students and to the wider community that Jewish pride is alive, strong and here to stay.”
Souza, a British-Israeli artist whose works span cities from Jerusalem to Sydney to London, arrived in Lawrence on July 13 and painted day and night. Known for his bold use of color and deep storytelling, Souza’s pieces are known across continents. His past works include a 100-foot mural of the Six Days of Creation in Australia and a Holocaust memorial outside Chelsea Football Club’s stadium in London.
“The response here has been amazing,” Souza said. “To see people stop in their tracks, take photos and ask questions — it’s clear this isn’t just a mural. It’s resonating. It’s a celebration of Jewish resilience and beauty in a place where people might not expect it. That’s powerful.”
The mural features a blend of Jewish and Kansas imagery layered with the words “Be the Light." Painted with high-grade acrylics and protected by anti-graffiti coating, it’s built to last both physically and symbolically. It will overlook a landscaped public plaza, designed as a welcoming space for students and community members to reflect and connect.
For many students, the impact is personal.
“As a Jewish student on campus, just seeing this mural go up fills me with pride,” said Braden Hoffman, a KU senior from Lawrence, Kansas. “It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it tells the world we are here, and we are proud.”
Members of the KU and Lawrence community look on as Solomon Souza paints the new mural on July 16.
The mural will be formally unveiled at the grand opening of the new Chabad Center in early November with alumni, donors, university leaders and elected officials expected to attend. Until then, the work-in-progress stands as a visible testament to the spirit of Jewish life on campus and the strength of a community coming together.
“This is about more than paint and panels,” Rabbi Tiechtel said. “It’s about legacy. It’s about every student who walks by and feels seen. And it’s about showing the next generation that Jewish life in Kansas doesn’t just exist — it thrives.”
The new Chabad Center, located at 1203 W. 19th Street, is slated to open in September. At 10,000 square feet, it’s the first purpose-built Jewish student center in Kansas history. With features including a synagogue, student lounges, large ballroom, library, a mental health wellness room, hospitality suites and KU’s only commercial kosher kitchen, the center is designed to serve as both a spiritual home and cultural anchor for Jewish life at KU and beyond.
The new building is becoming a reality due to donations from hundreds of KU Chabad alumni, parents, partners and friends. Its $6 million campaign has reached $4.8 million and still needs support. Those interested in donating, learning more about KU Chabad’s vision and building a Jewish future at KU can visit www.BuildKUChabad.com.
