Pasadena officials and members of a Jewish congregation that lost its campus in the Eaton Fire were expressing gratitude for the support they’re receiving from the community Sunday after a mural at the site was vandalized with swastikas and other antisemitic graffiti.
The vandalism occurred Friday at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center’s campus in the 1400 block of North Altadena Drive. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was investigating the crime.
“The community mural is a representation of the strength of our community and our ability to overcome the many challenges and obstacles we have faced in the recent past, and it is distressing and disturbing to see a local symbol of hope and perseverance desecrated with hateful messaging,” Mayor Victor Gordo said Sunday. “The sheriff’s department is conducting an investigation into this hate crime, and the perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“I have no doubt that the intended purpose of the vandals, to sow division and distrust, will backfire, as messages of hate always inspire a community to unity and solidarity,” Gordo continued. “The immediate response of our community, that of love and compassion and inclusiveness, has already shown our quality. I encourage everyone to continue to support our friends, neighbors, and strangers alike with the unconditional humanity and sympathy that reflect our values in all times.”
The mural was produced by artist Miriam Hellmann, the Art over Hate Collective, the Sparks of Kindness Youth Fund and religious school students, volunteers and community members.
Created after the Eaton Fire and in response to an earlier act of antisemitism, the mural “became something much bigger,” the congregation said. “It grew into a symbol of hope, resilience, and solidarity – not just for PJTC, but for the entire Altadena community.”
“Today, we are deeply saddened and outraged by this act, but we refuse to let it define our community,” the congregation said. “We are working closely with law enforcement and our security partners as the incident is investigated and as we determine the next steps to restore the mural.”
The temple posted another message Sunday thanking the community for its support.
“We simply want to say thank you to everyone who reached out with messages of care, solidarity, and support since antisemitic graffiti was discovered on our mural on Friday. Your care and kindness reminded us that we are not facing this alone,” the temple posted on social media Sunday.
“… We’re also deeply grateful to local officials for standing with us, and the local and national media who helped shine a light on what happened. Sharing these stories matters. It raises awareness, confronts antisemitism, and reminds our wider community that hate has no place here.”