Antisemitic graffiti, including swastikas and the message "Zionism is not welcome," has defaced a mural at the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, the site of a synagogue destroyed by the January 2025 Eaton Fire. The Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center announced the vandalism on Friday.
The defaced mural was originally created on the grounds of the burned-down temple in response to a previous act of antisemitism. The temple described the artwork as having become "a symbol of hope, resilience, and solidarity" for the community.
Photos of the mural show black spray paint covering the colorful mosaic, with at least three swastikas and the phrase "Zionzim [sic] is not welcome" visible. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident as a hate-motivated act of vandalism.
"Today, we are deeply saddened and outraged by this act, but we refuse to let it define our community," the temple said in a social media post. "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."
State Sen. Sasha Renee Perez, who represents the area, condemned the graffiti. "It is truly disturbing and particularly cruel to spread hate and inflict fresh pain on the congregation of the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center," Perez stated. "This community discovered antisemitic graffiti had been written on a new mural that was created to foster community healing after a previous hate crime in January."
LASD Altadena Station Capt. Ethan Marquez affirmed the department's commitment to the investigation. "Crimes motivated by hate have no place in our community," Marquez said. "We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation, holding those responsible accountable, and standing with our Jewish community, all faith communities, and every resident against all forms of hatred and intolerance."
The mural was a collaborative effort involving artist Miriam Hellmann, the Art over Hate Collective, the Sparks of Kindness Youth Fund, children, and other community volunteers. According to reports, the artwork helped "transform a wall once marked by hate into a work of healing and beauty."
"Thank you to everyone who has already reached out with messages of love and support. Your kindness reminds us that we are never alone," the temple concluded.
The Eaton Fire, one of California's most destructive wildfires, caused billions of dollars in damage and claimed more than a dozen lives. The Jewish center is currently rebuilding and hopes to complete construction of its new synagogue by 2028.