The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys is “appalled and disgusted” by the antisemitic graffiti that defaced a mural in front of Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center. This mural was commissioned following a similar incident that occurred at the same site six months ago. 

“For the last several years, we have witnessed an unprecedented rise of hate that has targeted the Jewish world,” said Jason Moss, Jewish Federation executive director. “I am appalled that a mural, commissioned by PJTC following an earlier antisemitic attack, was desecrated. The mural’s message, ‘We are all responsible for each other,’ epitomizes a central ideal of Judaism. 

“This incident, following one earlier this year, does more than add insult to injury;it further illustrates the hate, portrayed in this vandalism, Jews all across the world continue to face. I just don’t think people recognize or fully comprehend what this ongoing hate and targeting is doing to our local Jewish community.”

Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys stands resolute in confronting hate and in working alongside its community partners, including PJTC and other Jewish organizations, to expose the hate being witnessed, support those impacted and take decisive action to stop it. 

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger introduced a motion on Tuesday to offer a $20,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the two separate acts of antisemitic vandalism at the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center. 

Note that the motion will be voted upon by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors next week. If approved, the reward will be publicly offered and anyone with information will be encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

“An attack motivated by hate against one community is an attack against us all,” said Supervisor Barger. “The antisemitic vandalism at the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center has no place in Los Angeles County. This congregation has already endured the devastation of the Eaton Fire and is working to rebuild. They should not have to face hateful acts intended to intimidate them. Those responsible must be held fully accountable.”

The reward follows the recent defacement of the mural with swastikas and other antisemitic graffiti. The mural, created after the congregation’s synagogue was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, stands as a symbol of hope and resilience for the faith community and the broader Altadena community.

Supervisor Barger’s motion directs the County to re-establish and increase to $20,000 a previously authorized reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for two antisemitic acts of vandalism targeting the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center –including the January 2026 defacement of the synagogue wall and the recent vandalism of the congregation’s mural. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. is investigating both incidents as hate crimes.