A show of solidarity at Pasadena Jewish Temple site (Photo – Paolo Calchi Novati)
On July 30, 2026, in the scorching parking lot where the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center once stood, local political leaders joined community members in a show of solidarity against the recent antisemitic vandalism of a mural at the temple. During the hourlong event U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo were among those who addressed a crowd of several hundred people.
By Paolo Calchi Novati
Residents from across the region, representing many neighborhoods, faiths, and walks of life, gathered to support the Jewish community. Speakers strongly condemned the defacing of the mural and declared that Altadena community strength would overcome religious hatred. As PJTC Rabbi Josh Ratner said, “We will not be intimidated by this or any other deplorable act of vandalism.”
Also in attendance was Daniel Lischinsky, an Israeli tour guide who is traveling across the United States to speak out against antisemitism. His son, Yaron, and Yaron’s fiancée were shot and killed in an antisemitic attack in Washington, D.C., in 2025.
Mayor Gordo called the incident “a crime against humanity” and emphasized that the community would emerge from the vandalism stronger and more united. “We’re going to rebuild not just the center, but we’re going to build a beacon of hope for all.
Supervisor Barger delivered a similar message. “Time and again, this community has shown that compassion outweighs cruelty, resilience overcomes hardship, and solidarity does, I believe, defeat fear. Together, we will continue to heal, support one another, and move forward guided by love and by unity.”
Speaking to reporters after the event, Barger also emphasized the broader threat posed by antisemitism. “Today it’s the Jewish Temple. What is it going to be tomorrow?” she said.
In addition to expressing her support for the Altadena community, Representative Chu highlighted several initiatives she has supported in Congress to combat religious hatred, including the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, which was signed into law in 2021. California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who had previously spoken out against the vandalism, also delivered brief remarks.
The latest incident occurred last Friday, when a mural painted at the PJTC site in response to an earlier act of vandalism at the temple in January was defaced with swastikas and an antisemitic message. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating both incidents as hate crimes. Los Angeles County is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible. Barger said next Tuesday the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider her proposal to increase the reward to $20,000.
Altadena Sheriff’s Station Captain Ethan Marquez urged anyone with information about the incidents to contact station investigators at (626) 798-1131. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Pasadena Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
Restoring the mural (Photo – Paolo Calchi Novati)
Attendees gathered in solidarity with Pasadena Jewish Temple (Photo – Paolo Calchi Novati)
(L-R) Rep. Judy Chu, Sup. Katherine Barger, and Mayor Victor Gordo (Photo – Paolo Calchi Novati)
Rabbi Josh Ratner addresses the crowd (Photo – Paolo Calchi Novati)
The restored mural (Photo – Paolo Calchi Novati)
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