A close up of the defaced mural (ScPhoto – screengrab, PasadenaJewishTempleCenter)
Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo condemned the vandalism of a community mural at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center after it was defaced with antisemitic and anti-Zionist graffiti Friday morning.
By News Desk
Early Friday, July 25, Altadena Sheriff’s Department responded to the incident at the temple’s Altadena Drive campus, just north of Washington Boulevard. Authorities are investigating the case as a hate crime, and the mayor said those responsible will be prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center said the mural had been vandalized with swastikas and other antisemitic graffiti. Created after the Eaton Fire and an earlier act of antisemitism, the mural was intended to serve as “a symbol of hope, resilience, and solidarity” for the congregation and the broader Altadena community.
In his statement, Gordo said the mural symbolizes the community’s resilience and its ability to overcome recent challenges, calling its defacement “distressing and disturbing.”
The mayor said he believes the vandals’ attempt to sow division will fail, arguing that acts of hate instead strengthen unity and solidarity. He praised the community’s immediate response of “love and compassion and inclusiveness” and encouraged residents to continue supporting one another with “unconditional humanity and sympathy.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Leave a Reply