Supervisor moves to set $20,000 reward for arrest of Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center vandals

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger on Tuesday, July 28, introduced a motion to set a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for two instances of antisemitic vandalism this year at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center.

On Friday, July 24, spray-painted swastikas and anti-Zionist messaging were found on a community mural that had been created in response to another instance of hateful vandalism left on one of the synagogue’s wall back in January.

“An attack motivated by hate against one community is an attack against us all,” Barger said in a statement. “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.”

In January, marked the one-year anniversary of the Eaton fire destroying the temple and center.

Local leaders and community organizations decried the vandalism and mural artist Miriam Hellmann committed to repainting the mural. Hellmann said other muralists and local residents had been reaching out since Friday to offer support.

By Monday, the mural had been cleaned off, but still had signs of the hateful messages.

The motion directed members of county staff to re-establish and increase a previous reward to $20,000. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating both acts of vandalism as hate crimes.

According to Barger’s office, the Board of Supervisors will vote on the motion next week.