​Reward Offered to Catch Suspect in Jewish Temple Vandalism

Written by AARON CASTREJON 
CityWatch Editor

LOS ANGELES - A motion to offer a reward seeking the arrest and conviction of those responsible for defacing a mural in Altadena was introduced by a county leader recently.

Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Kathryn Barger introduced the motion for a  $20,000 reward Tuesday, July 28.

“The antisemitic vandalism at the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center has no place in our community,” said Barger in a social media post. “This congregation has already endured devastation from the Eaton Fire, and they should not have to face hateful acts intended to intimidate them as they work to rebuild.”

Black spray paint was used to deface a community mural at the Altadena Drive campus for the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center in the 1400 block of Altadena Drive July 24.

The mural, created after the Eaton Fire and in response to an act of antisemitism, was defaced with swastikas and the phrase “Zionism is not welcome.”

“Today we are deeply saddened and outraged by this act, but we refuse to let it define our community,” said the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center in a written statement published the day the vandalism was discovered.

The mural has since been repainted. The black spray paint and message of hate gone, but the scars remain.

Community members gathered at the freshly-renovated mural to unite against hate and show strength in numbers.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Altadena Sheriff's Station condemn this act of antisemitic vandalism in the strongest possible terms. Crimes motivated by hate have no place in our community,” according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station Captain Ethan Marquez. “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."

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626-798-1131.

Remain anonymous by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org.

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