Antisemitic graffiti has been scrawled across a wall at the site of a Pasadena temple that was already reduced to rubble by the Eaton Fire, according to a News Of Losangeles report.
The vandalism was discovered Sunday at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, whose main buildings were destroyed in the Jan. 7 blaze. Deputies documented the slurs and transferred the case to the Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau Hate Crimes unit; no arrests had been announced by Tuesday afternoon.
At a Glance
- Hate graffiti appeared on the lone standing wall of the fire-gutted temple
- The congregation lost its sanctuary, school and offices to the Eaton Fire one year ago
- Leaders vow zero tolerance as detectives hunt for the perpetrator
- Why it matters: The attack targets a community still rebuilding from disaster, threatening fragile efforts to restore normalcy
A Community Still in Ashes
The congregation purchased the property in the early 1940s, first as Temple B’nai Israel. It became the Pasadena Jewish Community in 1949 and adopted its current name in the 1950s. Last week members returned to the scorched grounds to mark the first anniversary of the wildfire that leveled the sanctuary, classrooms and administrative wing.
Temporary quarters now dot the area:
- Classes convene at the Frostig School
- Worship, meetings and offices operate out of First United Methodist Church
- The damaged site remains fenced off while insurance and county agencies weigh next steps
Sunday’s graffiti broke what little peace remained.
Law-Enforcement Response
Altadena Station Capt. Ethan Marquez called the act intolerable.
“Acts of antisemitism and hate have no place in our diverse communities,” he said. “Crimes motivated by bias impact far more than a single victim; they harm the sense of safety and unity of our entire community. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department takes all hate-motivated incidents seriously and is committed to thoroughly investigating these acts and holding individuals accountable. The community of Altadena has endured significant hardship over the past year and acts of hateful vandalism will not be tolerated.”
Detectives are canvassing neighbors, reviewing any available security footage and analyzing paint samples. Anyone with information is asked to call the Altadena Sheriff’s Station at 626-798-1131.
Political Condemnation
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who attended last week’s memorial, issued a sharp rebuke.
“I am deeply disturbed by the vandalism and anti-Jewish graffiti discovered at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center,” she said. “This despicable hate crime targets a community that is still healing and rebuilding after last year’s devastating Eaton Fire and has no place in Los Angeles County. I unequivocally condemn this act of hate. I am closely tracking the investigation and stand ready to support law enforcement and community partners in any way necessary.”
Barger’s office has directed county public-works crews to expedite removal once detectives clear the scene.
Rising Tensions, Rising Costs
The incident adds fresh strain to a neighborhood already juggling disaster recovery. County data show hate-crime reports across L.A. County rose 23% last year, with antisemitic incidents accounting for the largest single category.
For the temple, rebuilding estimates top $18 million, according to documents submitted to the county. Insurance will cover a portion, but congregants have launched a fundraising campaign to bridge the gap.
Key Takeaways
- A lone wall at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center is now a crime scene after antisemitic graffiti appeared Sunday
- The congregation continues to worship and teach at borrowed sites nearly one year after the Eaton Fire
- Sheriff’s hate-crime detectives are asking the public for tips; no suspects have been named
- Leaders vow the act will not derail plans to rebuild on the original site
