Swastikas Sprayed on Synagogue Destroyed by Fire in California

Unknown individuals sprayed swastikas and antisemitic slurs on a mural at the Jewish Center and Synagogue of Pasadena in California. The incident occurred on Friday, marking the second time the site has been vandalized since the massive fire that destroyed the structure in 2025. Law enforcement authorities have opened a hate crime investigation, though it remains unclear how many suspects were involved or whether security cameras captured the act.

The defaced mural, created by Jewish set designer Miriam Hellman, featured a large orange poppy and bore the inscription: "We are all responsible for one another."

The community explained that the painting was intended to serve as a "symbol of hope, resilience, and solidarity" following the deadly Eaton fire last year, in which 19 people perished and more than 9,000 structures burned down. The synagogue itself, which had operated at the site for over a century, was completely destroyed in that fire. Since the disaster, the community has been forced to conduct activities off-site and is currently working to restore the mural.

In a statement, the community wrote:

"The mural came to life thanks to the vision and generosity of many. We are deeply saddened and outraged by this act, but we refuse to allow it to define our community."

Captain Ethan Marks of the local Sheriff's station emphasized:

"Crimes motivated by hate have no place in our community. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation, bringing those responsible to justice, and standing with our Jewish community, all faith communities, and every resident against all forms of hate and intolerance."

The synagogue was originally established in 1921 as B'nai Israel of Pasadena and served as a safe haven. At that time, Jews and other minority groups were prohibited from purchasing property in Pasadena and surrounding areas due to restrictive covenants. The community moved to its current location on Altadena Drive in 1941, and its name was officially changed in 1949. Community member Kristin Garvey, an archaeologist by training, noted that before the fire, there was an old mural from the 1920s at the site, though its true origin remains a mystery. The Jewish Center stated that it is cooperating with investigators and plans to restore the mural, though it is not yet clear whether Hellman will participate in the restoration project.