Antisemitic graffiti was discovered on a wall at the site of a Pasadena temple that was destroyed in last year’s Eaton Fire, authorities said Tuesday.
The graffiti painted an exterior wall at the site of the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center wall was reported Sunday to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies took a report and photos of the graffiti as part of the investigation, which was handed over to Major Crimes Bureau Hate Crimes detectives.
No arrests were reported early Tuesday afternoon.
“Acts of antisemitism and hate have no place in our diverse communities,” said Altadena Station Capt. Ethan Marquez. “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.”
The congregation purchased the building and the land for the synagogue in the early 1940s. In 1949 the congregation changed its name from Temple B’nai Israel to the Pasadena Jewish Community before choosing the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center in the 1950s.
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said members of the congregation gathered last week to mark one year since the start of the Jan. 7 Eaton Fire, which destroyed buildings on the property near Altadena Drive.
The synagogue and a school have since been temporarily relocated to other locations in the area. The school is operating at the Frostig School. Offices, meeting rooms and worship spaces are primarily at First United Methodist Church.
In a statement, Barger said, “I am deeply disturbed by the vandalism and anti-Jewish graffiti discovered at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center. 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.”
Anyone with information about the vandalism was asked to call Altadena Sheriff’s Station at 626-798-1131.