Los Angeles County supervisors are weighing a $20,000 reward after a Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center mural was defaced with swastikas and antisemitic graffiti for the second time this year. The proposal arrives even after the fire-recovery mural was restored, leaving investigators focused on identifying whoever targeted the Altadena site.
According to MyNewsLA.com, the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s motion Tuesday. The reward would apply to information leading to convictions in either or both vandalism cases, including the attack on Friday, July 24, in which swastikas and other antisemitic graffiti were painted on the mural.
A Mural Built To Signal Recovery Was Targeted Again
The mural featured a bright orange California poppy, a symbol of hope after the January 2025 Eaton Fire destroyed the temple’s campus. It was created by scenic artist Miriam Hellmann, the Art Over Hate Collective, the Sparks of Kindness Youth Fund, religious school students and community volunteers.
The Jewish News Syndicate reported that the artwork also included a message translating to “We are all responsible for each other.” The mural was commissioned after an earlier antisemitic defacement of the same surviving exterior wall, making the latest attack feel especially pointed to congregants rebuilding after the fire.
Officials Are Treating The Vandalism As A Hate Crime
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the vandalism as a potential hate crime. The Los Angeles Times reported that a camera was installed after the first incident and that footage was provided to authorities.
“Crimes motivated by hate have no place in our community,” Altadena Station Capt. Ethan Marquez said in a statement, according to the Times. Investigators have not publicly identified a suspect, and the department has urged anyone with information to come forward.
The New Reward Follows An Earlier $10,000 Offer
In January, the Board unanimously approved a separate $10,000 reward after the first vandalism at the temple, according to Barger’s office. Hoodline previously reported that the earlier offer sought information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Barger’s new proposal would effectively put a larger pool of money behind the investigation while covering both attacks. She said the antisemitic vandalism has no place in Los Angeles County and that the congregation should not have to face intimidation after already enduring the Eaton Fire.
The Mural Is Restored, But The Search Continues
About 140 congregants, civic leaders, faith leaders and community members gathered last Thursday at the former Altadena site to denounce the vandalism and show support for the congregation, MyNewsLA.com reported. The mural has since been restored, but the sheriff’s investigation remains active.
Tips may be directed to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Altadena Station at (626) 798-1131, or submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, according to Barger’s office.
