Swastikas Spray-Painted on Pasadena Synagogue Mural Destroyed in 2025 Fire
In Pasadena, California, unknown vandals spray-painted swastikas and anti-Semitic graffiti on a mural at the local Jewish center and synagogue on Friday. This marks the second time the site has been defaced since a massive wildfire in 2025 completely destroyed the building. Authorities have launched a hate crime investigation, but details about suspects or security footage remain unclear.
The targeted mural, created by Jewish set designer Miriam Hellman, features a large orange poppy flower with the phrase "We Are All Responsible for Each Other." The artwork was intended as a symbol of hope, resilience, and solidarity following the devastating Eaton fire the previous year, which killed 19 people and destroyed over 9,000 structures. The synagogue, which had served the community for over a century, was lost in that fire, forcing the congregation to operate elsewhere while planning to restore the mural.
The Jewish community expressed deep sadness and anger over the vandalism but vowed not to let it define them. Local Sheriff Captain Ethan Marks condemned the hate crime, affirming the commitment to a thorough investigation and support for the Jewish community and all faith groups against intolerance.
Founded in 1921 as Bnai Israel of Pasadena, the synagogue originally provided a safe haven for Jews during a time when restrictive covenants barred minorities from property ownership in the area. The congregation moved to its current Altadena Street location in 1941 and officially changed its name in 1949. Community member and archaeologist Christine Garvey noted that an older mural from the 1920s once existed on site, though its origins remain unclear.
The Jewish center is cooperating with investigators and plans to restore the mural, though it is not yet decided if Hellman will be involved in the restoration project.
