Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed concern about antisemitic rhetoric and violence, saying she does not want "what's happening in New York City to come here" And pledging to "stand tall with the Jewish community."

Barger spoke at a community solidarity event Thursday at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, a Conservative synagogue destroyed in the Eaton Fire in January 2025. Approximately 200 people attended.

A mural at the site was vandalized with Nazi swastikas and the phrase "Zionism is not welcome" On July 24. The county sheriff's department is investigating as a hate crime.

Barger stated that "the rhetoric by many that are elected has stirred the pot and almost empowered individuals to do what's being done." She characterized the situation as unacceptable, saying that synagogues requiring security to hold services "is not America. This is not a civil society."

Barger introduced a motion offering $20,000 for information about the vandal, stating, "I want to make sure the person responsible is found, because I think it's important to send a message. We're not going to tolerate hate."

Representative Judy Chu, who also spoke at the event, said she "gasped" Upon seeing both the fire damage and the later vandalism. She called it "an ugly thing to do in such a devastating situation" And advocated for the Countering Antisemitism Act, which would "establish a national coordinator to counter antisemitism and strengthen our federal response to this hatred."

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo stated, "There's simply no place for hate in our community or anywhere else in the world."

Captain Ethan Marquez of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Altadena Station said that while "based on the nature of the graffiti, it appears to be a hate crime," The investigation remains ongoing and evidence must guide conclusions.

High school students Caleb Yellin and Audrey Farahnik, congregants at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, spoke about their Sparks of Kindness Youth Fund, which organized the mural project. Yellin said the olive branch being painted on the mural represents "community coming together," Noting the participation of religious and community leaders across faiths.