RELEASE: Rep. Laura Friedman Reacts to Arrest of Individual Responsible for Hate-Motivated Graffiti in Burbank

LOS ANGELES, CA - Today, February 27, 2026, Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) issued a statement in response to reports that the Burbank Police Department had made an arrest in connection to hate-motivated graffiti vandalism at Temple Emanu El in Burbank.

"Temple Emanu El is my temple. I've gathered there with family and friends to worship, celebrate, and find community. It is a place that welcomes everyone, not just those of the Jewish faith, and seeing the desecration of its walls with swastikas is heartbreaking. Antisemitic hatred strikes at the heart of everything our community stands for," said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). "This is not the first time Temple Emanu El has been targeted, and in this climate of skyrocketing levels of antisemitism, I would unfortunately not be surprised if it is not the last. It will take all of us speaking up and standing together as a community to stop hate wherever it exists. There is no room for silence. I am grateful for the swift action by the Burbank Police Department and the LA County Hate Crime Task Force in bringing this suspect to justice, and I will never stop fighting to root out antisemitism from across our nation."

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