The Common Thread Mural Unveiling with the Jewish Community
A new mural was unveiled in Pico-Robertson honoring the Jewish community, presented by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations’ initiative LA vs Hate, in partnership with the Los Angeles chapter of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. The mural, titled “The Common Thread,” was designed by Cloe Hakakian, an Iranian-Jewish muralist and native Angeleno, and weaves a vision of Jewish history and tradition together with the collective memories of Jews in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles saw notable antisemitic incidents occur in the last year, including the separate shootings of two Jewish men in Pico-Robertson, as well as banners over a highway overpass that read “Kanye is right about the jews [sic],” referencing Kanye West’s widely-publicized antisemitic rants that created a ripple of hate acts towards the Jewish community across the country.
The mural unveiling was celebrated with an event at The Mark, with speakers such as LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, President of the LA County Commission on Human Relations Ilan Davidson, Executive Director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations Robin Toma, LA City District 5 Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, Regional Director of ADL Los Angeles Jeff Abrams, and President & CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles Rabbi Noah Farkas.
They shared remarks on the significance of the Jewish community in Los Angeles and celebrated art’s unique power to unite communities and share experiences across diverse cultures. Following the unveiling and opening remarks, the community enjoyed live performances, food and more.
“The mural depicts a mother lighting Shabbat candles, with their flames illuminating the Hebrew script for L’dor V’dor, from generation to generation,” explained muralist Cloe Hakakian. “The folds of her headscarf become vignettes that celebrate the diversity of Jews within our community and the cultural experiences shared across time and place. There is a young child held in the arms of her mother as older generations stand behind her, each figure wearing a pattern from the diverse cultural diasporas in Los Angeles county. Footprints move through the desert toward a bright horizon, a metaphor for migration, healing, and resilience within the Jewish community. Silhouettes of culturally significant Los Angeles county landmarks sit on the horizon, reminding the viewer of the greater community within which the Jewish community thrives.”
Throughout the Summer of Solidarity, LA vs Hate will continue to commission and reveal new murals celebrating different communities and cultures across the County through partnering with community organizations.
The next mural unveiling will take place in South LA in partnership with the Brotherhood Crusade and LA Commons to bring to life a mural that articulates the experience of the black community with its long history battling racism in Los Angeles. During Long Beach Pride, a mural that honors the LGBTQ+ community will be unveiled in Bixby Park, in partnership with the Long Beach LGBT Center, Long Beach Human Relations Commission and Long Beach Parks Department.
