Bishop Condemns Catholic School’s Offensive Holocaust Halloween Float Imagery
A Catholic diocese in Pennsylvania has publicly apologized following an incident involving Holocaust imagery on a school float during a Halloween parade. The event took place at St. Joseph Catholic School in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Harrisburg, led by Bishop Timothy C. Senior, issued a statement condemning the offensive display.
Bishop Senior’s Response to the Incident
Bishop Senior expressed his shock and dismay over the float, which featured a replica of the Auschwitz concentration camp gate inscribed with the phrase “Arbeit Macht Frei.” This phrase, meaning “work makes you free,” is widely recognized as a painful symbol of the Holocaust and was used at various Nazi camps, including Dachau and Auschwitz.
Details of the Float and Its Impact
- The float was part of a Halloween parade on Thursday.
- The original design did not include any Holocaust imagery.
- Bishop Senior described the included symbols as profoundly offensive and unacceptable.
In his statement, Bishop Senior extended sincere apologies to the Jewish community and all those affected by the portrayal. He emphasized the importance of sensitivity surrounding such issues, especially considering the recent rise in antisemitic incidents.
Ongoing Concerns of Antisemitism
The controversy follows recent events highlighting increased antisemitic acts. For instance, a man in a Nazi uniform was arrested for assaulting a Jewish student in Georgia. This incident underscores the seriousness of antisemitism today.
Moving Forward
Bishop Senior announced plans to collaborate with the school community to review existing approval processes. The goal is to prevent similar occurrences in the future and ensure respect for all communities.
St. Joseph Catholic School has not yet provided public commentary on the incident. The diocese is committed to addressing and rectifying this grave error promptly.
