Swastika Image Defaces Holocaust Memorial in Philadelphia

The Holocaust memorial in Philadelphia, dedicated to educating about the atrocities of the Holocaust, was vandalized with a large swastika image early Sunday morning. The incident is condemned by the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation as a “disgusting act of antisemitism.”

The Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza, completed in 2018, was targeted by an unidentified individual wearing a ski mask. The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating the incident, responding to a report of a swastika symbol spray-painted on the memorial’s wall. The foundation assures the prompt removal of the swastika, emphasizing the spike in anti-Jewish hatred across Philadelphia and the nation.

This act of vandalism follows a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents in the United States, particularly in the months since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), antisemitic events in the country have seen a staggering increase, reaching 3,283 reported incidents by January 7, a roughly 360% surge compared to the same period the previous year.

The reported incidents encompassed over 1,300 rallies with antisemitic rhetoric, more than 1,300 cases of verbal or written harassment, over 550 instances of vandalism, and 60 reported physical assaults.

The Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation expressed its commitment to removing the swastika promptly, but the incident underscores the broader issue of rising antisemitism, prompting concerns about the safety and security of Jewish communities.

The foundation urged anyone with information about the perpetrator in the Philadelphia memorial plaza incident to contact the Philadelphia police. The vandalism represents a targeted act of hate against a memorial designed to honor Holocaust victims and educate the public about the historical atrocities.