A suspect was caught on video spray-painting a swastika at Philadelphia’s Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza Sunday, according to FOX 29 Philadelphia. This incident marks the second act of vandalism at one of Philadelphia’s Holocaust memorials in just a few days. Prior to this, someone had dumped trash at the site, and a swastika was painted on a nearby wall.
The Philadelphia police stated that on Tuesday afternoon, piles of trash were found littering the base of a monument at the Horowitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza. Authorities are treating these acts as hate crimes and are currently investigating the situation alongside Homeland Security.
Anti-Defamation League Philadelphia Regional Director, Andrew Goretsky, expressed his condemnation of the vandalism, stating that it not only desecrates a symbol of remembrance for Holocaust victims but also highlights the concerning increase in antisemitism within the community. He called for unity against such hatred, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and collective efforts to eliminate bigotry.
The suspect, who has not yet been identified, was described by police as wearing a black mask and a dark jacket, possibly brown, with a stripe across the chest and down the arms. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Central Detectives at (215) 686-3093.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the rising anti-Jewish prejudice not only in Philadelphia but also across the United States and the world. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to combat antisemitism and promote tolerance.
