Designer Apologizes for Holocaust Imagery on Halloween Float

A Halloween parade float in Hanover, Pennsylvania, has sparked outrage due to its offensive imagery associated with the Holocaust. The float, submitted by St. Joseph School and towed by Metcalf Cleaning LLC, featured a replica of the Auschwitz concentration camp entrance along with the phrase “Arbeit Macht Frei,” which translates to “Work sets you free.” This phrase is notorious for its association with the Nazi concentration camps, where over six million Jewish individuals were murdered during the Holocaust, according to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, condemned the float in a statement, calling it “profoundly offensive and unacceptable.” He noted that while the design had been approved without the Holocaust imagery, its presence was a significant oversight. The Bishop emphasized the need for sensitivity regarding symbols that represent the suffering of millions.

In response to the incident, the York Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, and the Jewish Federation of Harrisburg issued a joint statement expressing their concern. They stated, “These acts, intentional or not, cause fear and pain for Jewish individuals and all who understand the weight of these symbols.” The groups appreciated Bishop Senior’s acknowledgment of the harm caused and his apology on behalf of the Diocese, highlighting the importance of recognizing the impact of such imagery for future prevention.

Metcalf Cleaning LLC also issued an apology, admitting their lack of awareness regarding the significance of the float’s design. The company stated, “We recognize that we should have taken a closer look at the float prior to the parade, and we are truly sorry for that oversight.”

Galen S. Shelly, the creator of the float, took to social media to apologize for the incident. He explained that he intended to create a cemetery entrance and cited a lack of understanding regarding the imagery. “I wanted to illustrate the idea none of us get out of this life alive,” Shelly told local outlet PennLive. He expressed regret for the decision, stating, “I never intended anything to be like this. I couldn’t have anticipated it. I made a mistake and I ask everyone’s forgiveness.”

This incident has sparked discussions about the need for cultural sensitivity and the importance of understanding historical contexts, particularly in community celebrations. The reactions from local religious and community leaders emphasize the ongoing impact of Holocaust imagery and the necessity for education in preventing similar occurrences in the future.