Faith leaders have criticised a Halloween parade float in Hanover, Pennsylvania, for including a replica of the Auschwitz concentration camp gate.
The float, designed for Saint Joseph Catholic School, displayed the infamous slogan “Arbeit macht frei” (work will set you free).
In his apology to PennLive, Galen Shelly explained that the lighted archway and lanterns he had ordered for the float failed to arrive in time. Looking online for an alternative, he found images of cemetery gates to illustrate the idea that “none of us get out of this life alive.”
He said he did not realise that the image he chose and copied was from the entrance to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, one of the most infamous Nazi death camps where millions of Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.
The designer apologised, saying it was made “with no ill intent.”
The float, decorated with seasonal items such as pumpkins, also featured a sign reading “SHAM ROCK-N-ROLL.” A video shows the float moving through Hanover’s town square, accompanied by children and adults, while music played.
Most Rev Timothy Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg said he was “shocked and appalled”. He said in a statement: “On behalf of the Diocese of Harrisburg, I express my sincere apology to our Jewish brothers and sisters and to all who were hurt or offended by this display”.
The diocese plans to work with the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition to make sure students are fully educated on “the horrific suffering endured by the Jewish people during the Holocaust”.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg strongly criticised the float, saying a depiction of the Auschwitz gate is never acceptable outside of education and they will be looking to partner with other organisations to ensure “never again is a reality”.