Elementary School Float at Hanover Halloween Parade Displays Concentration Camp Phrase
In Hanover, York County, an incident during the 83rd annual Halloween parade has sparked outrage and calls for reflection on historical sensitivity. Max Kunz, the manager of a local arcade, took a brief respite from work to observe the festivities on Carlisle Street. However, his enthusiasm quickly turned to shock as he spotted a disturbing display associated with a float from St. Joseph Catholic School.
The display featured the phrase “Arbeit Macht Frei,” a German term meaning “Work Makes One Free,” historically linked to the entrances of Nazi concentration camps. This phrase notably adorned the gates of places like Dachau, where Kunz’s own family experienced profound loss during the Holocaust. For Kunz, the sight was deeply unsettling. Witnessing children and adults savor the Halloween spirit nearby, seemingly oblivious to the phrase’s dark history, made him feel ill and emotionally distressed.
Nicole Sellers, another parade attendee, shared her disbelief upon recognizing the phrase and expressed discontent over the apparent ignorance of those around her. The incident led Sellers to urge her community, via social media, to voice concerns to St. Joseph Catholic School and Metcalf Cleaning Services, the company responsible for pulling the float. While the school did not respond to requests for comment, Bishop Timothy C. Senior of the Diocese of Harrisburg issued a statement condemning the display as a symbol of hate and apologized on behalf of the Diocese.
The diocese has committed to collaborating with organizations such as the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and the Anti-Defamation League to transform this incident into an educational opportunity for the school and community, aiming to prevent future occurrences of such insensitivity.
Galen S. Shelly, the float’s designer, admitted to making a mistake, asserting there was no malicious intent behind incorporating the phrase. He explained that he added the element after an original design fell through, intending only to depict life’s fleeting nature.
Metcalf Cleaning Services also issued an apology, acknowledging their oversight in not recognizing the derogatory implication associated with the phrase. The company plans to review their participation procedures to prevent similar situations in the future.
Kunz voiced his discontent toward the parade organizers, questioning their judgment in permitting such a display. Despite this, he remains hopeful about the community’s spirit, expressing confidence that the response to the incident reflects a collective stance against antisemitism and insensitivity.
This incident highlights the critical need for awareness and education regarding historical symbols and their ramifications. As communities reflect on this occurrence, the hope is for increased vigilance and understanding in the years ahead.
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