Trendpills
A Catholic school in Pennsylvania has issued an apology after its entry in a local Halloween parade featured imagery referencing the Auschwitz concentration camp, sparking widespread outrage. The float, sponsored by St. Joseph Catholic School for the Hanover Halloween Parade on Thursday, included a replica of the infamous gate to the Nazi death camp bearing the words “Arbeit Macht Frei,” which translates to “Work Sets You Free.”
The float, part of a "Field of Screams" theme, prompted a swift and sharp rebuke from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg. Bishop Timothy C. Senior issued a statement calling the display an “appalling lack of judgment.” In his message, he stated, “The imagery on the float was profoundly offensive and has no place in our parade, our school, our community, or our Church.” Both the school and the diocese apologized for the “pain and offense” caused by the incident. Following the backlash, local news outlets reported that a man from nearby Littlestown claimed responsibility for building the gate, stating on social media that it was intended as a historical lesson, not to cause offense.
Despite the creator's stated intent, diocesan officials emphasized that it did not excuse the poor judgment shown. Bishop Senior added that the diocese would be reviewing the incident to ensure it is not repeated. The controversy drew national attention, with many condemning the use of Holocaust symbols in a celebratory context. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum has long educated the public that the site, where the Nazis systematically murdered over 1.1 million people, primarily Jews, represents a cemetery and a symbol of profound human tragedy. The use of Holocaust imagery for a Halloween event was seen by critics as a trivialization of this history.
In the wake of the controversy, the diocese has publicly condemned the imagery and reiterated its commitment to education and respect. The school is expected to take internal measures to address the situation and reinforce teachings on the historical significance of the Holocaust and the importance of sensitivity.
