Hanover Halloween Float Featuring Auschwitz Gate Draws Apology

A Halloween parade float entered by St. Joseph Catholic School in Hanover, Pennsylvania displayed a replica of the Auschwitz entrance bearing “Arbeit Macht Frei” as children marched alongside and candy was handed out, and photos and video of the display circulated online. Bishop Timothy C. Senior of the Diocese of Harrisburg condemned the depiction, apologized to those harmed, and said the originally approved float design did not include the imagery. Jewish organizations including the York Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg called the display disturbing and unacceptable. The float’s designer and the company that towed it, Metcalf Cleaning LLC, apologized, saying they had no ill intent and were unaware of the meaning of the imagery. Bishop Senior pledged to work with the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and the Anti-Defamation League to provide Holocaust and antisemitism education and to review parade approval processes, while local groups coordinate responses and Holocaust programming.