The graffiti left the words “The Jews are guilty,” surrounded by swastikas.
The St. Petersburg Police Department is investigating hate graffiti left at the Florida Holocaust Museum from Wednesday night.
The graffiti left the words “The Jews are guilty,” surrounded by swastikas. In response to the antisemitic language and symbols, the Police Department is investigating the situation as a hate crime, according to a news release from the museum.
“This act of hatred demonstrates that the work of the Florida Holocaust Museum is more important than ever,” Elizabeth Gelman, the museum’s executive director, said in a statement. “We remain committed to our vital mission to prevent future genocides and educate people about the dangers of antisemitism and other forms of racism and hatred.”
The St. Pete museum is one of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, honoring the memory of the millions of individuals who suffered or died in the Holocaust.
“Clearly, our society still has a long way to go,” Gelman said in a statement. “The Museum deeply appreciates the responsiveness and professionalism of the St. Petersburg Police Department and its dedicated officers.”
The hateful, antisemitic remarks left on the museum walls contribute to a rising trend of swastika graffiti. Reports of antisemitic crimes have been increasing since 2015, according to ProPublica’s Documenting Hate Project, which presents FBI data. Most of these incidents involved swastikas drawn or carved in public places, the project states.
Antisemitic vandalism is also on the rise in Florida. According to the state’s Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents rose 40% from 2019 to 2020, and the organization recorded 30 occurrences of vandalism in 2020 compared to 24 in 2019.
“As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, this attack on the Museum is not just repugnant,” Michael Igel, chairman of the museum’s board, said in a statement. “It is personal. The lessons of the Holocaust have not yet been learned, but the Museum and the broader community who supports our vital work will never be intimidated by cowardly vandals, nor will we be deterred from our mission.”
Florida political leaders are also responding to the vandalism.
Sen. Rick Scott tweeted in response to the incident, saying “These disgusting anti-Semitic acts must end NOW. I’ll always stand with Florida’s Jewish community and pray that those responsible for this despicable act of hatred are swiftly brought to justice.”
