A Halloween parade at St. Joseph Catholic School in Hanover, Pennsylvania, quickly became the center of a social media storm this weekend after a float sparked widespread condemnation.
What was supposed to be a festive celebration turned controversial when it featured a replica of a gate eerily similar to the entrance of Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration camp.
The float included the words “Arbeit Macht Frei” — German for “Work Makes You Free” — a phrase permanently linked to the horrors of the Holocaust, where millions of Jews and other persecuted groups suffered and died.
Once images and videos of the float surfaced online Friday night, locals reacted with shock and anger.
Locals React With Shock and Condemnation
Social media lit up with criticism. One Hanover resident posted on a community Facebook page:
“Why would there be a concentration camp entryway on a float? There’s literally no reason that archway should be anywhere.”
Another commenter added:
“The fact that even some people think this is remotely funny should tell you a lot about them. This is very disturbing.”
The backlash intensified quickly, prompting apologies from both the Diocese of Harrisburg and a local cleaning company involved in pulling the float.
Diocese Issues Formal Apology
Bishop Timothy C. Senior of the Harrisburg Diocese expressed his horror over the float.
He explained that the original design approved by the school did not include the gate, and he was “shocked and appalled” when he saw the final version.
“The inclusion of this image — one that represents the horrific suffering and murder of millions of innocent people, including six million Jews during the Holocaust — is profoundly offensive and unacceptable,” Senior said.
He emphasized that Catholics stand against all forms of antisemitism, hatred, and prejudice, and offered a heartfelt apology to those hurt by the display.
The bishop also committed to reviewing the school’s float approval process and providing Holocaust education resources for students, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and the Anti-Defamation League.
Local Company Expresses Regret
Metcalf Clearing, the company that volunteered to tow the float, issued its own statement, noting that it had no involvement in designing the decorations or messaging.
“At the time, we were unaware of its meaning and significance,” the company wrote.
“We should have reviewed the float more carefully and apologize for the oversight.”
Designer Claims No Malicious Intent
Galen S. Shelley, the man who ultimately created the float, told the Patriot-News that he never intended to cause offense.
The phrase “Arbeit Macht Frei” was not part of his original concept.
According to Shelley, the float was meant to resemble a somber cemetery entrance after a planned archway failed to arrive on time.
“I wanted to illustrate the idea that none of us get out of this life alive,” Shelley explained.
“I never intended anything like this. I couldn’t have anticipated it. I made a mistake and I ask everyone’s forgiveness.”
Shelley, who has no children at the school, said his decision to reference photos online led to the unfortunate and unintended symbolism that caused so much controversy.
Moving Forward With Education and Awareness
In the wake of the incident, the Diocese has vowed to work closely with St. Joseph Catholic School to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
Educational programs and careful oversight are expected to be implemented to teach students about the Holocaust and the importance of sensitivity when creating public displays.
The story serves as a stark reminder of how symbols carry deep historical meaning, and how unintentional actions can provoke serious community outrage, even in the spirit of holiday fun.