In a controversial turn of events, a Halloween float from St. Joseph Catholic School in Hanover, Pennsylvania, has drawn widespread criticism for its unsettling depiction of a notorious historical site. The float, which was part of a local parade, featured a replica of the entrance gate to Auschwitz, complete with the infamous inscription “Arbeit Macht Frei,” translating to “Work Makes You Free.”

This phrase, hauntingly etched into the gates of Auschwitz and other concentration camps, represents a grim reminder of the forced labor and suffering endured by countless Jewish prisoners during the Holocaust. Its appearance on a festive float understandably sparked outrage and dismay among community members.

The controversy ignited after videos of the parade surfaced on social media, prompting an immediate backlash from locals. One resident expressed their shock on a Hanover Facebook page, questioning the decision behind the float’s theme: “Why on earth would there be a concentration camp entryway on a float? There’s absolutely no justification for such an archway to appear anywhere.”

Another individual echoed this sentiment, highlighting the disturbing nature of the float: “The fact that some people find this even remotely amusing speaks volumes about their character. This is profoundly unsettling.”

‘Why tf would there be a concentration camp entryway on a float?’ one woman wrote in a Hanover Facebook page. ‘There’s literally no reason that archway should be anywhere.’

‘The fact that even some people think this is remotely funny should tell you a lot about the people they are,’ another person commented. ‘This is very disturbing.’

By Saturday, the Diocese of Harrisburg and a local cleaning company whose vehicle was used to pull the float were forced to apologize – as the man who designed the float claimed he was unaware of the symbolism.

In a statement, Harrisburg Bishop Timothy C Senior claimed the original float design approved by the school did not include the gate, and he was ‘shocked and appalled’ when he saw it on the float.

‘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.

‘While the original, approved design for this float did not contain the imagery, it does not change the fact that this highly recognizable symbol of hate was included.’

He continued: ‘On behalf of the Diocese of Harrisburg, I express my sincere apology to our Jewish brothers and sisters, and to all who were hurt or offended by this display.

‘I strongly condemn the inclusion of this symbol on the float.

‘As Catholics, we stand firmly against all forms of antisemitism, hatred and prejudice, which are rampant in our society.

‘The Church’s relationship with the Jewish community is one of deep respect, friendship and shared faith in the one true God. Let us continue to pray for healing, understanding and unity among all of God’s people.’

The bishop added that the diocese will now work with the St. Joseph Catholic School community to review the approval process and provide educational resources about the Holocaust. 

Harrisburg Bishop Timothy C Senior claimed the original float design approved by the school did not include the gate, and he was ‘shocked and appalled’ when he saw it on the float

The float was from St. Joseph Catholic School in Hanover, Pennsylvania

He also pledged to work with the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and the Anti-Defamation League. 

Meanwhile, Metcalf Clearing, the company that volunteered to pull the float, said in a post on Facebook that it was ‘not involved in the creation of its decorations or messaging.

‘At the time, we were unaware of its meaning and significance,’ the company shared, noting that it should have reviewed the float more carefully as it apologized for the oversight. 

But the man who designed the float, Galen S. Shelley, said he, too, did not have any ‘ill intent’ as he did not realize the impact of the German phrase.

It was not part of his original design, he told the Patriot-News, but was included after a lit archway with lanterns on top did not ship in time.

Galen Shelley, the man who designed the float, insisted he had no ‘ill intent’ and was unaware of the impact of the phrase

He said he set out to build his own version of a somber entrance to a cemetery, and searched photos online.

‘I wanted to illustrate the idea none of us get out of this life alive,’ explained Shelley, who does not have children at the school.

‘I never intended anything to be like this. I couldn’t have anticipated it. I made a mistake and I ask everyone’s forgiveness.’