In a disturbing act of vandalism, an antisemitic image in the form of a swastika has been spray-painted on a building adjacent to the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Police Department swiftly launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred on Sunday.

According to the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, Eszter Kutas, the swastika was captured on surveillance video being scrawled on a nearby Verizon building at approximately 1:30 a.m. This reprehensible act serves as a grave reminder of the rise in antisemitic incidents sweeping across the United States in recent months.

Statistics from the Anti-Defamation League indicate a significant increase in antisemitic incidents following the Hamas attack on Israel that took place on October 7th. The discovery of this antisemitic graffiti near the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to combat hate and intolerance.

The Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza holds a significant place in history, as it houses the oldest public Holocaust monument in the United States, constructed in 1964. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the suspect responsible for this act of vandalism to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

Those with information are urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department's detectives at (215) 686-3093 or submit an anonymous tip at (215) 686-TIPS. It is crucial to stand united against all forms of hate and ensure that such acts do not go unpunished.