A Catholic school in Hanover, Pennsylvania has come under fire for featuring a Halloween float designed to resemble the entrance gate of Auschwitz, with many calling it ‘disturbing’ and ‘unacceptable’.

The controversial float from St. Joseph Catholic School included a replica of the infamous gate emblazoned with the words ‘Arbeit Macht Frei,’ a chilling phrase meaning ‘Work Makes You Free.’ This slogan was notoriously displayed at Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration camps where countless Jews were subjected to forced labor.

The German phrase served as a grim reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and was prominently displayed at several concentration camps, including Auschwitz.

Outrage erupted when footage of the parade float circulated on social media Friday night, leaving many residents of the town deeply upset.

“Why would there be a concentration camp entryway on a float?” one woman questioned on a Hanover community Facebook page. “That archway has no place 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.’