Officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department spotted graffiti along the 1st Avenue South side of the Holocaust Museum, 55 5th St. S. at approximately 4 a.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021.
The message, spray painted in black, included a swastika and “Jews are guilty.”
City Sanitation workers were called to paint over the graffiti this morning.
Detectives are actively investigating this as a hate crime.
“This act of hatred demonstrates that the work of the Florida Holocaust Museum is more important than ever,” said Elizabeth Gelman, Executive Director of The Florida Holocaust Museum. “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. Clearly, our society still has a long way to go. The Museum deeply appreciates the responsiveness and professionalism of the St. Petersburg Police Department and its dedicated officers.”
Michael Igel, Chairman of the Board, added: “As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, this attack on the Museum is not just repugnant. 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.”
Anyone has any information on the incident is asked to contact the St. Petersburg Police Dept. 727-893-7780 or text SPPD+ your tip to TIP411.