Harrisburg, PA —The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) strongly condemns the second antisemitic vandalism at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. On the evening of August 13, 2026, an individual scrawled a hateful message on the museum’s iconic OY/YO sculpture. This marks the second act of vandalism within a year, following spray-painted graffiti on the building, plaza, and an Israeli flag in August 2025.
“This repeated act of hate represents not only an assault on the Jewish community but an attack on the core values of respect and dignity that define our Commonwealth,” said Interim Commission Chair Curtis Jones Jr. “Pennsylvania will not tolerate hate in this state and the PHRC will continue to foster inclusion and eradicate hatred in all its forms.”
According to the Anti‑Defamation League (ADL)’s 2025 report, Hate in the Keystone State: Extremism & Antisemitism in Pennsylvania, there has been a troubling surge in antisemitic activity statewide. In 2024, Pennsylvania logged 465 antisemitic incidents, that’s an 18% increase from the 394 reported in 2023. Pennsylvania also ranks fourth in the nation for rates of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault.
“Antisemitism does not end with the damage of property; it sends a message intended to make an entire community feel unsafe and unwelcome,” said PHRC Interim Executive Director Amber J.E. Harris. “To our Jewish neighbors across Pennsylvania: you deserve to live, work, worship, and gather without fear of discrimination or harassment because of your faith. PHRC will continue to stand with communities targeted by hate, educate Pennsylvanians about their civil rights, and use the authority entrusted to us to confront unlawful discrimination wherever it occurs.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses acts of discrimination or hate to report them. The PHRC does not charge or investigate hate crimes or criminal offenses. However, the PHRC can determine if an act of hate also violates the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). Under the PHRA, discrimination on the basis of religious creed is prohibited in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and commercial property. This includes the protection of religious beliefs, observances, and practices, and guarantees freedom from discriminatory obstruction or harassment connected to one’s faith. These protections apply to all individuals and communities across the Commonwealth.
“The PHRC takes incidents like this seriously and work closely with elected officials, legislators, and government agencies to find new ways to address these serious crimes,” said PHRC Director of Policy, intergovernmental Affairs, & Mediation Alana Burman. “Antisemitic vandalism doesn’t just harm one institution, it affects our statewide commitment to civil rights. We continue to strengthen our coordination with local, state, and federal partners to ensure every community targeted by hate receives the appropriate support and response.”
“Our outreach teams see firsthand how acts of hate ripple through entire communities,” said PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Director Sheryl Meck. “As the state’s civil rights agency, our outreach coordinators are committed to ensuring communities have the tools, resources, and support they need to respond, heal, and stand united. Erasing hate requires education, commitment, and community.”
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced discrimination is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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