Harrisburg, PA —The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) strongly condemns the deeply disturbing act of vandalism in which swastikas and antisemitic slurs were carved into the turf at Yardley Country Club in Bucks County. According to reports, this incident was discovered over the weekend near Abrams Hebrew Academy.
“These hateful symbols are not only abhorrent but also carry a painful history of discrimination, intimidation, and violence especially to the Jewish community,” said PHRC Commissioner Andrea Martin. “Acts of hate, whether expressed through symbols, words, or actions, are an attack on the dignity and safety of every Pennsylvanian. The PHRC remains steadfast in confronting discrimination wherever it appears.”
The PHRC extends its unwavering support to Abrams Hebrew Academy, its students, and the broader Jewish community. We recognize how deeply such acts can impact their sense of safety and belonging. The PHRC is also grateful to the Yardley Borough Police for their swift action to investigate this incident as a potential hate crime and their request for community assistance are encouraging steps toward accountability. We urge anyone with information to come forward, as public cooperation is critical to identifying those responsible and ensuring justice is served.
“Hate often tests a community by asking whether anyone will look away. The PHRC will not.” said PHRC Interim Executive Director Amber J.E. Harris. “Swastikas are not harmless graffiti. They are symbols deliberately used to evoke fear, persecution, and violence, and we should be unequivocal about what they represent. When antisemitism appears in our communities, silence and indifference cannot be the response. We have a collective responsibility to confront it, support those targeted by it, and ensure hate is never allowed to become ordinary.”
If you are the victim of a hate crime, such as assault or property damage, contact your local police department or the Pennsylvania State Police. The PHRC does not charge or investigate hate crimes or criminal offenses. However, the PHRC can help determine if an act of hate also violates the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). The PHRC’s Civil Rights Outreach Division has reached out to the community to provide assistance and support.
“Our division is committed to standing with communities whenever acts of hate occur,” said PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Director Sheryl Meck. “In moments like this, our role is to ensure residents know their rights, have access to support, and feel empowered to respond to bias and discrimination. Education, outreach, and partnership remain essential tools in confronting hate and strengthening community resilience.”
PHRC’s Civil Rights Outreach Division works directly with communities across Pennsylvania to educate residents about their rights, provide training on recognizing and addressing discrimination, and connect individuals and organizations with resources to respond effectively to hate and bias. PHRC remains steadfast in its mission to enforce civil rights protections and to promote understanding and equity across all communities in Pennsylvania.
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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