Antisemitic Graffiti Defaces Jewish Museum Sculpture in Philadelphia

The National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti on the OY/YO sculpture outside the museum on Thursday evening around 8:15 PM. The sculpture, created by Jewish artist Deborah Kass, stands about 2.4 meters tall and five meters wide and symbolizes American equality and the fight against hatred. The museum is located in Old City, near the Delaware River and close to historic sites such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Philadelphia police reported that a man was caught on security cameras defacing the sculpture and then boarding a nearby train. The graffiti has since been removed, but the suspect remains at large. Authorities have asked the public to assist in identifying the individual. Pennsylvania State Representative Tariq Khan, who discovered and reported the vandalism, condemned the act and emphasized the need to stand against hatred in all communities. Khan, a Muslim who grew up in a Jewish neighborhood, is also a member of Pennsylvania's Jewish legislative caucus.

Andrew Gortzky, senior regional director of the Anti-Defamation League in Philadelphia, described the incident as frustrating but unfortunately not surprising, noting a sharp rise in antisemitic vandalism incidents in Pennsylvania from 29 in 2022 to 80 in 2025. He urged community leaders to condemn such acts and encouraged the public to report incidents and educate themselves against misinformation.

This is not the first attack on the museum; in August of the previous year, the museum's facade, plaza, and a large Israeli flag were spray-painted twice in red. Leroy Hayes, 33, later surrendered to police and was charged with ethnic intimidation, criminal damage, and possession of tools for committing a crime.