Philadelphia 76ers limited partner David Adelman was among the vandals who painted a green swastika on the wall of the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza on the city's Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday. is in charge of the search.
Police are currently investigating the incident as a hate crime, calling it “an abhorrent act of anti-Semitism that occurred amid an alarming rise in anti-Semitic hatred in Philadelphia and across the nation.”
According to FOX 29 Philadelphia, police were called to the scene around 2:21 p.m. and concluded that vandals had painted the swastika overnight.
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Vandals discovered the deed next to a swastika spray-painted on Philadelphia's Holocaust Memorial. (Fox News)
Now, Adelman, the grandson of Sam Wasserman, the Holocaust memorial's namesake, posted a lengthy statement on X to show his support for the arrest of the vandals.
“Unconditional compassion is at the core of my life, which is why I am compelled to take action in the wake of the anti-Semitic vandalism that desecrated Holocaust Memorial Square in @Philadelphia on Sunday.” he began.
“For the past 20 years, I have dedicated myself to championing the mission of Horwitz Wasserman Holocaust Plaza and the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation to educate people about the atrocities of the past while working towards a future of tolerance and enlightenment. Because my grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, being destroyed by so much hate made me realize how necessary these kinds of memorials and educational opportunities are, and how much we need them. Because it proves that there is still a lack of compassion in the community.
Philadelphia video shows Holocaust Memorial Square desecrated with swastikas
“This heartbreaking act is one of many anti-Semitic acts that are part of an alarming rise in anti-Semitic hatred in Philadelphia and across the country. This type of behavior is dangerous. That's not acceptable. That's why I'm partnering with @PhillyTipLine to offer a bounty.”If you have information that can help identify the vandals and hold them accountable for their actions, please contact the public. Call the Crime Commission tip line at 215-546-TIPS (8477). ”
Photo of vandal suspect from monument. (Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Square Facebook)
Adelman, CEO of Campus Apartments, is an active member of the Jewish community, co-founder of Jewish Federation Real Estate, and co-chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza is also where Adelman took former Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson after he posted anti-Semitic remarks on his Instagram.
Adelman purchased a 10% stake in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment from Michael Rubin, CEO of Fanatics, which operates the New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center and 76ers.
Adelman hopes his platform will help arrest those who desecrated America's oldest monument.
Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Josh Harris, and David attend the Denver Nuggets vs. Philadelphia 76ers game at the Wells Fargo Center on January 16, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.・Adelman (Jesse D. Garabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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“This reprehensible act not only desecrates a symbol of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust, but also highlights the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism plaguing our community.” Andrew Goretsky, Philadelphia Regional Director for Prevention League, said in a statement on social media platform X. “We must unite against such hatred, reaffirm our commitment to tolerance and work collectively to eradicate prejudice.”
FOX News' Pilar Arias contributed to this report.
