Local church vandalized with anti-Catholic, antisemitic graffiti
The graffiti included multiple images and phrases, including a swastika and “SS.”
The FBI is investigating anti-Catholic and antisemitic graffiti at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church (Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish) in Baldwin.
According to KDKA-TV, several fixtures, including a statue of the Virgin Mary, a plaque honoring the church’s founder and a door, were vandalized between July 8 and 9.
The graffiti included multiple images and phrases, including a swastika and “SS.”
In a statement released by the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese, Bishop Mark Eckman said the messages “wounded not only the people of this parish but every member of our diocesan family. This holy place, meant for prayer, community and merciful presence of God has been violated in a deeply painful way.”
His prayers, he said, are with those who feel shaken, and their pain is shared.
Shawn Brokos, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh community security director, said she was notified of the incident immediately by Wendell Hissrich, the diocese’s director of safety and security.
“He informed me that it was not just anti-Catholic but also antisemitic,” Brokos said, adding that the Federation is supporting the diocese in its investigation.
Laura Cherner, director of the Federation’s Community Relations Council, said the Jewish community stands in solidarity with the Baldwin community and their Catholic neighbors.
“We are outraged by the hateful vandalism targeting St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Baldwin,” Cherner said. “Displays of anti-Catholic and antisemitic imagery are attacks on the shared values of dignity, respect and faith that unite our communities.”
The diocese said it hoped to share additional information this week.
Brokos urged anyone who notices anything suspicious to report it to law enforcement and the Federation. PJC
—David Rullo
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