Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History vandalized in Philadelphia

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia was vandalized with an antisemitic message on Thursday evening. Philadelphia police reported that a man wrote the inscription on the OY/YO sculpture located outside the museum in Old City.

This incident marks the second time the institution has been targeted by vandalism within a single year; a previous attack involved spray-painting the museum’s facade, plaza, and an Israeli flag. While the graffiti has been removed, community leaders expressed deep concern regarding the rising trend of such incidents.

Andrew Goretsky, a senior regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, noted that Pennsylvania saw an increase in vandalism incidents, rising from 29 in 2022 to 80 in 2025. State Representative Tarik Khan, who reported the incident, called for the community to stand against hate. Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage.