‘Heartless and cruel’ vandals defaced posters of Holocaust survivors

New York Post - Apr 26th, 2025
Open on New York Post

On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, vandals in Manhattan defaced posters of Holocaust survivors participating in an art exhibit, 'Borrowed Spotlight,' on West 57th Street. The shocking act involved scratching off survivors' faces, including those of 84-year-old Eva Nathanson and 98-year-old Ella Mandel. The exhibit, a photo project by Bryce Thompson, pairs celebrities with survivors to combat antisemitism. Nathanson expressed fear reminiscent of her youth in Hungary under Nazi terror, while Mandel questioned the persistence of such hate. The incident highlights the rising antisemitism in New York, which reported 1,437 incidents last year.

The vandalism has fueled the determination of the survivors and the exhibit's contributors to amplify their voices against hate. Despite the attack, Nathanson and others remain resolute in sharing their stories and promoting education on the Holocaust. The act has brought attention to the ongoing struggle against antisemitism, reflecting ominous historical echoes and underscoring the importance of remembrance and education in preventing future atrocities. Such incidents serve as stark reminders of the challenges faced by survivors and the necessity of vigilance in combating hate.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights a poignant and timely issue by focusing on the vandalism of Holocaust survivor posters in Manhattan. It provides a compelling narrative through the personal stories of survivors, emphasizing their resilience and the emotional impact of antisemitism. The story is timely and relevant, coinciding with Holocaust Remembrance Day and addressing ongoing societal concerns about hate crimes. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives, including input from law enforcement and antisemitism experts, to enhance its balance and source quality. Greater transparency in sourcing and verification of statistical claims would also improve the story's accuracy. Overall, the article succeeds in engaging readers and raising awareness but could be strengthened by a more comprehensive exploration of the issue's broader implications.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the incident of vandalism against art gallery posters featuring Holocaust survivors, which is supported by the survivors' quotes and context provided. The claim about the timing of the vandalism coinciding with Holocaust Remembrance Day is plausible and adds significance to the event. However, the article lacks specific verification of the number of antisemitic incidents reported in New York, which is a critical statistic that requires confirmation from reputable sources like the Anti-Defamation League. The story's accuracy would benefit from direct citations or links to official reports or statements from law enforcement or the exhibition organizers to substantiate these claims.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of Holocaust survivors and those involved in the 'Borrowed Spotlight' project, highlighting their emotional responses and resilience. While this focus is understandable given the nature of the vandalism, the article could improve balance by including perspectives from law enforcement or community leaders addressing the broader implications of rising antisemitism. The lack of these additional viewpoints limits the story's exploration of the societal context and potential responses to such incidents.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, effectively conveying the emotional impact of the vandalism on Holocaust survivors. The language is straightforward and accessible, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the narrative. The use of direct quotes enhances the story's clarity, providing vivid insights into the subjects' experiences and reactions.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on quotes from Holocaust survivors and the photographer of the exhibition, which are credible sources for personal reactions and the exhibit's intent. However, the absence of input from law enforcement or antisemitism experts weakens the overall source quality. Including data from authoritative organizations like the Anti-Defamation League would enhance the credibility of the statistical claims made about antisemitic incidents in New York.

5
Transparency

The article provides clear quotes from individuals directly affected by the vandalism, offering transparency into their personal experiences and feelings. However, it lacks transparency regarding the sources of statistical claims and does not disclose the methodology for gathering information about the vandalism or the 'Borrowed Spotlight' project. Greater transparency about how these facts were obtained would improve the article's reliability.

Sources

  1. https://www.instagram.com/sherylsandberg/reel/DI4DyMURo1R/
  2. https://www.instagram.com/jewish_livesmatter/p/DI1PLjftCaZ/
  3. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/flashes/656072
  4. https://www.jta.org/2024/01/28/ny/why-images-of-holocaust-survivors-were-projected-onto-nyc-landmarks-on-saturday-night