‘Gaza’ daubed in red paint outside the Wiener Holocaust Library

The word ‘Gaza’ has been daubed in red paint outside the Wiener Holocaust Library in central London.  

Staff members of the world’s oldest Holocaust studies library and research centre arrived this morning to discover the graffiti on a sign outside the building promoting its exhibition and reading room.

A member of staff told Jewish News the graffiti had not been noticed when they and their colleagues left the premises at approximately 6pm on Wednesday evening, so it is presumed the defacement occurred overnight.

The staff member also noted that the word ‘Gaza’ appeared smudged, indicating a passerby may have attempted to remove it from the sign before it was officially discovered.

Library director Dr Toby Simpson told Jewish News: “This graffiti was obviously intended to cause damage and distress. To use ignorance as a weapon against an institution of learning is stupid and wrong. To lash out against Israel by targeting a Holocaust institution is an action that can only make sense to antisemites and their enablers.

“We will be replacing our sign at the next opportunity, but regrettably will have to review the likelihood something similar happening again. The proliferation of antisemitic hate in the current climate should be a matter of grave concern to us all.”

The library released a statement yesterday in response to the increase in antisemitism witnessed in the last few weeks which can be read HERE.

It is understood the library’s CCTV does not cover the area in question. Police and the CST are investigating.