I was deeply saddened and disturbed to learn of the recent antisemitic display at a local high school in San José. The swastika is not a joke or a harmless symbol; it represents a murderous ideology that sought to exterminate the Jewish people and caused unspeakable suffering to millions. To invoke this symbol today, especially in a school setting, wounds our Jewish neighbors and reopens painful historical trauma.
On behalf of the Catholic community of the Diocese of San José, I express our solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Antisemitism is a grave sin against God and against the human family. It stands in stark contrast to our faith in Jesus Christ, who calls us to love our neighbor, to uphold the dignity of every person, and to stand firmly against hatred in all its forms.
I ask all Catholics, and all people of goodwill, to join me in prayer for the Jewish community, for those directly harmed by this incident, and for a true conversion of hearts wherever prejudice and ignorance have taken root. May our schools and communities always be places where every child is safe, respected, and cherished.
† Most Rev. Oscar Cantú
Bishop of San José