WFLAResidents in New Port Richey, Florida, have been left horrified after their neighbour decorated her home for Halloween to resemble a concentration camp.
The house was decorated with keletons posed to make the Nazi salute, wearing concentration camp identification numbers and a Star of David on their chests.
The sickening display even included a sign bearing ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ (‘work sets you free’) the notorious words which were written above the entrance to the Auschwitz concentration camp in the days of Nazi Germany.
Those who live in the area have understandably been disturbed and upset by the disgusting decorations; describing them as being ‘evil’ and ‘pure hate’.
One neighbour, Mitchell Katz, told WFLA how he was left sickened by the display:
I’m Jewish, this says she hates Jews and we should die.
Another neighbour, Iris Hookway, reportedly cried at the sight of the decorations, telling WFLA:
It sickens me, it sickens me. I couldn’t fall asleep the first night I found out about it.
WFLAThe controversial homeowner has been identified as local realtor Susan Lamerton, who informed WFLA how she had been in a dispute with her Homeowner Association (HOA) for months over the issue of landscaping.
When asked why she would put together such an offensive scene, she replied, ‘Because they’re trying to take my house. Don’t you understand?’
Lamerton – who said she herself is Jewish – has reportedly received death threats over her decorations, but has refused to take them down, defending them on the grounds of free speech and her attempt to protest against the HOA.
Referring to people who had stopped in shock to observe the property, Lamerton said:
I have freedom of speech, they have freedom of speech, They need to leave my property.
WFLAIt is not clear exactly what causing such unnecessary distress and emotional pain to those around you has to do with protesting the HOA.
Police officers have reportedly already been informed about the distressing display. However, they have stated Lamerton’s actions are perfectly legal, considered to be protected speech.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.