Jewish community leaders and elected officials responded Friday after a man was photographed holding a sign reading "Hitler was right" at the intersection of Lake Mead Boulevard and Hills Center Drive in Summerlin. The location is near several Jewish institutions, including Temple Sinai, The Adelson School, Community Kollel of Greater Summerlin, and Bet Yossef. The man's identity has not been confirmed, and it is unclear how long he stood on the corner.
Rabbi Ilana Baden of Temple Sinai called the display sad for the Jewish community and society as a whole. "Anyone who glorifies what happened with the Holocaust, six million Jews murdered and millions of other innocents," she said. Stefanie Tuzman, CEO of Jewish Nevada, said leaders constantly weigh whether responding gives unwanted attention to hate. "We don't want to give it any energy or any attention. At the same time, our community knows what's happening. They want to know that we're responding," Tuzman said.
Rabbi Baden echoed that tension. "It's always a struggle about not wanting to amplify, not wanting to give oxygen, not wanting to raise the platform of hate. At the same time, we never want to become desensitized to it. And we have to have moral accountability," she said. She emphasized the responsibility of the entire community to stand against hate whenever any group is targeted.
The incident comes as the Anti-Defamation League reports rising antisemitic incidents in Nevada. Regional director Jolie Brislin said the ADL recorded 78 incidents in 2025, including six assaults, marking a 5.4% increase over 2024. In August, swastikas were spray-painted on campaign signs across the valley; the man accused, David Smith, 73, pleaded guilty to destruction of property and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
In a joint statement, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley and Clark County Commission Chair Michael Naft condemned the sign. "History has taught us what happens when good people remain silent in the face of evil. Seeing someone openly celebrate Hitler on our streets should disturb every one of us, regardless of our faith or background," the statement read. Tuzman said Las Vegas Metropolitan Police made contact with the man Friday, but noted he is protected under the First Amendment.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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