GARDAÍ IN CORK have appealed for witnesses to come forward in relation to what they have described as a potential incitement of hatred incident at a social welfare office on Hannover Street.

The incident was reported after a member of the public noticed a sticker with the words Jobpath Macht Frei placed at the entrance to the building.

Images of the sign were posted on social media by the Auschwitz Memorial Museum, which called on the Department to “remove it”. 

The slogan “arbeit macht frei” – a German phrase meaning “work sets you free” – is known for appearing on the entrance of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

“Arbeit macht frei was a false, cynical illusion the SS gave to prisoners of the Auschwitz camp,” the museum tweeted. 

“Those words became one of the icons of human hatred hate,” it said. 

“Please remove it.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021-452 200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111, any garda station or the Garda National Diversity & Integration Unit 01 6663150 or diversity@garda.ie.

A spokesman said: “An Garda Síochána has a significant focus on enhancing the identification, reporting, investigation and prosecution of hate crimes as published in the Garda Diversity and Integration Strategy 2019-2021. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.”