After reports by Boston Marathon participants that they were saluted by a man dressed as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler standing on an Israeli flag, the Boston Athletic Association and Anti-Defamation League New England denounced the incident on Friday.
A video of the incident uploaded by one marathon runner showed a man raising his arm in a Nazi salute while stating "happy 4/20," the date of the marathon and the coinciding birth date of Hitler.
The BAA said, in response to the "hateful actions by a spectator," that the marathon had "no place for hatred of any kind" and was instead meant to bring "together athletes, volunteers, spectators, and community members from around the world."
ADL New England condemned the incident, alleging that the Hitler impersonator had harassed those he perceived to be Jewish or Israeli with salutes.
"The Boston Marathon is a cherished tradition that celebrates human achievement, community, and resilience," the ADL branch said in a statement.
"It is a day when people of all backgrounds come together to support one another and honor the strength of the human spirit," the statement continued. "This vile display of antisemitism has no place at the marathon or anywhere in our communities."
'Open Jew-hatred, plain and simple'
Israeli Consul to New England Benjamin Sharoni said that the incident was an attempt to intimidate Jewish runners.
"The conduct of the individual exposed in this report is disgusting and beyond the pale. This is open Jew-hatred, plain and simple," Sharoni said on X. "This has no place on the streets of Boston or anywhere else, and must be condemned without reservation."