A flag combining Nazi swastikas with a Star of David was raised on a building at New York University during graduation week, prompting widespread condemnation from university officials and political leaders in New York City, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The altered flag, discovered on Wednesday overlooking Washington Square Park, reportedly incorporated NYU’s colours and torch emblem alongside a Star of David flanked by two swastikas. The design appeared to imitate the layout of the Israeli flag while merging Jewish imagery with Nazi symbolism.
According to the New York City Police Department, the incident is being investigated by the department’s Hate Crime Unit. No arrests have yet been made.
University officials said the flag was removed immediately after it was discovered. NYU spokesperson Wiley Norvell described the display as a hateful act of antisemitism and confirmed that the university is working with police to identify those responsible.
“We are shocked and deeply troubled that this hateful symbol expressing antisemitism was raised on a flagpole overlooking Washington Square Park,” he said, adding that the university would not allow hate or intimidation to gain a foothold on campus.
The incident took place during a week intended to celebrate student graduations, intensifying concern among Jewish students and families.
Zohran Mamdani condemned the act as an attempt to spread fear and intimidate Jewish New Yorkers. He stated that the city remained committed to combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish communities.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin described the display as “sickening,” noting that Jewish students were confronted with symbols of hatred during what should have been a joyful moment.
Kathy Hochul also denounced the incident, saying there was no place for antisemitism on university campuses or anywhere in the state.
The controversy also drew reaction from the United States House Committee on Education and Workforce, which accused universities of failing to confront rising antisemitism effectively. The committee argued that weak leadership had allowed extremist rhetoric and intimidation to spread on campuses.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about antisemitism within American higher education, where Jewish students have reported increasing hostility, intimidation, and antisemitic imagery since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
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