Swastika banner raised over NYU graduation event sparks antisemitism probe

The flag featured two Nazi swastikas surrounding a Star of David designed in a style resembling the Israeli flag.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

New York University officials and New York City leaders condemned the display of a flag bearing swastikas and a Star of David on an NYU campus building during graduation week, calling the incident an act of antisemitism as police launched an investigation.

The flag was raised Wednesday, May 13, 2026, above the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development in Greenwich Village during the university’s “Grad Alley” graduation event.

Witnesses said the banner remained visible for approximately 15 minutes around 5 p.m. before campus security removed it, according to Washington Square News.

The flag featured two Nazi swastikas surrounding a Star of David designed in a style resembling the Israeli flag, with the NYU torch emblem placed inside the star.

The display was mounted on a flagpole atop the Steinhardt building overlooking Washington Square Park.

NYU spokesperson and Chief Communications Officer Wiley Norvell said university officials were “shocked and deeply troubled” by what he described as a “hateful symbol expressing antisemitism.”

“We are one community. We protect each other. And we will not let hate and division find a foothold on our campus,” Norvell said.

New York City officials also denounced the incident. City Council Speaker Julie Menin described the display as “sickening and unacceptable” during what she said should have been a celebratory period for students and their families.

Councilman Harvey Epstein said he was disgusted by the incident and stated that his office was coordinating with NYU and the New York Police Department.

The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force opened an investigation into the incident while the university reviewed security footage in an effort to identify those responsible.

The display came amid heightened tensions surrounding campus demonstrations and objections from some student government leaders over the selection of a commencement speaker.

The controversy also unfolded against the backdrop of broader disputes involving antisemitism, free speech, and the Israel-Hamas war on university campuses across the United States.