Swastika Flag Display at NYU Sparks Outrage

On Wednesday, a flag featuring a swastika was seen on the roof of a building at New York University (NYU), which honors a billionaire philanthropist known for his contributions to Jewish causes.

This incident caught the attention of hundreds of students and parents during the annual Grad Alley block party around 5 p.m. The flag, which had symbols linked to Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party along with “NYU” and the Star of David, created quite a stir, as reported by the university’s annual publication.

The flag is displayed at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, a homage to philanthropists Michael and Judy Steinhardt since 2016. They have directed their donations toward various Jewish initiatives, though Judy Steinhardt mentioned in a separate publication that they are committed to Jewish life and values without adhering strictly to religious practices.

Wylie Nobel, an NYU spokesperson, expressed shock and concern, stating that the emblem of anti-Semitism should never have appeared in such a public space.

Campus Safety responded promptly, coordinating with NYPD to trace those accountable for the display. Nobel emphasized the importance of community support and denouncing hate on campus.

Though the flag was taken down after about 15 minutes, many graduates reported feeling unsettled by the event. One fourth-grader, Luca Pasquini, commented, “Honestly, it’s just disgusting. I feel kind of disgusted.” Another graduate, nursing student Jiani Zou, described the flag as “harmful.”

Michael Steinhardt, who established the Birthright Israel program to facilitate trips to Israel for young Jewish adults, is a notable figure. He has made a significant impact on Jewish education and culture but stepped down from NYU’s board of trustees in 2022 amid controversy over the return of looted antiquities.

In 2021, student leaders called for the removal of Steinhardt’s name from the building linked to him due to the antiquities scandal. Despite not commenting on the flag incident, Steinhardt has previously donated substantial sums to the university and was part of a settlement related to an anti-Semitism lawsuit in 2024.

NYU’s Grad Alley event precedes the university-wide graduation ceremony, which takes place at Yankee Stadium. This year, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt is set to give the commencement address. While some view him as an influential scholar, others believe he doesn’t embody the diverse values of NYU’s graduate community.

The NYPD is looking into the matter.