Flag with swastikas and Star of David flown over New York University

A flag with a Star of David and two swastikas was flown over New York University in Manhattan yesterday, students report.

The banner resembled the Israeli flag, with two white stripes on a purple background — NYU’s color — and a Star of David at its center, over the letters “NYU.” The swastikas are on either side of the Star of David.

The university says in a statement, “We are shocked and deeply troubled that this hateful symbol expressing antisemitism was raised on a flagpole overlooking Washington Square Park.”

“Campus safety responded immediately to remove it and we are working closely with the NYPD to identify whoever is responsible,” an NYU spokesperson says. “We are one community. We protect each other. And we will not let hate and division find a foothold on our campus.”

Flag with 2 swastikas spotted on Steinhardt roof during Grad Alley https://t.co/FpZDgLrb7i via @nyunews

— Hemingwaypaws (@Hemingwaypaws) May 14, 2026

The incident occurred during an event held for graduation week attended by hundreds, NYU student newspaper Washington Square News reports.

The flag was raised over the Steinhardt building, named for the Jewish philanthropists Michael and Judy Steinhardt, who have donated to the university and Jewish causes. Michael Steinhardt is a co-founder of Birthright.

The flag was removed after around 15 minutes, the student newspaper reports.

NYU has seen some anti-Zionist activism in recent years, but less than at other campuses in the city, like Columbia University.

Swastikas and other Nazi imagery are increasingly common in New York, according to an Anti-Defamation League audit released last week.