From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
In parliament, Polish MP calls Israel ‘new Third Reich,’ waves Israeli flag with swastika
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleZev Stub is the Times of Israel's Diaspora Affairs correspondent.
Far-right Polish lawmaker Konrad Berkowicz sparks outrage after calling Israel the “new Third Reich” and displaying an altered Israeli flag bearing a swastika during a speech in parliament.
Speaking in parliament hours before the annual March of the Living at Auschwitz-Birkenau, Berkowicz alleges that Israel is committing “genocide” in Gaza and repeats unverified claims about the use of phosphorus munitions against civilians.
He compares the number of children killed in Gaza to the war in Ukraine and describes graphic scenes of suffering before unveiling the modified flag.
Polish MP Konrad Berkowicz compares Israel’s crimes against humanity to those of the Third Reich and displays an Israeli flag with a swastika.
Israel is the new Third Reich! pic.twitter.com/Uo8GBcgQcc
— Sławomir Mentzen (@SlawomirMentzen) April 14, 2026
Other MPs immediately protest, with Deputy Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty saying that showing a swastika in the Polish parliament is “in no way justified.”
Another MP, Sławomir Ćwik, calls for the case to be referred to prosecutors, citing Polish laws that criminalize the promotion of Nazi symbols or incitement to hatred.
The incident also drew condemnation from US Ambassador Thomas Rose, who responded “SHAME SHAME SHAME on YOU!!” on social media.
Berkowicz has previously faced criticism over controversial and antisemitic remarks, including repeatedly accusing Israel of “murder” in social media posts in recent years.
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