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The flag, bearing swastikas alongside a Star of David, remained in place for roughly 15 minutes before campus security removed it.
By United with Israel Staff
A flag bearing swastikas alongside a Star of David and the letters “NYU” was hoisted Wednesday evening atop a New York University building, shocking students and families gathered for a graduation event below.
The flag was raised on the roof of NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, overlooking Washington Square Park, as hundreds attended the university’s annual Grad Alley celebration shortly after 5 p.m., according to campus reports.
Witnesses said the flag, bearing swastikas alongside a Star of David, remained in place for roughly 15 minutes before campus security moved in to remove it, leaving many in the crowd shocked and disturbed.
NYU spokesperson and chief communications officer Wiley Norvell condemned the incident, calling it “shocking and deeply troubling.”
“We are shocked and deeply troubled that this hateful symbol expressing antisemitism was raised on a flagpole overlooking Washington Square Park,” Norvell said. “Campus safety responded immediately to remove it, and we are working closely with the NYPD to identify whoever is responsible.”
“We are one community. We protect each other. And we will not let hate and division find a foothold on our campus,” he added.
The building where the flag was displayed is named for philanthropists Michael and Judy Steinhardt, longtime supporters of Jewish causes, adding to the outrage surrounding the incident.
CBS News New York reported that the student president of NYU Hillel, the university’s center for Jewish student life, said she felt supported by the administration and appreciated the swift response to remove the flag.
Still, she noted the timing of the incident during graduation week made it particularly troubling, a sentiment echoed by others on campus.
“Especially during the month of May. It’s a time of celebration. We are all graduating from NYU. We are all one family, and it doesn’t matter our colors, race or background. This is a time when we celebrate. It’s not the time to show hate,” she said.
Students attending the event described the scene as deeply disturbing.
“It’s just disgusting, actually. Kind of repulsive,” senior Luca Pasquini told local media.
“On a day where it’s all about happiness, and celebrating something, to have a symbol of hate just be above everything is just terrible,” he added.
The incident comes amid a broader surge in antisemitic activity in New York City. Earlier this week, police investigated multiple cases of swastika graffiti in Queens, including five symbols spray-painted near Highland Park and Forest Park.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the NYU incident as a possible hate crime, as concerns grow over the rise in antisemitic incidents across the city.
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