NYPD Investigates Antisemitic Flag at NYU

A flag bearing two Nazi swastikas surrounding a Star of David, styled to resemble the Israeli flag and incorporating the New York University logo, was briefly raised atop an NYU building in Greenwich Village on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, prompting an antisemitism investigation by the New York Police Department.

The banner appeared around 5 p.m. above the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, overlooking Washington Square Park, during the university's annual Grad Alley event, an outdoor celebration for graduating students featuring food, games, and live music. Witnesses reported it remained visible for about 15 minutes before campus safety officers removed it following a 911 call reporting harassment. The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is reviewing security footage to identify those responsible, with no arrests reported.

NYU spokesperson Wiley Norvell described the incident as shocking. "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 N.Y.P.D. to identify whoever...