A plane flying a banner advertisement bearing a swastika-themed message over beaches in New York City and Long Island Saturday has stirred outrage among residents, the Associated Press reported. It was aiming to change people's minds about what swastikas stand for.
Beachgoers enjoying the sunny weather in Brighton Beach and Coney Island were appalled Saturday, while officials fielded complaints after a plane toted the banner, featuring swastikas, a peace sign, a Star of David and a "pro-swastika" message, 1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten reported. Through use of symbols, the streamer stated that a swastika plus peace sign equals love
Arranged as part of a campaign by the International Raelian Movement, the group annually attempts to remind people that before Adolf Hitler's rise, the swastika was an ancient symbol of well-being to Hindus and Buddhists, among others, CBS Local reported. The Raelians - who believe human beings were created by extraterrestrials - have faced controversy over similar swastika banners in past summers.
However, some beachgoers claimed that there's no way to rehabilitate a symbol that provokes such strong feelings.
Councilman Mark Treyger (D-Brooklyn) said he received several complaints over the anti-Semitic aerial display. "It's a very chilling image, in light of the fact that southern Brooklyn has the largest remaining number of World War II and Holocaust survivors," Treyger said. "There is no place for this in New York City."
"How they got clearance to fly this plane. Was there any kind of pre-screening, pre-clearance of what was going to be flown over," he added, saying regardless of the reason for the ad, it's still hurtful and offensive. "I will not accept their twisted logic. And I am also going to speak out against sending chilling messages of fear and intimidation to residents."
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito also blasted the hate speech. "Flying this hateful banner is an outrageous and hurtful act," she said.
The group behind ProSwastika.org has flown the ad in years past as part of its "Swastika Day." This year, the group held "International Swastika Rehabilitation Week," which ran from July 5 to July 12, according to the website.
