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The Untold History of the Swastika and the Star of David

Summarizing Ruth Vanita in Future of Jewish · Published Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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JL;DR SUMMARY Ruth Vanita explores the complex history of two ancient symbols, the swastika and the Star of David, highlighting their Hindu origins and cultural significance beyond Judaism. A way out west there was a fella, fella I want to tell you about, fella by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least, that was the handle his lovin' parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. This Lebowski, he called himself the Dude. Now, Dude, that's a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then, there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place s'durned innarestin'.

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Tags

Star Of David  Cultural Appropriation  Swastika  Misinterpretation  Nazi Symbolism  Religious Symbols  Iconography  Hinduism 

Places mentioned

Delhi, India
"When my grandfather, an orthodox Christian, had his house built in Delhi, six-pointed stars and three vertical lines (a long one between two short ones) appeared built into the stone mantelpieces and terrazzo floors."
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
"For example, archaeological excavations at the ancient site of Jhunsi, in Prayag, found a first-century stone seal with a swastika, which is now on display in the museum there."
Canada
"Bill C-9 was a response to the 600-percent increase in anti-Jewish attacks in Canada, as well as to attacks on Hindu temples there."
Germany
"Hindus in Germany and other European countries have had to fight similar battles."
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
"Last year, I wrote to a former friend, an artist who is Canadian and British, sending him a report on the astronomical increase in attacks on Jews in Canada, including at McGill University in Montreal, his alma mater."
United States
"Israel's flag with the Star of David on it, or obstructing entry to synagogues in the United States, UK, or Canada, or surrounding and yelling at identifiable Jews on the street."
Ireland
"The swastika in ancient Ireland, Greece, Rome, and in Native American cultures, and the six-pointed star in ancient Sumeria around 2500 BC."
Greece
"The swastika in ancient Ireland, Greece, Rome, and in Native American cultures, and the six-pointed star in ancient Sumeria around 2500 BC."
Italy
"The swastika in ancient Ireland, Greece, Rome, and in Native American cultures, and the six-pointed star in ancient Sumeria around 2500 BC."
Delhi, India
"They were seen at first as decorative emblems but later recognized as Hindu symbols that the builders habitually used."
New Delhi, Delhi, India
"Some of them are on display in the National Museum, New Delhi."

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Cairo Item ID 72114
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Retrieved 2026-01-07 05:31:08 UTC
Curated 2026-01-07 08:30:51 UTC