A Win for Truth and Cultural Integrity: Hindu Canadian Foundation Partners with B’naiBrith to Correct Misrepresentation of Sacred Swastika Symbol

The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF), in collaboration with Jewish advocacy organization B’nai Brith Canada, has achieved a critical milestone in the ongoing effort to educate and inform the public about the accurate distinction between the sacred Swastika and the Nazi-associated Hakenkreuz symbol.

B'nai B'rith Canada Supports Separating the B'nai B'rith Canada Supports Separating the Swastika from the Nazi Hate Symbol

For generations, the Swastika has been revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and divinity. It is deeply rooted in spiritual and cultural traditions across South Asia and beyond. However, decades of confusion, largely stemming from the misuse of terminology, have led many media outlets and institutions to wrongly associate the Swastika with the atrocities of the Nazi regime.

Recognizing the harmful effects this misrepresentation has on billions of individuals and communities who hold the Swastika sacred, HCF launched an advocacy campaign urging accurate nomenclature and responsible dialogue. After mounting efforts, interfaith collaboration, and community advocacy, one of Canada's most respected Jewish organizations, B’nai Brith, stepped forward to correct this narrative.

In a public statement issued by B’nai Brith Canada, accessible here, the organization clarified the difference between the two symbols and formally adopted the term Hakenkreuz when referring to the Nazi hate symbol. This was not just a policy change, it was a gesture of understanding, solidarity, and respect.

This win marks a historic moment for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh communities, validating their voice in a cultural space where misrepresentation has often gone unchallenged. It also sets an example for media institutions, educators, and policymakers to approach sacred symbols with nuance and responsibility.

HCF extends heartfelt thanks to B’nai Brith Canada, its leadership, board, and supporters for their willingness to engage, learn, and stand with us. This milestone would not have been possible without the united efforts of many individuals and organizations who advocated tirelessly to ensure our traditions are not conflated with histories they do not represent.

The journey for truth continues, but today, we celebrate a powerful step forward, a step toward greater interfaith respect, cultural clarity, and the preservation of sacred meaning.

Statement snip from HCF:

In a March 24 statement, Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) President Arunesh Giri added his organization’s endorsement to the campaign.

“[HCF], representing over a million Hindu Canadians, stand firmly alongside our Jewish friends in their fight to ban the public display of the Nazi hate symbol Hakenkreuz. We deeply value our shared commitment to correct the misnaming of the Nazi hate symbol as ‘Swastika.’ For Hindus in Canada and more than a billion Hindus globally, the Swastika holds profound sacred significance. Together, we will address this misrepresentation and work to educate society at large.”

Read BnaiBrith Press Release HERE:

B'nai B'rith Canada Supports Separating the Swastika from the Nazi Hate Symbol, Hakenkreuz

Take Action: Stand for Cultural Integrity and Respect

We urge every Hindu Canadian to sign and support this vital petition initiated by B’nai Brith Canada: Sign Here →

This petition calls for the banning of Nazi hate symbols and promotes accurate terminology, distinguishing the Hakenkreuz (Nazi hooked cross) from the sacred Swastika, a revered emblem of peace in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh traditions.

Make your voice heard. Sign today. Share widely. Protect our heritage.