Swastika Proclamation: Swastika Is Different from Hakenkreuz

This session discusses the historic Swastika Proclamation, which was formally unveiled on October 16, 2022 by spiritual leaders of Buddhist, Hindu, and Native American traditions across North America. While acknowledging the suffering resulting from the genocide of Jews, Roma, and others, the Swastika Proclamation clarifies that, based on historical records, Hitler always called his symbol “Hakenkreuz” (German for “hooked cross”), while “Swastika” is a Sanskrit word and a sacred symbol of peace and well-being. By wrongly associating the sacred Swastika with Hitler’s Cross, enormous harm has been done to more than 2 billion Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Native Americans, and other Indigenous people who continue to use the symbol with reverence and respect worldwide. This session is organized by the Swastika Awareness Coalition (SAC).