When Kenneth Goldstein’s father died, the family inherited a large nazi flags, a black swastika on a white disc, centred on a red background. It was the party flag of the Nazis, adopted when Hitler seized power in 1933 and replaced the old Bismarck tricolour of the German Empire.

The swastika, also known as the Hakenkreuz (or hooked cross), was an ancient symbol that had been reinterpreted by the Thule Society, a fascist group Hitler founded to promote Germany’s racial superiority. By combining the swastika with the colours of the German Empire, the Nazi party created a powerful logo to rally people around their hate for Jews and other minorities.

Unveiling the Diversity of Nazi Flags: Variations and Meanings

This same pattern of propaganda was used by the Third Reich, which committed mass murder and genocide, and led to a worldwide resurgence in far right extremism that has continued into the 21st century. While western societies, media, and culture generally demonize the nazi symbol, it still has immense power for extreme-right political groups who use it to promote their own hate towards immigrants and minorities.

The Nazi flag is banned in many countries, including Germany where it was made illegal in 1935, but the ban does allow for exceptions for certain religious and cultural reasons. For this reason, neo-Nazis and other white supremacists often turn to variations on the swastika when trying to pass their nazi flags.