A swastika on the banner of an airplane startled beachgoers in New York and surrounding states.

The banner included the word “swastika” and a swastika intertwined with a Star of David, the symbol of the Raelian movement. On June 23 it flew over New York, Long Island and New Jersey, while another flew over Los Angeles, according to reports.

The banners marked the third annual Swastika Rehabilitation Day sponsored by the Raelian movement, which was founded in 1974. Followers believe, according to the group’s website, that “thousands of years ago, scientists from another planet came to Earth and created all forms of life, including human beings, whom they created in their own image.”

Police and Jewish organizations received complaints about the swastika banners. — jta