Polish MP displayed an ‘Israeli’ flag marked with a swastika

• Polish lawmaker displayed an altered ‘Israeli’ flag featuring a Nazi swastika during parliamentary session.
• Incident triggered immediate condemnation from political leaders, diplomats, and the ‘Israeli’ embassy.

A session of the Polish Sejm was disrupted on Tuesday after far-right MP Konrad Berkowicz displayed an altered ‘Israeli’ flag with a swastika during a heated debate on the Middle East tentions.

The incident, which took place in Warsaw on April 14, prompted immediate condemnation from lawmakers across the political spectrum and briefly halted parliamentary proceedings.

Incident in parliament

Berkowicz, a member of the nationalist Confederation party, accused ‘Israel’ of committing genocide in Gaza during his speech. He made a direct comparison between ‘Israel’ and Nazi Germany before unveiling a banner where the Star of David was replaced by a swastika.

Read more: ‘Israeli’ army plans 15 permanent bases near Lebanon border

Lawmakers reacted with outrage, shouting down the MP and calling the display unacceptable. Parliamentary officials moved quickly to restore order in the chamber.

Swift political and diplomatic backlash

The 'Israeli' Embassy in Warsaw condemned the act, calling it an antisemitic provocation, noting its timing during Yom HaShoah.

Deputy Speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty described the gesture as “in no way justified,” adding that Poland’s parliament must not be used to promote extremist or Nazi symbolism.

United States Ambassador Thomas Rose also condemned the incident in strong terms, calling it unacceptable and deeply offensive.

Legal scrutiny

Under Polish law, the promotion of totalitarian ideologies and Nazi symbolism is a criminal offence. Parliamentary authorities said they are reviewing whether disciplinary or legal action should be taken against Berkowicz, which could include financial penalties or prosecution.

Officials highlighted the broader historical context, noting that Nazi German occupation during World War II led to the deaths of millions in Poland, including Jewish communities.

The incident also drew attention to historical sites such as Auschwitz, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding Holocaust-related imagery in Polish public life.