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Group Flies Swastika Banner Over Venice Beach

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — People seeking sun and surf in Venice Beach were instead treated to a puzzling sight – the image of a swastika flying over the popular tourist attraction.

A private plane, towing a banner of a swastika inside a Star of David, passed over the popular beach and boardwalk three times Sunday afternoon, according to the Jewish Journal.

The Journal says at least one low-resolution image of the banner was captured by a cell phone camera. The banner read, "proswastika.org" and is sponsored by a Raelian group, which wants the public to see the swastika as a religious symbol of peace.

The site says, "the swastika has been a symbol of peace for millions of Hindus, Buddhists and also Raelians since it is their symbol of infinity in time, their symbol of eternity."

The group has apparently been making the rounds on the nation's beaches. CBS Philly reports that a similar banner was towed over Long Beach Island Saturday afternoon as part of the group's third annual Swastika Rehabiliation Day.

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