The Canadian Raelian Movement welcomes the recognition of the swastika as a religious symbol
Montreal, Canada – July 2, 2026. The Canadian Raelian Movement welcomes the Canadian government’s decision, as part of Bill C-9, to officially recognize the swastika as a religious symbol.
Used for millennia in various spiritual traditions, this ancient symbol of peace and wisdom is also at the heart of the Raelian emblem. The Raelian Movement has long worked to correct the misconceptions that persist, particularly in the West.
“We welcome this official recognition and hope it will lead to public awareness efforts to reduce the prejudice and discrimination that still exist,” said Martin Hétu, spokesperson for the Raelian Movement and head of the campaign to rehabilitate the swastika.
On June 27, on the occasion of the International Swastika Rehabilitation Day, the International Raelian Movement recalled the original meaning of this symbol, which is still revered by nearly one billion people around the world.
Raelians assert that the swastika represents infinity in time and is part of the emblem of the *Elohim, which also includes the Star of David, symbolizing infinity in space. “That is why, all over the world, we invite everyone to reflect on the universal significance of the swastika, the world’s oldest symbol, which the Elohim themselves brought to Earth,” concluded Mr. Hétu.
Martin Hétu
Canadian Coordinator for the International Swastika Rehabilitation Day.
*Elohim: A Hebrew word meaning “Those who came from the sky,” mentioned in the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Genesis.
Used for millennia in various spiritual traditions, this ancient symbol of peace and wisdom is also at the heart of the Raelian emblem. The Raelian Movement has long worked to correct the misconceptions that persist, particularly in the West.
“We welcome this official recognition and hope it will lead to public awareness efforts to reduce the prejudice and discrimination that still exist,” said Martin Hétu, spokesperson for the Raelian Movement and head of the campaign to rehabilitate the swastika.
On June 27, on the occasion of the International Swastika Rehabilitation Day, the International Raelian Movement recalled the original meaning of this symbol, which is still revered by nearly one billion people around the world.
Raelians assert that the swastika represents infinity in time and is part of the emblem of the *Elohim, which also includes the Star of David, symbolizing infinity in space. “That is why, all over the world, we invite everyone to reflect on the universal significance of the swastika, the world’s oldest symbol, which the Elohim themselves brought to Earth,” concluded Mr. Hétu.
Martin Hétu
Canadian Coordinator for the International Swastika Rehabilitation Day.
*Elohim: A Hebrew word meaning “Those who came from the sky,” mentioned in the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Genesis.
 | Thursday 02 July 2026 |  |  |